THE MABINI Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS) has been selected as one of the six official finalists in the Para el MAR 2025 Awards for its outstanding management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The Para el MAR (Marine Protected Area Awards and Recognition) is the country’s premier recognition that acknowledges marine biodiversity conservation, community participation, and sustainable management efforts.
The recognition is organized by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN) and supported by various conservation partners.
“Being a finalist is a prestige that signifies the commitment of local stakeholders in the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems,” DENR-Davao de Oro stated.
MPLS is located in the Municipality of Mabini, Davao de Oro, which is often referred to as the “Jewel of Davao Gulf,” and is among the nationally declared protected areas under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992), as amended by Republic Act 11038 (Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018).
MPLS houses extensive mangrove forests, white sand beaches, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and diverse marine wildlife in its total area of 7,292.62 hectares.
Apart from that, a wide range of species, including reef fishes, giant clams, sea turtles, and migratory birds, many of which are key indicators of reef and habitat health, are observed in the area.
“These ecosystems not only uphold ecological integrity but also sustain the livelihoods of local communities through fisheries and ecotourism,” DENR- Davao de Oro added.
The agency lauded the collaborative efforts of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), local government units, people’s organizations, indigenous peoples, and civil society stakeholders for the strengthened law enforcement and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices.
“Their collective commitment has led to notable conservation milestones, ranging from science-based ecological monitoring and marine habitat restoration to strengthened law enforcement and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices,” it added.
The Para el MAR 2025 Awards will recognize winners in several categories—including Best Locally Managed MPA, Best Mangrove Award, Outstanding Network, and Outstanding NIPAS MPA.
Photo: DENR- Davao
