Apayao declared as 4th Biosphere Reserve of the Philippines

Apayao, Philippines – Apayao’s indigenous practice of forest conservation called ‘Lapat’ partnered with government efforts indeed preserved the province’s almost 4,000 square-kilometer biosphere.

A testament to this is the official declaration of Apayao as a Biosphere Reserve of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during the 36th Man and Biosphere Reserve - International Coordinating Council Meeting in Agadir, Morocco on July 5, 2024.

The province is the fourth area in the country to be declared as Biosphere Reserve. The first three are Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.

The practice of Lapat which makes a parcel of forestland off limits is being seen as one of the major factors that contributed to the preservation of the environment in the province.

Apart from said indigenous custom, there are the efforts of the Provincial Government of Apayao led by Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and partner agencies in conserving their forest.

As mentioned by the Apayao Provincial Information Office, the PLGU began working on the declaration following the discovery of an active Eagle nest in the province, the first nest to be seen in Luzon.

Governor Bulut along with Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang attended the 36th Man and Biosphere Reserve - International Coordinating Council Meeting where the announcement was made.