Legarda lauds Apayao’s inclusion in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list

Senator Loren Legarda commended the province of Apayao for being named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme from July 2 to 5 in Agadir, Morocco.

Legarda, one of the foremost legislators for the protection of the environment in the country, hoped that local residents and the government would be able to watch over and help preserve the area.

“We would like to congratulate the Province of Apayao and its residents for helping UNESCO recognize the vibrant ecosystem that is being fostered in the mountains of Luzon,” she said.

“Let this declaration serve as inspiration for them and for other areas in the country to strive and help preserve our natural resources,” she added.

Following the inclusion of Apayao in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list, it becomes the fourth in the country to receive the distinction, following Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Palawan, and Albay.

The yApayaos Biosphere Reserve, which spans 3,960 square kilometers, was recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance.

The area harbors the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area, which has high levels of endemism and serves as a refuge for critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle, per UNESCO.

The Isneg, one of the indigenous peoples residing in the area, were also feted as the guardians of the forest as they uphold the “Lapat” system, a unique customary practice regulating the use of natural resources.

“For at least hundreds of years, the Isneg have recognized the importance of natural capital accounting through the Lapat system, where they limit the use of resources to let them flourish once again,” asserted Legarda.

“We hope that PENCAS will help serve the same purpose and curtail greed, which has continued to damage the environment and will help lead a life of misery in the future.”

Republic Act No. 11995, or the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in late May.

The law, principally authored by Legarda, aims to protect and promote the country’s ecological balance and resilience.

It is also expected to support the government’s decision-making by providing a snapshot of the current resources of the country, much like the gross domestic product in economics. (30)