The Province of Albay was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on March 19, 2016. It is the third in the Philippines, joining Puerto Galera and Palawan. Biosphere reserves are learning spaces for sustainable development where social and ecological systems interact in a way that is conducive to both human development and conservation of natural resources to ensure a greener and more livable future.

The Albay Biosphere Reserve (ABR) encompasses the entire province of Albay, covering diverse ecosystems such as volcanic landscapes, marine habitats, forests, and agricultural areas:

• Total Area: 256,677 hectares covering 3 cities, 15 municipalities, and 720 barangays
• Population (2015): 1.3 million
• Indigenous People (2019): 699

The most straightforward approach to sustainable development in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves is the observation of proper zonation. Areas are designated for strict protection of natural resources (CORE ZONE), human development activities (TRANSITION ZONE), and the buffer between (BUFFER ZONE).

Albay’s Biosphere Zones

Core Zone (6.93% of total land area). Legally protected for biodiversity conservation, Albay’s land and waters are minimally disturbed to conserve biological diversity and enable low-impact scientific research, education, and recreation activities:

• Terrestrial (23,916.49 ha.) includes: the Mt. Mayon Natural Park, the Mt. Masaraga Watershed Forest Reserve, the Mt. Malinao-Tiwi Geothermal Forest Reserve, and the Pocdol Mountain Range at boundary of Albay and Sorsogon.
• Marine (2,520.08 ha.) includes: 15 marine protected areas, 20 turtle spawning grounds (based on 107 turtle sightings), and 11 municipal ordinances designating specific Marine Protected Areas.

The ABR is home to 182 terrestrial plant species, 46 of which are endemic including 10 that are in the IUCN Red List. Among these species is the pitcher plant Nepenthes ventricosa in Mt. Mayon and the largest flower in the world Rafflesia in Mt. Masaraga.

The ABR also is home to 280 terrestrial animal species including 91 endemic species, 14 of which are in IUCN Red List. Among these is the giant golden-crowned flying fox Acerodon jubatus, one of the largest bat species in the world. In addition to having both the world’s largest fish species, whale shark (butanding) Rhincodon typus and the smallest commercial fish sinarapan Mistichthys luzonensis, ABR also has 5 of 7 known marine turtles in the world.

Buffer Zone (34.47% of total land area). Surrounds the core zone and allows activities like environmental education and sustainable recreation:

• Terrestrial (62,393.87 ha.) includes: 500 m radius from the boundaries of terrestrial core, 6 km permanent danger zone and 6-8 km high risk zone around Mt. Mayon, and forest land in the 3rd district of Albay and Rapu-Rapu Island.
• Marine (68,749.47 ha.) includes 0.5 km surrounding the declared fish sanctuaries, sea grass beds, beach forest, and coral reefs where residents do gleaning activities for subsistence during low tides.

Transition Zone (58.5% of total land area). Areas of human settlement and contaisn towns, fisheries, and other human activities and areas where local communities, management agencies, scientists, non- governmental organizations, cultural groups, economic interests and other stakeholders work together to manage and sustainably develop the area resource:

• Terrestrial (158,283.55 ha.) includes settlements, built-up areas; alienable and disposable lands, transport routes, and center for economic progress and sustainable development.
• Marine (65,663.19 ha.) encompasses a band of circumference 3km parallel to marine buffer zones.

Biodiversity and Conservation

In addition to its protective natural landscapes, the ABR is also home to areas of cultural preservation. The national cultural treasures are the Cagsawa and Budiao Ruins, the Church of St. John the Baptist in Tabaco and the Church of Our Lady of the Gate in Daraga. The cultural heritage includes historical cultural assets, such as the Angela Manalang Gloria House (Tabaco City), Ola Monument (Guinobatan City) and St. Agnes Academy (Legazpi City). The province of Albay celebrates 19 festivals on delicacies, town origin, and culture, such as Pinangat Festival, Daragang Magayon Festival, and Pulang Angui Festival.

The culture and language profile in the ABR is diverse. It is home to 4 indigenous peoples groups: the Agta, Tabo in the Rapu-Rapu Island, Ati people in Sto. Domingo. and Agta Tabangnon in Tiwi, Polangui, Tabaco, Guinobatan, and Bacacay. Tiwi is the ancestral domain of indigenous peoples in Albay. There are 5 native languages: Central Bikol/ Bikol Legazpi – Albay East Coast; Miraya Bikol/ East Miraya – Pio Duran, Daraga, Camalig and Jovellar; West Albay Bikol /West Miraya – Ligao, Oas, and Polangui; Libongeño/ Libon Rinconada – some barangays of Libon and Polangui; and Mt. Iraya Bikol – Agta Groups.

The ABR is home to 182 terrestrial plant species, 46 of which are endemic including 10 that are in the IUCN Red List. Among these species is the pitcher plant Nepenthes ventricosa in Mt. Mayon and the largest flower in the world Rafflesia in Mt. Masaraga.

The ABR is also home to 280 terrestrial animal species including 91 endemic species, 14 of which are in IUCN Red List. Among these is the giant golden-crowned flying fox Acerodon jubatus, one of the largest bat species in the world. In addition to having both the world’s largest fish species “butanding” Rhincodon typus and the smallest commercial fish “sinarapan” Mistichthys luzonensis. ABR also has 5 of 7 known marine turtles in the world.

Ways for Albayanos to take care of the ABR:

• Practice and promotion of traditional fishing, farming and industries
• Adopting the use of renewable or “green” technology
• Responsible use of natural resources
• Promoting awareness of our natural and cultural resources

National Cultural Treasures

Historical Cultural Assets

Albay Festivals

The featured header image is courtesy of UNESCO. The national cultural treasures photos are courtesy of Around Bicol FB page. The historical cultural assets photos are courtesy of Wikipedia. Click this link to follow the ongoing activities of Albay Biosphere Reserve.

About the author

KURT ZEPEDA is one of the lead persons of the Albay Biosphere Reserve initiative. Its office is located within the Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office of Albay (Albay PTCAO).

Legazpi City has also been declared a UNESCO Learning Center in February 2024. Thus Albay now has two UNESCO designations. Albay PTCAO is aiming for a third one, UNESCO World Heritage Site for Mayon Volcano Cultural Landscape. The nomination process is currently underway.