Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".
Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its mountain ranges.
Over the years, Palawan has managed to preserve its captivating natural habitat and bountiful resources. Branded as the country’s last frontier, the province consists of 23 municipalities and a lonecity, Puerto Princesa. It has a total land area of14,896 square kilometer (sqkm), which is distributed to its mainland municipalities,comprising 12,239 sq km, and the islandmunicipalities, which altogether measure 2,657 sq km. On the average, eachmunicipality has an area of 620 sqkm. Onthe other hand, the island municipality of Cuyo (4,003 sq km) ranks largest in terms of municipal waters. On the latter, the mainland municipality of Española has the smallest marine area with only 485 sq km.
Palawan consists of some of the most pristine natural habitats in the world. However, its remoteness puts it at risk for ongoing economic exploitation and environmental degradation. A few programs have emerged to monitor and mitigate negative impact through the initiation of economic alternatives. The development of ecotourism as an alternative to reef degradation, sand theft, illegal logging and wildlife poaching has been approached.
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