Albay newest biosphere reserve in PH

Blessed by natural features and rich resources in land and water, Albay province has earned another global distinction as a biosphere reserve, joining more than 600 areas in 120 countries around the world.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) recently recognized Albay as one of 20 new biosphere reserves in the world, or “places for learning about sustainable development aiming to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use of natural resources.”

Ecological marker

Gov. Joey Salceda said every Albayano should be proud of this recognition. “We welcome it as an ecological marker of excellence and a challenge to our community,” he said.

Albay is known for a variety

of terrestrial core zones, such as the Mayon Volcano National Park, Mt. Masaraga Watershed Forest Reserve, Mt. Malinao-Tiwi Geothermal Reservation and the Pocdol mountain range in Manito town.

It is also home to various endemic species of animals and plants, and fish sanctuaries.

According to records from the provincial government, Albay’s forests nurture 280 species of animals, 91 of which are endemic. These include four endemic mammals (brown deer and flying fox), 12 species of birds (cockatoo and eagle-owl), 13 endemic frog species, 17 species of amphibians and 30 species of reptiles.

Endangered species

Its marine and coastal environment hosts 272 species—158 species of gastropods (snails and slugs), 15 bivalves (clams, mussels and oysters), 12 crustaceans, 13 echinoderms (starfish, sea cucumber and sea urchins), a sea slug, 26 corals, five turtles and 42 species of fish.

At least 182 species of plants, 46 of which are endemic, are found in the province. However, 10 of these are on the “red list” of endangered species and seven classified as vulnerable.

In marine and coastal ecosystems thrive 12 species of mangrove, 40 species of seaweeds and 10 species of seagrasses.

Salceda said the province’s terrestrial buffer zones had been increased from 35,000 hectares to over 62,000 ha.

Long-term protection

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ proposed biosphere reserve in Albay would cover 381,526.65 ha of terrestrial and marine ecosystems that would be protected in the long term.

Philip Bartilet, an environmental advocate, reminded local officials to follow the “no mining” ordinance signed by Salceda during his first term as governor, saying any mining exploration would waste the province’s effort in protecting its natural environment.

Albay is the third biosphere reserve in the country, following the declarations of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province in 1977 and of Palawan province in 1990.