Why Is Palawan Called The Philippines’ Last Ecological Frontier? 8 Unique Facts About This Island

In a world where concrete jungles are taking over natural ones, Palawan stands as a rare reminder of what an untouched paradise truly looks like. Often called the “Last Ecological Frontier” of the Philippines, this remote archipelago is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Palawan is where you feel nature’s might with coral reefs, lush forests, and underground rivers. But what makes it so special, and why is it so fiercely protected? Let’s find out why Palawan is one of the last frontiers on Earth fighting to stay wild.

Palawan, The Last Ecological Frontier

1. A Vast Sanctuary Of Nature

Palawan covers 1.49 million hectares, with an impressive coastline of about 2,000 kilometres. This vast area is home to 39% of all terrestrial and marine vertebrate wildlife species found in the entire Philippines. To put it simply, if you love birds, reptiles, mammals, or amphibians, Palawan is one of the best places to see them; 46% of all birds and 33% of mammals in the Philippines call Palawan home!

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Palawan

Palawan has not just one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a stunning coral reef in the middle of the Sulu Sea, famous for dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and over 379 coral species. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is known for its navigable underground river and its rich biodiversity.

3. The Philippines’ Largest Forest And Mangrove Cover

The island is covered by some of the densest and most diverse forests in the country, with over 689,000 hectares of forest area. Palawan also has the highest remaining mangrove forest area in the country, supporting marine life and protecting coastal communities.

4. A Home For Endangered Species

Palawan is where many threatened species find a thriving home. 105 of the 475 threatened species in the Philippines live here. Among those, 42 species are unique to Palawan alone, like the Palawan peacock-pheasant and the whale shark.

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5. The Coral Triangle’s Hidden Gem

Palawan lies within the famous Coral Triangle, the global epicentre of marine biodiversity. It contains 42% of the country’s coral reefs and 36% of its seagrass meadows.

6. A Balance Between Nature And People

Despite the area’s tourism and industries like mining and agriculture, it creates a balance between human development and nature conservation. Around 20% of Palawan’s land is officially protected, including 9 key protected areas like the Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape.

7. Palawan’s Economy Depends On Nature

The people of Palawan rely heavily on nature, as fishing provides 65% of Manila’s fish supply and 10% of the whole country’s catch. The province is also the top seaweed producer in the Philippines.

8. A Model For Sustainable Development

It is considered a pioneer in environmental governance in the Philippines, with policies like the Strategic Environmental Plan. This policy not only improves the livelihood of the locals but also protects the island’s natural wealth.

In Palawan, rare species, forests, and vibrant reefs truly thrive. It’s called the Last Ecological Frontier because it’s one of the last places on Earth where we still see a rich environment.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Mlenny