Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape: The Philippines’ Northernmost Natural Treasure

Where Land and Sea Embrace

Morong Beach Batanes

At the northernmost tip of the Philippines lies a windswept paradise where time slows, cliffs meet clouds, and waves crash on ancient shores. This is Batanes—a remote island province defined by its dramatic geography: rolling green hills, volcanic cliffs, pocket beaches, and a vast expanse of surrounding ocean. But beyond its postcard beauty, Batanes holds something even more remarkable.

Designated as the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS), the entire province is recognized as one of the most ecologically and culturally significant areas in the Philippines. Spanning over 213,000 hectares of land, sea, and airspace, it is a rare example of a protected area that integrates both terrestrial and marine ecosystems under a single conservation framework.

The BPLS isn't just about protecting scenic coastlines or coral reefs—it safeguards a living heritage. From the resilience of the Ivatan people and their harmonious relationship with nature, to the biodiversity of its reefs, grasslands, and endemic species, Batanes conservation tells a story of coexistence. As environmental challenges mount across the globe, the BPLS stands as a model for how ecological heritage and traditional knowledge can work together to preserve one of the Philippines’ most treasured places.

What Is the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape?

The Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) is one of the Philippines’ most comprehensive conservation areas—remarkable not only for its ecological scope but also for its cultural and ancestral relevance. Designated under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, it serves as a living example of how nature and culture can co-exist and thrive.

Here’s what makes the BPLS unique:

• Covers the Entire Province of Batanes 

  BPLS includes all 10 islands and islets, the surrounding marine waters, and even airspace corridors, making it the only protected area in the Philippines to encompass land, sea, and sky.

  
  

• A Dual Landscape-Seascape Protection Model 

  From rolling grasslands and limestone cliffs to coral reefs and seagrass beds, the BPLS integrates both terrestrial and marine ecosystems within one protected designation—ensuring interconnected species and habitats are safeguarded together.

  
  

• Declared Under the NIPAS Act 

  Officially established in 2000, the area was placed under the NIPAS Act, which allows for community-involved management, strict zoning, and long-term environmental stewardship.

  
  

• Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List 

  Due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, and enduring Ivatan heritage, the BPLS has been recognized by UNESCO as a potential World Heritage Site, emphasizing its global ecological and cultural significance.

  
  

• Home to the Ivatan People and Their Sustainable Traditions 

  The stone houses, centuries-old agricultural systems, and maritime traditions of the Ivatans are interwoven with the landscape, making them both guardians and beneficiaries of this protected area.

  
  

The BPLS isn't just a park—it's a visionary conservation framework where land and sea conservation, indigenous wisdom, and environmental policy converge. It’s a bold step toward protecting the natural and cultural legacy of Batanes for generations to come.

Sea Turtle

Biodiversity and Ecosystems of BPLS

The Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) is not only a visual masterpiece of windswept cliffs and emerald waters—it’s also a biodiversity hotspot where ecosystems thrive both above and below sea level. Its isolated location and limited human impact have allowed many species to flourish, making it a vital sanctuary for endemic and migratory wildlife.

Here’s a closer look at its diverse ecosystems:

• Upland Grasslands and Forest Patches 

  The rolling grasslands that dominate Batanes' terrain serve as vital habitats for ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Interspersed within are patches of native forest, harboring endemic plants that have evolved in the island’s unique climate.

  
  

• Coastal and Intertidal Zones 

  From rocky shores and tidal flats to seagrass beds, these transition zones teem with crabs, mollusks, and coastal fish. These areas are especially important during low tide, offering feeding grounds for migratory shorebirds that use Batanes as a seasonal stopover.

  
  

• Vibrant Coral Reefs and Marine Biodiversity 

  Beneath its turquoise waters lies a network of healthy coral reefs—home to a vibrant mix of reef fish, sea cucumbers, and invertebrates. These coral gardens are crucial for marine biodiversity and serve as spawning and nursery grounds for many species.

  
  

• Sea Turtles and Pelagic Visitors 

  BPLS provides refuge for sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill species, which nest along the beaches and forage in nearby waters. Pelagic fish and marine mammals also occasionally pass through these nutrient-rich seas.

  
  

• A Haven for Birds—Resident and Migratory 

  Batanes lies along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, making it a seasonal refuge for dozens of migratory bird species. From Pacific golden plovers to Chinese egrets, the skies of BPLS tell a story of global avian journeys.

