BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The province of Apayao is designated as the fourth Biosphere Reserve of the Philippines.
The announcement was made during the 36th Man and Biosphere Reserve -International Coordinating Council Meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Agadir, Morocco on Friday, July 5, 2024.
The historic meeting was attended by the Technical Working Group members of the Apayao Biosphere Reserve (BRyA) led by Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. and Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang.
“On behalf of the yApayaos and as a proud member of the indigenous people from the Isnag ethnolinguistic group, I am deeply honored to accept our province’s designation as the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos. This day marks another milestone not just for our beloved province but also for our country, the Philippines,” Bulut said in his acceptance message.
“This is just the beginning of a new era for the province of Apayao as we embrace this opportunity to deepen our understanding of our biodiversity and ecosystems, to innovate sustainable practices, and to inspire future generations to value and protect our environment.”
“As the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos, we hope to inspire other potential learning spaces for conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines and around the world. Together, we strive our shared mission and responsibility to save and nurture what is left of our natural treasures, thereby, saving globally endangered species like the majestic Philippine Eagle from extinction, and protecting our planet from the brink of destruction,” he added.
Apayao is the fourth area in the Philippines designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve after Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. This designation means that areas in the province are now protected for biodiversity conservation. It solidifies the efforts of the provincial government of Apayao, the partner agencies and the people of Apayao in conserving and managing the last forest frontier of the Cordillera, especially with UNESCO’s assistance.
Bulut assured that the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos remains a safe haven for all wildlife, and a testament to the importance of community empowerment in conservation and sustainable development.
The provincial government of Apayao started the process of becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve inscription after discovering the first active Philippine Eagle nest in Luzon within its forests, particularly in Calanasan.
The provincial government has since partnered with organizations such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the United States Forest Service to help with preparations, training, and documentation required by UNESCO.
Bulut shared that the decision to nominate the province of Apayao for Biosphere Reserve inscription was greatly influenced by their late father and the founder of Apayao, Elias K. Bulut, Sr., who has championed the preservation of Apayao’s natural resources through customary laws such as the “Lapat,” an indigenous cultural practice that has kept the forests and rivers pristine and rich with unique biodiversity.
“His efforts to improved the lives of the people of Apayao while maintaining the cultural integrity of being an yApayao and preserving the environment that we and future generations enjoy has been our main mission and inspiration in leading our province towards a sustainable future” he said.
Also present during the historic evert are National Commission for Culture and Arts Commissioner Ivan Henares, PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador, Pudtol Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno and other partners from the PEF and the provincial government of Apayao. (RMC- PIA CAR/photos from Dorothy Cayaba-DENR-CAR)
