Aggressive efforts to protect and conserve the lush forests of Apayao got a major boost with the inscription of the province as a Biosphere Reserve of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the fourth area in the Philippines to be inscribed as such.
The announcement was made during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme (ICC MAB) of UNESCO held in Agadir, Morocco with Technical Working Group (TWG) members of the Apayao Biosphere Reserve (BRyA) led by Governor Elias C. Bulut and Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang in attendance.
The designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means that areas in Apayao are now protected for biodiversity conservation. This solidifies the efforts of the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) and partner agencies in conserving and managing the last forest frontier of the Cordillera, especially with UNESCO’s assistance.
The PGA began working on the UNESCO biosphere reserve inscription after discovering the first active Philippine Eagle nest in Luzon within its forests. The PGA has since partnered with organizations such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to help with preparations, training, and documentation required by UNESCO.
This historic achievement was delayed due to the pandemic, but after more than six years of preparation, the PGA has finally earned this extraordinary distinction.
Apayao is the fourth area in the Philippines designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, following Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. Apayao PIO
