In the heart of the Philippines lies Siargao, an island renowned not just for its legendary surfing waves but as a biodiversity hotspot and a beacon of how community-led conservation can create lasting change. This is the story of SIPLAS—the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape—and the shared responsibility to protect it.

SIPLAS: Siargao's Beating Heart

Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) is one of the country's largest protected seascapes, a vast expanse of 283,974 hectares that encompasses the entire island, including its nine municipalities and surrounding marine areas. Declared a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, it serves as a vital sanctuary for diverse species, including endangered sea turtles, dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, and the Philippine tarsier.

This protected area is more than just a conservation zone; it is the lifeblood of the island, supporting local livelihoods through fishing and tourism while acting as a natural shield against typhoons and storm surges.

The Pillars of Protection

The effort to protect Siargao is a multi-faceted partnership:

• The Legal Framework: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provides technical guidance and oversight.

• Local Enforcement: Local Government Units (LGUs) are crucial in enforcing ordinances and integrating conservation into land-use plans.

• Community Stewards: Local communities and People's Organizations act as the guardians on the ground, directly involved in daily protection efforts.

As Jelanie Superada, an Ecosystem Management Specialist of the DENR, stated, “Conservation cannot succeed without the people. Protecting Siargao is a shared responsibility, and its future depends on how well we embrace it together.”

Communities on the Frontlines of Conservation

Across the island, ordinary residents have taken extraordinary steps to protect their home, demonstrating that conservation works best when the community takes the lead.

• The Turtle Guardians of Halian Island: On Halian Island, part of the municipality of Del Carmen, residents made history by declaring their island a 100-hectare Turtle Sanctuary through a local ordinance. Locals now volunteer to patrol beaches, watch over nesting sites, and ensure hatchlings reach the sea safely. "From nesting up to the release of hatchlings, they really need to be protected," shared Genelou Petallo, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Del Carmen.

• From Exploitation to Protection in Sugba Lagoon: Sugba Lagoon, one of Siargao's premier eco-tourism spots, was once plagued by illegal fishing and logging. Through strong cooperation between the DENR, the local government, and the community, these activities have been brought under control, allowing the lagoon to thrive once again.

Addressing Modern Threats: Waste and Water Security

The island's popularity and development bring modern challenges. Climate change and pollution directly threaten water security for communities. In response, initiatives like the one supported by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF have led community clean-ups and education on sustainable water management.

A single community-led coastal clean-up in Burgos collected 17 sacks of waste, a significant portion of which was plastic, including the particularly alarming microplastics that enter the marine food chain. As Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer for Burgos, emphasized, “It is clear that we need to advocate to change practices and behaviors to protect our coasts."

Grassroots organizations like the Siargao Environmental Awareness (S.E.A.) Movement are also at the forefront, inspiring collective action through beach clean-ups and advocacy for plastic-free alternatives.

A Wave of Sustainable Tourism

A growing movement of locals and business owners is dedicated to ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and the island.

• Resorts with a Mission: Harana Surf Resort, founded by Ian Sermonia and Mike Medina, was built with a community-first vision. They consult with sustainability experts, hire locally, pay fair wages, and create spaces where tourists and locals can mingle, keeping the island's vibe authentic and inclusive.

• Empowering the Youth: Pro surfer Wemar Bonono co-founded The Sun Crew, a charity that teaches children to surf on the condition that they attend school and participate in weekend beach clean-ups. This initiative uses surfing as an incentive for education and to instill environmental values in the island's future guardians.

• Boosting Food Security and Livelihoods: Organizations like Lokal Lab address the irony of an island that imports 97% of its produce despite having abundant local farms. They run a slow-food market connecting local producers with hotels and restaurants and offer vocational training to empower locals to start their own businesses.

The Road Ahead: A Collective Journey

The path forward is not without challenges. The island continues to grapple with waste management and the pressures of rapid development. While a Comprehensive Tourism Master Plan was developed in 2017 to provide a roadmap for balanced growth, its full implementation remains critical to tackling issues like power shortages and disaster resilience.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of Siargao is resilient. The collaborative efforts following Typhoon Odette demonstrated the power of community. By continuing to work together—government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and every resident and visitor—Siargao can thrive without losing its natural charm and cultural soul. Protecting Siargao is, and will always be, a shared responsibility.