Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Country
Philippines
Inscribed in
1993
Criteria
(vii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 130,028 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands. © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Trend
Stable
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Description of values
Pristine coral reefs with a large diversity of associated marine life
Criterion
(vii)
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park contains excellent examples of pristine reefs with a high diversity of marine life. The World Heritage site includes extensive reef flats, reef lagoons and perpendicular walls reaching over 100m depth, as well as large areas of deep sea. The remote and undisturbed character of the site and the continued presence of large marine fauna such as tiger sharks, manta rays, cetaceans and turtles, and big schools of pelagic fishes such as barracuda and trevallies add to the aesthetic qualities of the site (World Heritage Committee, 2009). The coral reef atoll formation, which includes all common reef-associated habitats, is a remote area that is largely undisturbed and with a wide variety of reef topographies, slopes and reef flats within seas of clear water with visibility ranging from 15 to 30 m (Ledesma et al., 2005).
High reproduction among a large diversity of reef associated marine life
Criterion
(ix)
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) lies in a unique position in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is one of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems. It plays a key role in the process of reproduction, dispersal and colonization by marine organisms in the whole Sulu Sea system, and helps support fisheries outside its boundaries (Campos et al., 2006). The relatively pristine nature of the coral reef and its high diversity of marine life allows high level reproduction among its marine life which populates the surrounding waters with larvae and repopulates the reef.
Laboratory for study of ecological and biological processes in pristine condition
Criterion
(ix)
The area serves as a natural laboratory for the study of genetic diversity (Licuanan et al., 2017) and ecological and biological processes, displaying the ongoing process of coral reef formation and supporting a large number of marine species dependent on reef ecosystems. The increasing shark populations indicate ecological balance and the area offers a control site for the study of the responses of a protected reef system to the impacts of climate change (TMO, 2015a).
High diversity of common and threatened marine species including seabirds
Criterion
(x)
Tubbataha supports 360 species of corals (almost 90% of all coral species in the Philippines and 72% of the corals worldwide), 7 species of seagrass and 66 species of algae. The site also supports 13 species of cetaceans, 23 species of rays and sharks, and an estimated 600 species of fish, including healthy and growing populations of species, such as the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and bump-head parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) that are threatened elsewhere. Of the 18 species of sea cucumber, some of which are larger than reported anywhere else, 3 are endangered (Dolorosa, 2015). There are 7 species of giant clams, all protected under CITES (Dolorosa et al., 2015). Pelagic species such as jacks, tuna, barracuda and whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are common. Tubbataha has an increasing population of endangered green (Chelonia mydas) (see Rey et al., 2017) and critically endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles that feed, rest and nest in the area. The Park is the only site in the Philippines of global importance for the conservation of seabirds and there are healthy populations of 6 seabird species. The critically endangered Christmas Island Frigate (Fregata andrewsi) is a regular visitor to the World Heritage site and North Islet is the breeding ground of an endemic subspecies of Black Noddy (Anous minutus). The Park contains 181 threatened and near-threatened species of marine life (World Heritage Committee, 2009; White et al., 2012; Jensen, 2010, 2012; TMO, 2015a, b).
High biomass of reef fish, invertebrates and associated organisms in the Coral Triangle region
Criterion
(x)
Over 25 years of no fishing has allowed the biomass of reef organisms to increase so that Tubbataha has a higher biomass per unit area of reef compared to any reef in the Philippines and comparable with the best reefs in Southeast Asia and globally (TMO, 2015a). The site also has among the highest population densities of Whitetip (Triaenodon obesus) and Grey (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) Reef Sharks (Murray et al., 2016a, 2017a), sea cucumbers (Dolorosa, 2015) and Topshells (Tectus niloticus) (Jontila et al., 2014) reported in the scientific literature.
Assessment information
Current threats mostly pertain to either present uses of the World Heritage site through tourism and some potential illegal fishing and those restricted to areas outside the site related to shipping and the accumulation of debris in the Sulu Sea from various sources outside the site. The overall level of current threats is low based on recent history, designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area and the ongoing effective management of the site. However, the threat from increasing amounts of solid floating waste and water pollution are of serious concern. Likewise, climate change is a current and potential high threat and resulting increasing temperatures and ocean acidification are likely to increasingly impact on the site.
