Apayao is Philippines’ 4th biosphere reserve

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations has declared the province of Apayao, considered the last forest frontier in the mountainous Cordillera region in northern Luzon, as a biosphere reserve for its efforts to conserve and manage biodiversity.

At the heart of the recognition is lapat, the Isnag people’s indigenous system of forest conservation. It is the practice of turning a parcel of forest land and its natural resources off-limits when its Isnag owner dies.

Apayao becomes the Philippines’ fourth biosphere reserve...