Tubbataha, Hamiguitan now Asean heritage parks

Philippines - The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental made the list of ASEAN's heritage parks, said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje yesterday. 

According to Paje, environment ministers from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations approved the nomination of Tubbataha and Mt. Hamiguitan as the 34th and 35th ASEAN heritage parks, respectively during the 15th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment held in October in Vientiane, Laos.

The Philippines currently holds seven ASEAN heritage parks in the country which includes Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Mindanao; the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park in Occidental Mindoro, and the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve in Laguna

“The designation of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as regional heritage parks is long overdue, both having been named earlier as UNESCO World Heritage sites,” Paje said.

“This latest recognition indicates that the natural characteristics of both Tubbataha park and Mt. Hamiguitan sanctuary are so exceptional they deserve to be protected for the benefit of everyone in Southeast Asia,” he added.

Source: Yahoo Philippines

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Padar Island, Indonesia

There aren't much information on the web dedicated to Padar Island. Those that talk about it only include the island being part of Komodo National Park gifted with spectacular sceneries especially for photo enthusiast. 

But where is Padar Island and how does it look like?

Situated between Komodo and Rinca Island, Padar is the third largest island in Komodo National Park. It was once a habitat of komodo dragons. But due to illegal activities such as hunting, the largest of the lizard family with a fearsome reputation slowly disappeared from the island, unable to see them anymore.

Another reason for their disappearance was lack of food, like deers and wild boars. These were enough for the dragons to move and settle for good in nearest Rinca Island.

Padar Island's beauty is stunning. It is surrounded by four bays, with each having its own distinct beach. One in particular is the pink beach that got its name from red coral fragments, thus creating a pinkish color. 

The island is also popular for diving enthusiasts and snorkeling fanatics for its underwater world. " It's an incredible sight to behold," people who have witnessed the kingdom under the waters of the park revealed. And perhaps, even the photo above speaks for itself.

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