Water Pollution, Solid Waste
(Floating debris and garbage in Sulu Sea from ships and other sources)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
A growing concern is the increase in floating debris in and around the Marine Park that affects marine life (IUCN Consultation, 2016). However, this is a generic and widespread problem and while the impacts are no worse in Tubbataha than anywhere else, the threats posed to the values of the World Heritage site are of high concern. There is increasing concern in regard to water pollution due to solid waste materials entering the Park from various origins, brought in through tidal currents and wind (Jones et al., 2019).
Fishing / Harvesting Aquatic Resources
(Fishing in the Sulu Sea outside of the Park and sometimes inside the Park)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Fishing is not allowed inside the Park and rarely occurs, but vigilance is needed. Fishing outside the Park has been noted to encroach into the site on the outer boundaries where surveillance is difficult. Illegal fishing from communities in mainland Palawan and the nearby provinces of Visayas are an issue as they target endangered or threatened species that have a high commercial value and are found within the World Heritage site, such as the Humphead or Napolean Wrasse and numerous species of sharks (Jones et al., 2019). Topshells (Tectus niloticus) also used to be a targeted species (IUCN Consultation, 2020b). However, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns (TMO, 2014b) implemented in the local communities, where most apprehended illegal fishers are based, have greatly contributed to enhancing compliance with the ‘no-take’ status of the site, as evidenced by the low and declining number of illegal fishing related arrests made. Illegal fishing from international vessels is potentially more serious than from local fishers (AFP, 2014) and regular patrols are conducted. The no-fishing zone now extends to the boundaries of the buffer zone (IUCN Consultation, 2017). The threat is rated as "low" due to largely effective patrolling and outreach strategies, but the threat remains and continued efforts and investments in enforcement and education need to be maintained or increased to ensure no resurgence of illegal fishing occurs (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Shipping Lanes
(Shipping lanes)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Ships pass close to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) on a regular basis and present a threat for either grounding or pollution. Rangers reports of ship numbers passing through and close to the buffer zone increased from 3,358 in 2010 to 5,546 in 2013 (TMO, 2014a). In 2013, Heij et al. (2013) undertook a risk analysis and detected increasing risk to the marine park from shipping traffic. In that same year the USS Guardian grounded on South Atoll causing damage to 2,346 sqm of coral and a Chinese fishing vessel also ran aground damaging 3,902 sqm of coral (State Party of the Philippines, 2013; Raymundo et al., 2018). Subsequent research has suggested long-term impacts that may be slowing recovery and creating localized pockets of higher persistent disease prevalence at the grounding sites (Raymundo et al., 2018). A resolution recognizing the TRNP as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) was adopted in July 2017 and the Designation as an Area To Be Avoided (ATBA) was adopted at the 98th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 98) held on 7-16 June 2017. The ATBA extends to the boundaries of the TRNP buffer zone. The Chart 1566 indicating the PSSA status of TRNP was completed on 27 Dec 2017 in 1:150 000 scale and notices to Mariners were issued immediately in July 2017 upon designation (TMO, 2017; IUCN Consultation, 2020b). These measures should serve to significantly reduce the level of threat from shipping. Jurisdictional coordination now extends to international shipping with the introduction of the PSSA by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to reduce the risk from nearby shipping lanes.
Problematic Native Species
(Population growth of Red-footed Boobies and decline of Black Noddy)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
The proliferation of Red-footed Boobies (Sula sula) in TRNP results in intense fertilization from droppings and the denudation and death of trees, which are the habitat of other tree-breeding seabirds (TMO, 2011). The death of trees, has resulted in a significant decline in the population of Black Noddy, a protected species under Appendix II of CMS in 2017 (IUCN Consultation, 2020b). The threat is very localised.
