Off the coast of Cauyan in
Negros Occidental, situates a 45-hectare islet teeming with a rich set of
biodiversity. Danjugan Island as it is called, is home to a diverse range of
wildlife species most especially; the rare Philippine scrubfowl. One would say,
“We’ve heard this story before” – of an island in our country swarming with
nature gems only to see it destroyed by misguided development. The case with
Danjugan is entirely different. Thanks to a conservation program, this 1.5
kilometer long island that was once threatened by illegal fishing, is now a
protected marine sanctuary and has become a model for nature conservation.
To learn more about
Danjugan and how it can become a model of nature safeguarding, here are some
facts other LGU units managing similar islands in our country can try to
emulate.
Danjugan Island is a protected marine reserve sanctuary
The first step to
preserving an island is to declare it as a marine reserve sanctuary. Thanks to
the national and provincial government of Negros Occidental, by declaring this
island as a protected marine site, it gave a huge boost to the continued
conservation of the island’s diverse set of biodiversity – all thriving inland
and the surrounding waters of Danjugan.
It is a project of the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.
Another great thing about
Danjugan Island is it is managed by a non-government and non-profit
organization. Therefore it eradicates senseless business decisions and
politicking when it comes to overseeing the conservation operations in the
island. In 1994, through a worldwide fundraising, the Philippine Reef and
Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), bought the island with a
vision to preserve its amazing wildlife state and provide a lasting habitat to
the many species that exist in and around Danjugan Island.
To date, PRRCFI “have
provided technical support to the local government unit of Cauayan in
establishing the surrounding waters in Danjugan Island as special marine
protected areas where fishing activities are regulated.”
When you visit the island,
Dave Albao, the Executive Director of PRRCFI, will immediately brief you with
all necessary information about the organization’s conservation efforts in the
island.
The island holds a “Marine and Wildlife Camps Program”
Even before the PRRCFI
took over management of the island, Danjugan have been playing host to a Marine
and Wildlife Camp since 1991. According to the organizer of this camp Mr. Gerry
Ledesma – who is also the head of PRRCFI, the camp envisions youth to
experience nature by exposing them to the interesting concepts of terrestrial
and marine biology as well as environmental sciences. The camp is organized
numerous times every year and is held exclusively for private schools and
organizations. The Marine and Wildlife Camps is composed of a lecture series
with guest speakers and various activities centering on nature conservation.
It enforces a strict 50-person carrying capacity per day
It is comforting to learn
that the over tourism that happened to popular islands in the country, will
never happen to Danjugan. This is because, the island enforces a strict
50-people carrying capacity per day. Reservations are done online with
prospective visitors being made aware ahead of time of the environmental-friendly
practices in the island. Upon arriving at the island, each visitor must attend
a briefing to know the do’s and don’ts in the island. A local guide is assigned
to each group of tourists ensuring no one wanders off the established trails in
order to preserve the natural habitat of the wildlife species. “This is their
home, we are just guests in their home, so we must respect their island” – Dave
Albao told us during our island briefing.
Every structures on the island are environmentally-friendly
“Danjugan Island is NOT a
resort“, the people taking care of the island would like to let the visitors
know about this fact. “We are an ecotourism destination aimed towards
conservation, environmental education, sustainable livelihood, science and
research. We welcome all visitors to experience nature and immerse themselves
in the sanctuary we have preserved for future generations” is their underlying
message.
Because Danjugan is not a
resort but first and foremost, an island habitat of many wildlife species,
there is no running water and electricity on the island and all man-made
facilities are powered by solar energy and made of rustic materials that blends
well with the surrounding environment. The island ensures that both the
caretakers and visitors exert less carbon footprint as possible.
They offer a day long nature immersion tour
One’s trip to Danjugan
Island is different from any islands in the country. Because here, guests are
guided by highly trained and knowledgeable guides who will take visitors
through established paths, passing through the five lagoons, hilltop trails,
bat caves and other beaches before proceeding to the snorkeling areas.
Throughout the day tour, you will be educated more about the many flora and
fauna found in the island. Participating on this day-long nature immersion tour
is a great way to learn more about the importance of preserving Danjugan
Island.
The island possesses an incredible biodiversity
Latest tally from
scientists who conducted a wildlife census on the island indicate an astounding
numbers of species. To date there are a total recorded of 10 bat species, 572
fish species, 72 bird species, 22 butterfly species and 244 coral species all
flourishing inland and in the surrounding waters of Danjugan Island. This make the
island as one of the most vital biodiversity location in the country.
