El Nido, Palawan |
One of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines is the island province of Palawan also known as the Last Frontier. It’s located between the South China Sea and Sulu Sea. Palawan province comprises of one long, narrow island and other small islands surrounding its main island. It is known to be the home of many endemic species and other endangered species. The Palawan Peacock-pheasant, Philippine Mouse-deer, Philippine Pangolin and Palawan Bearded Pig are only found in this province while endangered sea turtles nest on its white sand beaches.
In 2007, Palawan was been cited as one the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Some of the notable travel destinations in Palawan include Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Coron Reefs in Coron Bay, El Nido Marine Reserve Park, Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protection Area, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River national Park, and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.
Tubbataha Reefs |
However, the exquisite beauty of the island has been threatened by mining operations and illegal wildlife trade. And according to some scientists, allowing the mining operations in the province is really a major risk to Palawan’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Although Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) assures that they only allow responsible mining is still does not make any difference. The fact remains that it strips away trees; it destroys Palawan watersheds and destroys the only home of Palawan’s endemic and endangered species. This form of destruction of Palawan’s natural environment should be stop or else most of its endangered wildlife won’t be around for much longer.
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