Tourism/ visitors/ recreation
(Dive tourism)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Dive tour boats are well managed (IUCN Consultation, 2016), but if in excess, they could detract the visitor satisfaction and have impacts on the reef ecosystem. Both physical damage to corals from divers (Lamb et al., 2011) and nutrient waste (Redding et al., 2013; Vega-Thurber et al., 2013) from dive boats can increase their vulnerability to disease. Although a tourism plan has been completed (TMO, 2013), it does not adequately address dive tourism, the dominant use of the reef. This could result in potentially serious cumulative effects if not monitored, especially given the reliance on tourism for finances and the pressure to increase visitation as a result of this.
All dive boats are now required to have holding tanks where wastewater is treated and discharged at designated distances from the reefs, thereby minimising nutrient waste. A carrying capacity study funded by the German development bank KfW was scheduled for 2020 but has been postponed to 2021. Park authorities intend to limit visitations before over-tourism occurs once a basis for determining tourism numbers is formulated (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
All dive boats are now required to have holding tanks where wastewater is treated and discharged at designated distances from the reefs, thereby minimising nutrient waste. A carrying capacity study funded by the German development bank KfW was scheduled for 2020 but has been postponed to 2021. Park authorities intend to limit visitations before over-tourism occurs once a basis for determining tourism numbers is formulated (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Habitat Shifting/ Alteration, Ocean acidification, Temperature extremes
(Temperature extremes and ocean acidification)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Impacts from extreme temperatures and ocean acidification, both a result of climate change, have been identified below as potential threats to the site as their impacts are likely to increase in the future. The reefs within the World Heritage site have already been impacted by climate change, experiencing a single severe stress event during the past three years (Heron et al., 2017). Under projections representing the current emissions trajectory the site is likely to experience twice-per-decade severe bleaching events (Heron et al., 2017), representing a significant threat to the site and its values. Research undertaken in 2020 showed that coral bleaching affected between 3 to 20% of the hard coral cover in Tubbataha (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Potential threats are mostly related to climate change with impacts including repeated episodes of sea surface temperature increases causing coral bleaching and the likely impacts of ocean acidification in the future. While these threats are largely beyond the control of the management agency, it will be important to implement monitoring systems than enable early detection and extent of the impacts. The increasing impacts from climate change also reiterate the importance of management interventions to address other more local and directly manageable impacts on the site including solid waste and illegal fishing.
Oil/ Gas exploration/development
(Future potential oil/gas exploration in the Sulu Sea)
Outside site
There is continued interest in the Philippines to explore for oil/gas in the Sulu Sea. However, exploration is forbidden within the Marine Park and buffer zone. If exploration is undertaken outside the boundaries and beyond the buffer zone, there may be some impacts on the World Heritage site.
Ocean acidification
(Ocean acidification)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Ocean acidification will affect the coral reef when it occurs, but timeframes and the extent of the impacts are uncertain.
Temperature extremes
(Sea surface temperature changes)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Sea surface temperature changes caused a major coral bleaching in Tubbataha in 1998. More recent studies suggest a relatively high resilience of the reefs in the Sulu Sea (TMO, 2015b; Licuanan et al., 2019), but long-term impacts are hard to model and this issue remains a threat to the values of the World Heritage site.
Earthquakes/ Tsunamis
(Earthquakes or tsunamis)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Earthquakes have damaged the Tubbataha reefs in the past and could do so also in the future, while a tsunami will likely have only a minor impact. While earthquakes and tsunamis propose a very low threat to the values of the World Heritage site, it will be important to minimise other impacts on the site to ensure the threat remains low and limit impacts.
Other
(Loss of funding support from Covid-19-related drop in tourism)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
A potential new threat is related to a loss of funding support from the Covid-19-related drop in tourism. If funding falls short, patrolling may not be able to be maintained and illegal fishing is likely to rise (IUCN Consultation, 2020a).
Current threats, such as illegal fishing, tourism and impacts from shipping, are assessed as low due to recent management measures and designations, but vigilance is needed to maintain these threats at a low level. The threat from solid waste and water pollution remain a serious concern. Potential threats, mainly related to climate change, are mostly beyond the control of Park managers and the Philippines, but are considered to be high if they occur.
