Conservation Efforts
Palawan houses one of the largest coral reefs in the world and is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world. As a home to a large range of endemic and endangered species, conservation is an imperative concern for the region. In order to maintain Palawan’s vast expanse of biodiversity, Palawan has in place several regulations to ensure the protection and sustainability of its land and resources. From about 1935 and onwards, Palawan has declared many regions of its province as sanctuaries and reservations. This served to protect many of Palawan’s most vulnerable areas from extensive human intrusion and resource exploitation.
To address larger concerns and establish a more robust system for land management and protection, The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act was adopted in 1992. SEP is currently the most comprehensive environmental law Palawan has in place. Through SEP, conservation and sustainable development became national policy. SEP aims to achieve its conservational goals through development and implementation of environmental relevant plans and projects. One of the main features of SEP is the establishment of a graded system of protection and development called the Environmental Critical Areas Network (ECAN). This feature divides and classifies regions of Palawan into different zone grades, which vary in their management levels and permitted human activities. The three main land classifications under ECAN are (in order of decreasing protection): the Core Zone (fully protected, no human interference), the Buffer Zone (limited human activities are allowed), and the Multiple/Manipulative Use Area (human land use/modification allowed). Under SEP, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development was also established. This council consists of an interdisciplinary slate of members from various offices within the Palawan government. This is the primary body responsible for the development, execution, and enforcement of legislation that aligns with the stipulations of SEP. The council reports directly to the Office of the President of Palawan.
Through the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program, Palawan was established as a biosphere reserve in 1991. Through this program, Palawan is part of a group of internationally recognized ecosystems that serve as test areas to bridge the gap between sustainable development and conservation. This program is a cooperative agreement between UNESCO and Palawan. The purpose of this program is to coordinate research in order to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the environment, people, and economic interests. The information derived from the work done in the biosphere reserve is shared and then utilized in other similar natural resource areas.
To address larger concerns and establish a more robust system for land management and protection, The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act was adopted in 1992. SEP is currently the most comprehensive environmental law Palawan has in place. Through SEP, conservation and sustainable development became national policy. SEP aims to achieve its conservational goals through development and implementation of environmental relevant plans and projects. One of the main features of SEP is the establishment of a graded system of protection and development called the Environmental Critical Areas Network (ECAN). This feature divides and classifies regions of Palawan into different zone grades, which vary in their management levels and permitted human activities. The three main land classifications under ECAN are (in order of decreasing protection): the Core Zone (fully protected, no human interference), the Buffer Zone (limited human activities are allowed), and the Multiple/Manipulative Use Area (human land use/modification allowed). Under SEP, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development was also established. This council consists of an interdisciplinary slate of members from various offices within the Palawan government. This is the primary body responsible for the development, execution, and enforcement of legislation that aligns with the stipulations of SEP. The council reports directly to the Office of the President of Palawan.
Through the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program, Palawan was established as a biosphere reserve in 1991. Through this program, Palawan is part of a group of internationally recognized ecosystems that serve as test areas to bridge the gap between sustainable development and conservation. This program is a cooperative agreement between UNESCO and Palawan. The purpose of this program is to coordinate research in order to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the environment, people, and economic interests. The information derived from the work done in the biosphere reserve is shared and then utilized in other similar natural resource areas.