  
  

In this protected expanse of land-sea ecology, every blade of grass, patch of coral, and nesting shorebird contributes to a fragile but flourishing web of life. The BPLS stands as a living example of biodiversity resilience, where conservation safeguards both the rare and the migratory.

Ivatan Culture and Traditional Stewardship

Long before conservation laws were drafted, the Ivatan people of Batanes had already mastered the art of living in harmony with nature. Their way of life, deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge and respect for the land, offers a powerful model for sustainable living that aligns with the goals of the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS).

Sustainable Traditions from Stone to Sea

• Architecture as Adaptation 

  The iconic Ivatan stone houses, built with coral stones and cogon thatch, are more than cultural symbols—they are engineered for typhoon resilience and minimal environmental impact. This adaptive architecture reflects a deep understanding of local natural resources and climate.

  
  

• Farming in Tune with the Earth 

  Ivatans practice organic and rotational farming, cultivating root crops like uvi and wakay without the need for synthetic fertilizers. They maintain livelihoods that respect the soil, preserving the fertility of their ancestral lands for future generations.

  
  

• Fishing with Respect 

  Traditional fishing practices—including the use of small paddle boats and seasonal restrictions—minimize overfishing. Elders often guide youth in observing the ocean’s moods and migratory patterns, ensuring that marine resources are never exploited beyond their limits.

  
  

Oral Wisdom and Environmental Ethics

Through oral tradition, stories, chants, and proverbs, indigenous ecological knowledge is passed from elders to youth. These lessons speak of timing harvests with lunar phases, reading wind directions, and respecting taboo areas—early forms of resource zoning and environmental ethics.

At the heart of Ivatan life is the concept of “kapayapaan”—peace and balance—not only among people but also between humans and the natural world. It is this worldview that has made the Ivatan culture a crucial ally in the protection of BPLS.

The success of the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape isn’t just a story of biodiversity—it is a story of a people whose cultural heritage is inseparable from the health of their land and sea.

Traditional Stone House in Batanes

Threats and Conservation Challenges

Even in a place as pristine and culturally grounded as Batanes, the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) faces mounting environmental pressures. The same elements that define its natural beauty—its rugged coastlines, delicate reefs, and traditional coastal communities—also make it vulnerable in an era of global change.

Climate Change and Coastal Vulnerability

• As one of the northernmost provinces in the Philippines, Batanes is regularly battered by powerful typhoons, a growing threat intensified by climate change. Rising sea levels lead to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and damage to both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The steep cliffs and narrow shorelines offer little buffer, placing both natural habitats and Ivatan settlements at risk.

Marine Debris and Overfishing Risks

• Although local fishing practices are generally sustainable, overfishing by outside actors remains a threat, particularly in remote and less-patrolled coastal zones. Additionally, marine debris—plastics and ghost nets carried by currents from other regions—washes ashore, entangling wildlife and damaging coral reefs.

Infrastructure and Development Pressures

• The rise in tourism and modernization brings with it the challenge of balancing progress with preservation. Without careful planning, the construction of roads, resorts, and ports may fragment habitats, increase pollution, and put a strain on the island’s fragile ecosystems.

Enforcement Gaps in Isolated Areas

• While the BPLS is legally protected, limited resources and personnel make it difficult to fully enforce conservation rules across the entire island chain. Some coastal and marine zones are difficult to monitor regularly, making them susceptible to illegal fishing, habitat disruption, and unsanctioned activities.

  
  

In facing these threats, collaboration between government agencies, scientists, local leaders, and Ivatan communities becomes essential. The future of BPLS depends not only on protection but also on education, awareness, and stewardship—to ensure that Batanes’ environment remains intact for generations to come.

Conservation and Governance Efforts

The protection of the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) is a model of collaborative conservation—where national legislation, local governance, and traditional wisdom intersect to safeguard both land and sea.

A Joint Effort Between the DENR and Local Government

• The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) oversees the national framework for BPLS management, but its success largely depends on partnerships with the provincial government of Batanes. Together, they implement Integrated Protected Area System (IPAS) policies, conduct environmental impact assessments, and coordinate long-term conservation planning tailored to the province’s unique ecosystem.

Community-Based Conservation at the Barangay Level

• Central to Batanes’ conservation strategy is grassroots participation. Barangay Environmental Units and Ivatan volunteer monitors patrol forests, coasts, and marine areas, keeping an eye out for illegal fishing, logging, and unsustainable practices. These community-led efforts ensure that conservation is not an external imposition but a shared local responsibility, rooted in Ivatan values and knowledge systems.

