 The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), one of the most biologically diverse coral reef systems in the Philippines is a vital part of the Cagayan Ridge. The TRNP has been declared the only purely marine World Heritage Site in Southeast Asia by UNESCO, and in 1999, it was also declared a RAMSAR (The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands) site to demonstrate its global importance to the conservation of congregating seabird species.
In August 2006, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a proclamation expanding the area of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to three times its original size, thereby protecting 96,828 hectares against unauthorized entries and any form of pollution or exploitation. The TRNP boasts of diverse species of corals, reef fishes, algae and seagrass – complemented by aggregations of sharks and marine mammals. The islets on the two large atolls are sea turtle nesting sites and serve as important feeding and breeding grounds for seabirds. The inhabited islands are Cawili, Arena, Calusa and Cagayancillo. Known scuba-diving destinations are Jessie Beazely, Basterra, Bancauan and Bancoran. TRNP is managed by the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board that includes representatives from government, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, NGOs, and the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. Conservation International-Philippines is an active member of this management board and continues to support conservation efforts in Tubbataha Reefs.  The Park’s “no take” policy is a critical step in ensuring the continued protection of Tubbataha Reef’s marine flora and fauna. Only tourism and scientific research are allowed in the Park. Conservation is never a story written by one author because for it to matter, it should be lived and practiced by many individuals and institutions. We have always believed that together with the people who matter, we can walk the conservation talk. Angelique Songco
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Conservation Corridors 
