• The Philippines has designated the 149-hectare Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA), the largest in the province of Siquijor.
• This achievement is the result of an 18-year advocacy effort led by the local Bitaung Fisherfolk Association.
• The MPA safeguards diverse habitats, including climate-resilient coral reefs, and provides targeted protections for sharks and rays.
• An innovative management plan will use eco-tourism revenue to fund both conservation work and community development.

In a truly inspiring and historic achievement, the Philippines has officially declared the Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA), a vibrant 149-hectare ocean sanctuary in the province of Siquijor. This momentous designation is a beautiful testament to the power of community, marking the successful culmination of nearly eighteen years of passionate and persistent advocacy by local leaders.

At the heart of this wonderful story is the Bitaung Fisherfolk Association, whose members championed this cause for years. They will now co-manage the new MPA alongside the local government, a perfect model of community-driven ocean stewardship. The new protected area will safeguard an incredibly rich ecosystem, including climate-resilient coral reefs, lush seagrass meadows, and vital habitats for sea turtles, sharks, and rays.

This initiative is a powerful step forward for both environmental sustainability and community empowerment. In a forward-thinking approach, the MPA’s management plan includes a revenue-sharing framework from eco-tourism activities like snorkeling and diving. This ensures that the benefits of conservation will be reinvested directly into protecting the marine environment and supporting local community development. The Bitaug MPA now stands as a brilliant beacon of hope for ocean health and a roadmap for successful conservation across the region.