Management system
The management regime of the World Heritage site is focused on strict protection, and delivered through a management consortium consisting of the Philippine central, provincial and municipal level of government, NGOs and some private sector donors. The management operations are carried out by the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) based in Puerto Princesa. The site has a current 10-year management plan (TPAMB, 2011) that is being implemented and followed. This plan will need revising and updating soon as it runs until 2021. There are many authorities, government organisations and NGOs involved in the management of the site. The coordination across all is highly effective (Jones et al., 2019).
Effectiveness of management system
The management systems work and are practical, resulting in one of the best protected coral reef systems in the world. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) employs three management effectiveness assessment tools. These include two external assessments led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MPA MEAT) and Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT); and an assessment led by the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) following the MEE framework of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area (GBRMPA).
MPA MEAT has been used in TRNP in 2011, 2014 and 2016. During the first two assessments, TRNP was able obtain the highest score for all parameters except the parameter on 'financially self-sustaining in the last seven consecutive years'. In 2016, the assessors came up with a consensus that this parameter is already achieved because the MPA has been successfully operating in the last two decades.
METT evaluates the management based on the IUCN management effectiveness framework with the following indicators: context, planning, input, process, output and outcome. This tool has been used in TRNP twice, in 2014 and 2016. TRNP scored the lowest in the inputs, which mainly pertains to the security of budget. The conservation fees from divers cover approximately 50% of the annual operational costs for managing the park. This mainly funds enforcement activities, equipment, staff benefits and compensation, and other administrative operating expenses. Other activities such as research, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and capacity building are funded by external grants.
MEE following the tool used by the GBRMPA also employs the IUCN indicators, but with focus on the management topics identified by the TPAMB. The TPAMB has identified nine priority management topics categorized under values (biodiversity, community benefits), impacts (water quality, shipping, illegal fishing, marine pollution, climate change and extreme weather) and uses (research and tourism). The results show that TRNP is effective in managing tourism and the threats of fishing, but is only partially effective in managing shipping activities. Hopefully, this will continue to improve with the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) designation. The remaining management topics were scored as mostly effective.
MPA MEAT has been used in TRNP in 2011, 2014 and 2016. During the first two assessments, TRNP was able obtain the highest score for all parameters except the parameter on 'financially self-sustaining in the last seven consecutive years'. In 2016, the assessors came up with a consensus that this parameter is already achieved because the MPA has been successfully operating in the last two decades.
METT evaluates the management based on the IUCN management effectiveness framework with the following indicators: context, planning, input, process, output and outcome. This tool has been used in TRNP twice, in 2014 and 2016. TRNP scored the lowest in the inputs, which mainly pertains to the security of budget. The conservation fees from divers cover approximately 50% of the annual operational costs for managing the park. This mainly funds enforcement activities, equipment, staff benefits and compensation, and other administrative operating expenses. Other activities such as research, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and capacity building are funded by external grants.
MEE following the tool used by the GBRMPA also employs the IUCN indicators, but with focus on the management topics identified by the TPAMB. The TPAMB has identified nine priority management topics categorized under values (biodiversity, community benefits), impacts (water quality, shipping, illegal fishing, marine pollution, climate change and extreme weather) and uses (research and tourism). The results show that TRNP is effective in managing tourism and the threats of fishing, but is only partially effective in managing shipping activities. Hopefully, this will continue to improve with the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) designation. The remaining management topics were scored as mostly effective.
Boundaries
Boundaries, including the buffer zone, are established by national law (TRNP Act of 2009) and publicized for all mariners and stakeholders. The boundaries are adequate and effectiveness should improve given recent PSSA designation.
Integration into regional and national planning systems
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is protected by national law (TRNP Act of 2009) and is part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in the Philippines. The site is also a flagship site within the Coral Triangle MPA System.
Relationships with local people
One of the main founding principles for Park management is stakeholder involvement and there is extensive local stakeholder representation on the Management Board. The Park undertakes extensive outreach activities in local communities involving target groups ranging from fishers to school children. Ten percent of park entrance fees go to local communities for various projects. Management planning engages local stakeholder groups.
