The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS).
The success story of the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve was a showcase of a collective effort of the community and its leaders started in 2010. Initiated by the local government of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, they made an effort to restore their mangrove forest and save it from illegal activities such as mangrove cutting and poaching. Since then, the area now covers about 53% of Siargao Island’s total mangrove forests and the communities of Del Carmen are reaping the fruits of wetland conservation, protection and restoration work with increased fishery resources, alternative livelihood from tourism and increased protection from storm surge especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
Because of this success, the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) was recognized as a Wetland of International Importance during the World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2023 national celebration in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte last February 2, 2023. It also serves as a precursor to the Site’s nomination for inclusion to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance or as a Ramsar Site.
The celebration also showcased the vast mangrove area of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte with its 1.8 kilometer mangrove boardwalk and the SIPLAS Mangrove View Deck highlighting its beauty. The event concluded with the launching of the viewdeck led by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of SIPLAS with PENRO Surigao del Norte and DENR CARAGA Regional Office.