Philippines Hosts ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum to Advance their Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity Growth

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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September 13, 2026 02:33 GMT+5:30

The first ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum has been organized by the Philippines, which will facilitate discussions and cooperation among regional conservationists, tourism authorities, and environmentalists on sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. It is a three-day forum organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). It will have participation from protected area managers, communities, policy-makers, and development partners.

During the forum, the Department of Tourism (DOT) made a presentation. It was delivered by Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, who is representing the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to promote the tourism sector in such a way that it contributes towards regional development and conservation of the country’s natural ecosystems.

ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme Supports Regional Biodiversity Protection

The ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) programme plays an important role in protecting some of Southeast Asia’s most valuable natural environments. Currently, there are 69 designated ASEAN Heritage Parks across the region, covering approximately 11.9 million hectares of protected landscapes and ecosystems. These areas represent important centres of biodiversity conservation, protecting forests, marine environments, wildlife habitats and unique natural landscapes.

The Philippines currently has 14 ASEAN Heritage Parks, reflecting the country’s extraordinary ecological diversity. The programme encourages cooperation among ASEAN member states to strengthen conservation management, scientific research, environmental education and sustainable use of natural resources. Through the forum, participants discussed how heritage parks can contribute not only to conservation but also to responsible tourism development.

Philippines Highlights Tourism’s Role in Protecting Natural Heritage

During the forum, the Department of Tourism emphasised the connection between biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay highlighted ongoing DOT programmes designed to promote environmental responsibility while supporting local communities. One initiative highlighted was the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC), which encourages tourism stakeholders to develop innovative projects that support sustainable destination management.

The DOT believes protected areas can become models for responsible tourism when visitor activities are carefully managed and communities are actively involved. Sustainable tourism approaches can create economic opportunities while ensuring that natural resources remain protected for future generations. The Philippines is increasingly focusing on tourism models that prioritise conservation, community participation and long-term destination resilience.

Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park Moves Towards ASEAN Heritage Park Status

The forum also highlighted the Philippines’ potential expansion within the ASEAN Heritage Parks network. The Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in Misamis Oriental is currently progressing towards becoming the country’s next ASEAN Heritage Park. The site is awaiting ad referendum approval by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.

If approved, Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park would become the 70th ASEAN Heritage Park in the regional programme. The recognition would further strengthen the Philippines’ position as a leading biodiversity destination while increasing attention on conservation and sustainable tourism opportunities in Misamis Oriental. The park’s potential inclusion demonstrates ASEAN’s continued efforts to identify and protect areas with exceptional ecological importance.

Philippines’ ASEAN Heritage Parks Showcase Diverse Natural Ecosystems

The Philippines’ existing ASEAN Heritage Parks represent a wide variety of landscapes, from mountain forests and wetlands to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

The country’s designated heritage parks include:

• Mount Apo Natural Park
• Mts. Iglit–Baco Natural Park
• Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park
• Mount Malindang Range Natural Park
• Mount Makiling Forest Reserve
• Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• Mts. Timpoong–Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument
• Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pasonanca Natural Park
• Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park
• Apo Reef Natural Park
• Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
• Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary

These protected areas support numerous species, including rare and endangered wildlife, while also providing opportunities for research, education and carefully managed tourism activities.

Heritage Parks Create Opportunities for Eco-Tourism and Local Communities

ASEAN Heritage Parks are increasingly recognised as important destinations for nature-based tourism. When managed responsibly, protected areas can support local communities through employment, conservation projects and sustainable tourism enterprises. Visitors can experience forests, marine ecosystems, wildlife habitats and cultural landscapes while contributing to conservation efforts.

Community participation is considered essential because local residents often play a key role in protecting natural resources and maintaining traditional knowledge. The ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum explored ways to strengthen collaboration between conservation authorities, tourism organisations and communities. By connecting tourism with conservation goals, ASEAN countries aim to create destinations that deliver economic benefits while protecting biodiversity.

ASEAN Cooperation Strengthens Future of Sustainable Tourism

The forum supports wider ASEAN efforts to integrate environmental protection with tourism development. Regional cooperation allows countries to share successful conservation practices, improve protected area management and develop stronger sustainability standards. The partnership between the Philippines, DENR and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity demonstrates the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

Climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity decline require coordinated responses across borders. Through initiatives such as the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme, countries can work together to protect ecosystems while creating responsible tourism opportunities.

Philippines Advances Green Tourism Vision Through Conservation Partnerships

ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum marks the Philippines’ dedication to sustainable tourism and environmental management. The organization’s decision to hold a conference in the Philippines clearly shows the country’s ability to link tourism development with biodiversity conservation. The Philippines has many areas of protected areas where eco-tourism can be promoted to benefit both communities and the environment.

In the context of increasing demand from tourists to experience nature, those destinations that will be able to integrate both tourism and environmental conservation will become more popular in the future tourism industry. The ASEAN Heritage Parks project clearly illustrates the way that tourism can become a driver of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Image Source: DOT Philippines