Protecting Siargao: A Shared Responsibility

Siargao Island, with its world-famous surf, idyllic lagoons, and lush mangroves, is more than just a tropical playground—it’s one of the Philippines’ richest biodiversity reservoirs. Encompassing 283,974 hectares under the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS), this vast conservation area is essential not just for nature, but for the island’s people. pageone.ph

What is SIPLAS?

Established by Presidential Proclamation 902 in 1996, and reinforced through Republic Act 11038 (the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018), SIPLAS spans all nine municipalities of Siargao plus the adjacent marine zones. pageone.ph Covering 62,796 hectares of terrestrial environments and 221,178 hectares of marine ecosystems, it protects everything from wetlands to forested hillsides to vibrant coral reefs. pageone.ph

It’s officially recognized among the country’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), meaning it’s vital to both species survival and ecological integrity. pageone.ph Endangered creatures such as sea turtles, dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, and even the Philippine tarsier still find refuge here. pageone.ph

Local Guardians: Community in Action

Real stewardship often starts at home. In the municipality of Del Carmen, residents of Halian Island banded together to establish a 100-hectare Turtle Sanctuary by local ordinance. They patrol beaches, monitor nests, and ensure hatchlings safely reach the sea. pageone.ph

Likewise, Sugba Lagoon—once under threat from illegal logging and overfishing—has seen recovery. Coordinated efforts by the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), local governments, and community organizations have significantly improved protection. pageone.ph

Why This Matters

For many locals, Siargao isn’t just a scenic backdrop—it’s livelihood. Roughly 30% of residents farm (primarily coconuts and rice), another 25% depend on fishing. pageone.ph More broadly, the region relies heavily on Siargao’s natural beauty for tourism. The mangroves—nearly 10,000 hectares—don’t just draw visitors; they buffer against storms and typhoons, protecting property and lives. When Typhoon Odette hit in 2021, these mangroves played a crucial role in reducing damage. pageone.ph

The Ongoing Plan: Management & Protection

To ensure that Siargao stays vibrant for future generations, authorities and communities are working on a 10-year management plan. Key components include:

• Zoning protected areas for specified uses to prevent overdevelopment and habitat loss. pageone.ph

• Stricter building rules especially in fragile zones. pageone.ph

• Relocation of families living in hazard-prone areas. pageone.ph

• Livelihood projects tied to conservation, so locals benefit directly when nature is protected. pageone.ph

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), which includes government agencies, NGOs, local government units (LGUs), and people’s groups, leads the effort to balance development and protection. pageone.ph

Shared Responsibility: What Each of Us Can Do

Protecting Siargao isn’t just the job of government—it’s everyone’s. Here are ways different stakeholders can help:

• Local residents & community groups: Continue habitat protection, enforce local ordinances, monitor wildlife, and practice sustainable fishing and farming.

• Tourists & visitors: Respect local rules, avoid single-use plastics, don’t disturb wildlife, and support eco-friendly businesses.

• Government agencies: Ensure consistent enforcement, plan infrastructure with ecological impact in mind, and provide education and resources to communities.

• Business & tourism operators: Adopt sustainable practices, commit to environmental responsibility, and help fund conservation efforts.

Looking Ahead

Siargao is more than a destination—it’s a living system that sustains livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems. Its protection is not optional. What happens here affects carabao farmers, fisherfolk, mangrove seedlings—and surfers eager for the next big wave—alike.

In the end, safeguarding Siargao’s future depends on how well all its stakeholders can work together. Because when nature thrives, so do the communities that depend on it.