Legal framework
The legal framework is comprehensive and effective. Legal protection extends to the buffer zone and now includes international frameworks as evidenced by designation as a PSSA. There is strong support from prosecutors and legal counsel and adequate enforcement equipment are provided to ensure that illegal users are brought to court (Jones et al., 2019).
Law enforcement
There is a permanent presence of 10–12 Marine Protected Area (MPA) authority, navy, coastguard and municipal personnel on a ranger station, which is largely effective through observations and patrols, but maintaining sufficient capacity is very dependent on NGO funding (Jones et al., 2019). A Compliance and Enforcement Plan was completed in 2012 that outlines the main procedures, parties and activities related to enforcement (TMO, 2012). There is an active interception and enforcement program by the combined navy, coastguard and park personnel stationed on site. Early violations were related to illegal fishing (e.g. see Dygico et al., 2013) but since 2013, violations mostly relate to ship grounding and tourism, including coral damage (from ship grounding), non-payment of conservation fees and late application of permit to operate. Most tourism-related violations were settled right away, through payment of fines. Warnings were given to dive operators for violation of protocol and standards. Since 2012, the fines for violations of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009 or RA 10067 amounted to a total of Php 58,934,730.00 (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
In 2009 when the World Heritage Committee approved the extension of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, it also requested that the State Party put in place a program of ecological monitoring and developed a sustainable tourism strategy. In its Decision 35 COM 7B.17, the World Heritage Committee commended the State Party for the progress achieved in implementing the recommendations, but also urged the State Party to expedite designation of the Sulu Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (World Heritage Committee, 2011). This was achieved in July 2017.
Sustainable use
The Park is only used directly for tourism and some monitoring and research. These should be relatively low-impact activities, although effective monitoring systems need to be implemented to ensure that this is the case. The latest management plan (TMO 2015a) identifies providing of support to other MPAs in the municipality, in terms of sustainable use, as an outreach effort that will benefit marine conservation throughout the Sulu Sea, including Tubbataha. This is a very forward looking strategy, if TRNP has the resources to engage in such a way. In addition, 10% of the revenues from TRNP are allocated to the municipality to support conservation-friendly livelihood initiatives by local people, another very forward looking management strategy.
Sustainable finance
Nearly 90 per cent of the MPA funding comes from NGOs, as the tourism entry fees are not sufficient to cover the running costs, and there are concerns about over-reliance on NGO funding and the leakage of benefits to dive boat operators as entry fees are arguably too low (Jones et al., 2019). The Park does receive revenue from tourism, and small contributions from the national and provincial government allocations. Dive tourism contributes to the yearly budget (IUCN Consultation, 2017), putting constant pressure to increase tourism, but with no detailed dive tourism management plan in place.
Staff capacity, training, and development
Staff are generally well trained and highly motivated, and perform their tasks well (IUCN Consultation, 2016). On-site operations are heavily reliant on the personnel and logistic support from the navy and coastguard (see Songco, 2017), and continual upgrading of staff in terms of skills and equipment is necessary to maintain effectiveness. In addition, staff are employed on a contractual basis (TMO, 2015a), which reduces the incentive for long-term investment by staff in the Park.
Education and interpretation programs
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has offered interpretation and educational programs since 1997 and has a comprehensive information, education and communication plan for 2015-2020 in place (TMO, 2014b). The plan identifies target audiences, key messages and activities. Activities are under two main groupings, public outreach and production of information materials. Full details of activities are provided in the plan and demonstrate focus (e.g. diver briefings before departure), innovation (community “caravans”) and partnership building in both design and delivery. The new ranger station (of which phase 1 has already been completed) will also contain some interpretive presentations and volunteers/researchers have added useful materials on the TRNP website and elsewhere. TMO personnel undertake outreach programs to communities all around Palawan to raise awareness of the importance of TRNP (TRNP, 2012). Field guides have also been produced, both by the TMO and in co-operation with research institutes such as LAMAVE (e.g. TMO and LAMAVE, 2015). An evaluation of the IEC program was undertaken in 2013 and a follow-up review should now be undertaken.
