Panaon Island, Southern Leyte is officially declared as Protected Seascape in the Philippines!

Panaon Island: Newly designated as a protected seascape, this initiative aims to conserve biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and promote eco-tourism while urging respect for wildlife and clean environments.

Panaon Island comprise of Municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo, are known for exceptionally healthy coral reefs, whale sharks, sea turtles, mangroves, and seagrasses.

This represents a significant conservation milestone and supports sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience. 

Here’s what actually happens and why it matters:

 1. Legal Protection from Exploitation

 Declaring an area a Protected Seascape means it’s now under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) or Expanded NIPAS (E-NIPAS) law.

This prohibits or strictly controls:

• Destructive fishing (e.g. dynamite, cyanide) 

• Commercial fishing in municipal waters

•  Mining, quarrying, and seabed dredging

• Coastal land conversion and irresponsible tourism

 Local and national enforcement bodies (e.g. DENR, BFAR, LGUs, and local communities) are now mandated to protect it.

 Bottom line: It becomes illegal to harm the ecosystem.

 2. Marine Resource Management is Funded and Enforced

 Protection comes with government funding, planning, and personnel.

Initiatives can now include:

• Patrol boats to stop illegal fishers

• Coral reef and mangrove rehabilitation

• Scientific monitoring of marine species

• Building marine sanctuaries or no-take zones

  

Bottom line: It’s not just talk—real resources are put to work to restore and sustain the ecosystem.

 3. Community Involvement and Livelihood Support

 Protected Seascapes often become models for community-based conservation.

Locals are trained and empowered as: 

• Eco-wardens

• Dive guides

• Coastal tour operators

• Sustainable fishers and seaweed farmers

•  Livelihood grants and eco-tourism development follow.

   Bottom line: Locals protect the sea because they now benefit from it sustainably.

A snorkeler watches a majestic whale shark glide through the clear waters near Panaon Island, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly and ethical wildlife interactions.

 4. Biodiversity Gets a Safe Haven

 These zones protect critical habitats: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and spawning areas.

Species like: 

• Sea turtles 

• Dugongs 

• Whale sharks 

• Rare reef fish 

all thrive when their habitats are preserved and disturbances are minimized.

 Bottom line: It creates safe zones where marine life can recover and flourish.

 5. Long-term Benefits to Fisheries and Tourism

 Healthy ecosystems lead to fish stock recovery, even in adjacent waters (spillover effect).

Sustainable tourism brings jobs and income while reducing pressure on the environment.

 Bottom line: It’s an investment — the ocean gives more when it’s managed right.

 So What? Why Should You Care?

If you’re a diver, tour operator, or someone passionate about marine life:

 You’re helping preserve global biodiversity.

 You’re part of a sustainable local economy.

 You get access to healthier, more vibrant dive sites.

 You’re supporting environmental justice—locals benefit without destroying the resource.

 You’re part of a sustainable local economy.

 You get access to healthier, more vibrant dive sites.

 You’re supporting environmental justice—locals benefit without destroying the resource.

• Other Notable Protected Seascapes include:

1. Panglao Island Protected Seascape (Bohol)

2. Camotes Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (Cebu)

3. Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (Negros Oriental)

4. Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (Mindanao)