Location and Size
Apo Reef is a breathtaking series of coral reefs located in the waters of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Spanning an impressive 34 square kilometers, it is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world and the largest in the Philippines. Situated 15 miles west of Sablayan, the reef is part of the Sulu Sea and encompasses 27,469 hectares, including a protective buffer zone of 11,677 hectares.
Islands of Apo Reef
The Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) features several stunning islands:
- Apo Island: The largest and most prominent island.
- Apo Menor and Cayos del Bajo: Additional islands adding to the park’s charm.
- Tinangkapaan Island: The smallest island in the park.
Part of the Coral Triangle
Apo Reef lies within the northern tip of the Coral Triangle, a region spanning 5.7 million square kilometers that connects six countries: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Known as the “center of Earth’s marine diversity,” this area is home to 2,228 species of reef fish and 605 species of reef-building corals. Marine expert Dr. Charlie Veron famously calls the Coral Triangle “the center of Earth’s marine diversity.”
Protecting a Natural Treasure
Over the years, Apo Reef faced threats from overfishing, pollution, coral mining, sedimentation, and climate change, which led to coral bleaching and ocean warming. Recognizing its importance, the Philippine government implemented protective measures:
- 1980: Declared a Marine Park by President Ferdinand Marcos.
- 1983: Designated as a Tourism Zone and Marine Reserve by the local Sablayan government.
- 1996: Upgraded to a Natural Park by President Fidel Ramos.
- 2006: Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A Vision for the Future
Today, Apo Reef Natural Park stands as a symbol of conservation and biodiversity. With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it is a testament to the importance of protecting and preserving the world’s natural wonders.