Panaon Island Protected Seascape becomes the nation’s newest marine sanctuary, protecting over 60,000 hectares of pristine waters with coral cover three times higher than the national average.
Panaon Island Protected Seascape was officially protected under Philippine law on August 29, 2025, through Republic Act No. 12238. This landmark legislation establishes one of Southeast Asia’s most significant marine conservation areas, protecting waters that harbour some of the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs.
The timing proved symbolic, with the law taking effect one day before International Whale Shark Day. The protected seascape serves as a critical habitat for these gentle giants, with researchers identifying over 350 individual whale sharks in the area over more than a decade of study.
Located in Southern Leyte, within the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Panaon Island Protected Seascape encompasses the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo. The protected waters span more than 60,000 hectares and represent a rare success story in marine conservation.
Scientific surveys reveal why the site deserves international attention. Coral cover reaches 60%, which is three times higher than the Philippines’ national average of around 20%. This exceptional reef health places the area among the planet’s most pristine coral ecosystems.
The Bloomberg Philanthropies-supported 50 Reefs Study recognized Panaon Island Protected Seascape as part of a global portfolio of reefs most likely to survive climate change impacts. This scientific endorsement highlights the area’s unique resilience and conservation value for future generations.
Oceana Philippines led a comprehensive 21-day expedition in 2020 that documented the extraordinary biodiversity within the protected area. The team discovered thriving populations of whale sharks, sea turtles, the endangered Philippine duck, and numerous fish species that rely on healthy coral reef ecosystems.
The research also revealed intact mangrove forests and seagrass beds that provide crucial ecosystem services. These habitats support food security for local communities, protect coastlines from storm surges, and store significant amounts of blue carbon, which helps combat climate change.
Local fishing communities strongly support the protected designation, having witnessed declining fish stocks due to destructive fishing practices. Village leader and fisher Valdemar Mercado Jr. explained that regular monitoring will likely increase fish catches and boost incomes by controlling harmful fishing methods, especially from outside vessels.
The Panaon Island Protected Seascape represents collaborative conservation involving multiple stakeholders. National agencies, local government units, the Fisheries Management Area 8 Management Body, non-government organizations, community leaders, artisanal fisherfolk, and citizens rallied behind the protection effort.
The official launch ceremony took place on September 25, 2025, at the Liloan Gym in Southern Leyte, bringing together government agencies, law enforcement units, media representatives, local officials, civil society groups, and fisherfolk organizations, despite the region being affected by severe tropical storms.
The Panaon Island Protected Seascape operates under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS), which balances development needs with conservation goals. The framework ensures that economic activities can continue while protecting critical marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will provide collaborative governance for the protected seascape, with leadership from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) alongside local government units, fisherfolk organizations, and civil society groups. This inclusive approach ensures all stakeholders have a voice in management decisions.
A science-based management plan will guide the operations of the protected area using socio-economic and biophysical data to inform conservation actions. This evidence-based approach ensures that protection measures address real threats while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Strong enforcement mechanisms support the protection of the seascape through the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu), who works closely with the Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, maritime authorities, and other law enforcement agencies. This coordinated approach prevents illegal fishing and other destructive activities.
The protected area classification recognizes the Panaon Island Protected Seascape as part of Bio-Climate Unit 24, a global ecological classification that identifies naturally resilient zones requiring protection for future generations. This scientific designation emphasizes the area’s global conservation importance.
Sustainable financing for the protected area is provided through the Integrated Protected Area Fund, where 75% of the revenues are allocated for local conservation activities. This funding mechanism ensures that adequate resources are available for long-term protection, while also benefiting local communities.
The law establishes unique zoning systems with strict protection areas and “slow-go” zones, which are found only in the protected area. These innovative management tools enable various levels of human activity while preserving the integrity of ecosystems.
The Panaon Island Protected Seascape contributes to the Philippines’ commitment to protect 30% of its land and waters by 2030. This ambitious conservation target requires creating more protected areas to preserve the nation’s exceptional biodiversity.
The success of Panaon Island Protected Seascape demonstrates how community-driven conservation can protect globally significant ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. This model offers hope for marine conservation efforts throughout the Coral Triangle and beyond.