Tourism and visitation management
Lack of tourism impact monitoring on the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) represents a management gap (TMO, 2011; IUCN Consultation, 2017). There is need for a dive management plan based upon Limits of Acceptable Change methods and zoning (e.g. see Roman et al., 2007; Dearden et al., 2010; Augustine et al., 2016) that will optimise visitor numbers while ensuring protection of resources and the site’s OUV. Rules and regulations relating to dive tourism are embodied in the 'Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Tubbataha Act' document (TPAMB, 2017). A diver exit survey was undertaken in 2015 (TMO, 2015c), giving important insights into diver profiles, motivations, satisfactions and willingness to pay, among other factors. A carrying capacity study funded by the German development bank KfW was scheduled for 2020 but has been postponed to 2021 (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Monitoring
Monitoring is done annually by Park staff, some outside researchers and one volunteer scientific group that visits the Park for monitoring every four years. The management plan states the need to entrench regular monitoring to inform timely and judicious decision-making and specifically mentions the need for diver impact monitoring (TMO, 2015a). Previous World Heritage Committee Decisions have also recommended the implementation of monitoring programmes (World Heritage Committee, 2009).
Research
Most research is related to monitoring of Park resources over time to determine cause-effect relationships for changes in the coral reef and fish. The management plan identifies the need for more targeted research on topics of management interest, such as diver impacts. The site has recently become used on an ongoing and regular basis by researchers as a “natural laboratory”, using methods such as Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) to look at shark and other species populations and distributions, and conservation needs (e.g. Murray et al., 2016a; Roberts et al., 2017; Murray et al., 2019). The TMO has helped sponsor innovative research methods such as the use of citizen science for recording elasmobranch species numbers and distributions (see Murray et al., 2016b). The Park is very welcoming to outside researchers and provides support wherever possible (IUCN Consultation, 2016).
Overall, the protection and management of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is excellent. Overseen by a joint, stakeholder-inclusive management board and with an active outreach program that promotes a high degree of compliance. The sustainable financing of the site remains a concern with the majority of costs covered through NGO contributions. There is a Management Plan (2011-2021) and several sub-plans (such as enforcement and interpretation). These plans appear to be implemented, but the current status of the plans and implementation is unclear. To ensure comprehensive planning, consideration should be given to:
1. Further development of the sustainable financing plan.
2. Design and implementation of a dive management plan.
3. Incorporating a finer-scale zoning plan into the management plan that explicitly recognises and expands no-access zones.
4. Continued development and implementation of the interpretation and outreach plan.
5. Design and implementation of a regular and effective monitoring program.
6. Completion of the last phase of the new ranger station with enhanced monitoring and enforcement capability, as well as visitor interpretation facilities and improved living quarters for rangers.
1. Further development of the sustainable financing plan.
2. Design and implementation of a dive management plan.
3. Incorporating a finer-scale zoning plan into the management plan that explicitly recognises and expands no-access zones.
4. Continued development and implementation of the interpretation and outreach plan.
5. Design and implementation of a regular and effective monitoring program.
6. Completion of the last phase of the new ranger station with enhanced monitoring and enforcement capability, as well as visitor interpretation facilities and improved living quarters for rangers.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Mostly Effective
All reasonable measures have been taken by Park Management to protect the values of the World Heritage site through measures such as the buffer zone and the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area establishment. However, some concern exist regarding sustainable funding for management and law enforcement. These include over-reliance on NGO contributions for maintaining sufficient capacity and the funding of operational costs such as enforcement activities and equipment being dependent on income from dive tourism. Contractual employment has also reduced the incentive for long-term investment by staff in the Park. Remaining outside threats, such as pollution and the impacts of global climate change are largely beyond the abilities of the Park to address directly, but ongoing monitoring programmes should help to identify how these threats are impacting on the values of the site.
