TAWI-TAWI, Philippines — The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) in Tawi-Tawi has been formally recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP), marking a major milestone for biodiversity conservation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and elevating the Philippines’ standing in regional marine conservation efforts.
The prestigious conferment was awarded during the 8th ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference held from December 2 to 5, 2025, in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The ceremony was organized by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and brought together environment leaders and conservation experts from across Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Heritage Park distinction recognizes the exceptional ecological importance of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, particularly its critical role as a major nesting and foraging ground for marine turtles, including globally threatened species, as well as a refuge for diverse marine life. TIWS has long been regarded as one of the most significant marine protected areas in the country, forming part of a transboundary ecosystem shared with neighboring nations.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) represented the Bangsamoro government during the awarding ceremony. The delegation was led by Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren of the Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services and Chief Joeffry L. Kamid of the Protected Area Management Division, who represented the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary.
Beyond honoring the site’s rich biodiversity, the recognition also highlighted years of sustained conservation work and underscored the importance of regional cooperation under the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme. The inclusion of TIWS in the ASEAN Heritage Park network places it among Southeast Asia’s most ecologically significant protected areas, reflecting its global conservation value.
MENRE said the new designation strengthens the Bangsamoro government’s efforts to safeguard critical marine ecosystems in Tawi-Tawi while promoting sustainable protected area management. With ASEAN Heritage Park status, the ministry aims to enhance conservation strategies through closer regional collaboration, improved management practices, and expanded technical cooperation.
The recognition is also expected to open doors for long-term conservation initiatives, increased scientific research, and stronger community-based protection efforts—ensuring that the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary remains a thriving marine haven for future generations and a symbol of BARMM’s growing role in regional environmental stewardship.