Support from NGOs and Researchers

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academic institutions play a vital supporting role—offering technical expertise, funding, and training in biodiversity surveys, climate adaptation, and marine biology. Ongoing research from Filipino universities helps guide decisions on resource management and resilience-building in the face of climate change.

Marine and Coastal Zoning for Sustainable Use

• To maintain ecological balance, BPLS has established marine sanctuary zones, no-take areas, and regulated fishing corridors. These zones are critical in allowing coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fish populations to regenerate, supporting both conservation goals and long-term food security for coastal communities.

In Batanes, governance is a collective act—a dynamic network of policy, tradition, and cooperation. The success of BPLS lies not only in its legislation but in its people, whose deep respect for nature has made them its most effective guardians.

Vayang Rolling Hills in Batanes

How Tourists Can Help Protect BPLS

Traveling to Batanes is more than a getaway—it’s a privilege to enter a delicate ecological and cultural sanctuary. As a designated Protected Landscape and Seascape, Batanes calls for mindful tourism that sustains rather than disrupts its fragile balance.

Choose Local and Certified Ecotourism Operators

• Support local guides, homestays, and eco-certified tours that prioritize sustainability and cultural respect. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but empower Ivatan communities to maintain their stewardship traditions.

Follow Conservation Guidelines—Land and Sea

• Whether you're trekking through hills or snorkeling in coral-rich waters, always respect designated zones. Avoid entering marine sanctuaries or protected areas without permission. Stick to marked trails and never disturb wildlife or pick native plants.

Practice Leave-No-Trace and Zero-Waste Habits

• Batanes lacks large-scale waste management systems. Bring reusable containers, water bottles, and eco-bags. Carry your trash out with you, and avoid single-use plastics to keep the island’s landscapes and shorelines clean.

  
  

Travel in the Dry Season to Reduce Strain

• Plan visits during fair-weather months (March to June) to help minimize the pressure on resources and infrastructure. Wet-season travel can lead to erosion, trail damage, and disruption to local routines.

Every action you take as a traveler shapes the future of Batanes. By choosing sustainable travel practices, you become part of the island’s conservation story—helping to protect not just a destination, but a living, breathing heritage that belongs to generations to come.

Takeaway – A Living Harmony Worth Protecting

Batanes is not just a scenic escape—it is a living harmony of land, sea, and spirit. From its wind-swept grasslands to its coral-filled coasts, and from the resilient Ivatan people to the marine life below its waves, the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) is a rare example of how ecological integrity and cultural identity can thrive together.

In an era where both biodiversity and heritage are increasingly at risk, Batanes stands as a beacon of Philippine conservation—one that the world cannot afford to lose. Its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List underscores its global importance, not only as a sanctuary for endemic species but also as a model for integrated, community-led preservation.

But this harmony is fragile. To ensure that future generations can witness its beauty and wisdom, we must act now. Support local communities, champion policies that protect the environment, and travel with awareness and care. Share its story. Respect its rhythms. And remember that by protecting Batanes, we are also preserving a deeper truth—that people and planet can coexist in balance, and that such harmony is worth fighting for.

The Kissing Rocks of Chavayan Village in Sabtang Island. Photo by Kirkamon Cabello, CC, via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Batanes a Protected Landscape and Seascape? 

Batanes was declared a Protected Landscape and Seascape under the Philippines' NIPAS Act, covering its entire landmass, surrounding marine waters, and even airspace. This designation safeguards both its biodiversity and cultural heritage, recognizing the interconnectedness of its natural ecosystems and Ivatan traditions.

Is Batanes part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site? 

While not yet inscribed, Batanes is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for its outstanding landscape, indigenous architecture, and sustainable way of life. Its protection through BPLS strengthens its candidacy as a globally significant conservation and cultural site.

What animals and plants are protected in BPLS? 

The BPLS protects a range of endemic species including Ivatan soft-shelled turtles, migratory birds, coral reef species, and native grasses. Its ecosystems include upland forests, coastal dunes, coral reefs, and intertidal zones, making it a haven for both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

How do Ivatan communities help protect the environment?

The Ivatan people have long practiced sustainable farming and fishing, built resilient homes using natural materials, and maintained traditional ecological knowledge. Their deep respect for nature and ancestral stewardship forms the backbone of conservation efforts in Batanes, ensuring a balance between livelihood and environmental preservation.

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