Best practice examples
Tubbataha Reef Natural Park represents 78% of the no-take area of MPAs in the Philippines in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the richest marine ecosystem in the world. It is a critically important MPA and management has taken many innovative steps for enhanced protection providing a best practice example of a truly no-take reserve in this highly human-influenced region. Outreach and engagement with communities within the region is strong and successful in helping to support the strong enforcement efforts for the World Heritage site.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Good
Trend
Stable
The biophysical and environmental resources of coral reefs and their associated high diversity of marine life, as well as their high reproduction values and atoll reef formation, are being well maintained in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and are in good condition based on current management and improvements from the past conditions prior to the implementation of protection for the Tubbataha Reefs. The associated reef habitats of seagrass beds, reef slopes and small islets with nesting seabird populations are equally well maintained and improving in ecological integrity. Coral disease prevalence in the monitored areas in TRNP is fairly low compared to other surveyed areas in the Philippines (TMO, 2015b; Raymundo et al., 2009; Raymundo et al., 2018). The World Heritage site has recorded some of the largest densities of Grey and Whitetip Reef Sharks in the world (Murray et al., 2019). The overall system serves as a laboratory for study, education and research as well as a control for the high biomass of marine life no longer typical in this part of the world. However, impacts from solid waste and future climate induced extreme temperatures and ocean acidification, are cause for serious concern.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Tubbataha is a major (world class) diving destination for both Filipinos and international tourists. Tourism provides revenues to support the costs involved with Park management as well as indirect economic benefits to tourism related enterprises in Palawan Island and in Cagayancillo Municipality. The site also provides education to Filipinos and international visitors.
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
Tubbataha, being a no extraction marine reserve, located in a remote area with low levels of pollution and under good management, means that it can serve as a control for how coral reef ecosystems function in a natural setting, and how these ecosystems will change over time in response to climate change. Recent research on elasmobranchs in particular (e.g. Murray et al., 2017b; Araujo et al., 2018; Murray et al., 2019) illustrates the research and laboratory benefits of the site and highlights the value of having large no-take MPAs.
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
Oceanographic models show that Tubbataha is a major source and sink of coral and fish larvae that are continuously broadcast throughout neighbouring fishing grounds and reefs in the Sulu Sea and beyond (TMO, 2015a).
Direct employment,
Tourism-related income
Tubbataha is a world class diving destination for both Filipinos and international tourists. Tourism provides revenue to support Park management as well as indirect economic benefits to tourism related enterprises in Palawan Island and in Cagayancillo Municipality. Residents on islands in the municipality of Cagayancillo are given preferential consideration in employment opportunities in the MPA (Jones et al., 2019). It would be of value to undertake a reef valuation study, so that the actual economic value of the TRNP to the local economy is known (IUCN Consultation, 2020a).
The benefits of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park extend beyond the Philippines to the region and globally. The income from tourism is a valuable addition to the regional economy, although no firm estimate of this value exists. In addition, Tubbataha is a healthy coral reef ecosystem that provides an ongoing source of organisms to other sites in the Sulu Sea. Some of these organisms become a direct enhancement to the human food chain. In the wider sense, as a well-managed, no-take marine reserve of considerable size located in the midst of the worlds' most diverse global marine ecosystems, Tubbataha provides ongoing global benefits as an outdoor laboratory for research and education.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. | Conducts monitoring of Tubbataha Reefs every 4 years and compiles a complete report of the reef status. This monitoring uses volunteer divers who cover the cost of the trip so trained divers who want to contribute are always encouraged to join the expedition. |
Coastal Conservation & Education Foundation, Inc.
|
| 2 | Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) | The TMO manages the Tubbataha Park in its entirety and coordinates all activities within the Park and assists to source resources for Park management. |
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park & WHS
|
| 3 | World Wildlife Fund Philippines | WWF Philippines provides monitoring support to the TMO and use of their boat to travel to Tubbataha for routine operations. WWF also provides support for some personnel assisting with Park management. | |
| 4 | Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute (LAMAVE) | LAMAVE has initiated an energetic and innovative program of research at Tubbataha ranging from elasmobranch assessments through to the development of citizen science and outreach projects (e.g. see Murray et al., 2016b, 2017; Roberts et al., 2017). Co-operating with a wide range of international partners and deploying long-term researchers to work in partnership with the TMO has resulted in a wide range of exposure for the Park, plus capacity enhancement for the staff. LAMAVE is the largest independent, non-stock, non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines. |
https://www.lamave.org/
|
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