The Masungi Geopark Project (MGP) just outside Metro Manila in the Philippines, has won another international accolade for its sustainable geotourism efforts and protection of natural ecosystems in Baras, Rizal.
The Masungi Georeserve Foundation received the Biosphere Sustainability Award at the 2024 Asia Pacific Social Innovation Partnership Awards (APSIPA) on May 4, 2024, in Nantou, Taiwan.
Justine Bual, Geotourism Associate of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, accepted the award from the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The Biosphere Sustainability Award recognizes the Masungi Geopark Project’s 2,700-hectare site as a model case for environmental protection and sustainability, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Masungi Georeserve safeguards prehistoric limestone formations and unique flora and fauna. Its karst ecosystem includes caves, limestone formations, sinkholes, and surrounding forests.
Here’s a good way to spend your weekend: Join the conservation efforts at Masungi Georeserve @MasungiGeo, winner of the Biosphere Sustainability Award at the 2024 Asia Pacific Social Innovation Partnership Awards. Book your visit via https://t.co/LhmmFPeLn6 https://t.co/jTqvfJ9Q6o
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) May 24, 2024
The project is noted for its courageous stance against deforestation and quarrying, using self-generated funds from sustainable, low-volume sustainable geotourism to support conservation and climate action efforts.
The project points out that despite twenty-five years of efforts to rejuvenate the vital ecosystem in Masungi, the surrounding mountains remain threatened by widespread deforestation, quarrying interests, and inadequate environmental enforcement compounded by systemic and political challenges for conservation.
MGP reports that currently, the Upper Marikina Watershed, which includes half of the MGP site, still faces significant threats from deforestation and inadequate environmental enforcement. This has resulted in only 11-20% forest cover, jeopardizing water supplies and ecosystem services for nearly 40,000 residents.
Recently, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga announced plans to nullify the agreement establishing MGP, adding to the challenges faced by the project.
The APSIPA award highlights Masungi Georeserve’s critical role in promoting environmental sustainability and inspiring global communities to coexist harmoniously with nature.
Sisters Ann and Billie Dumaliang lead the Masungi Geopark Project. In an Impact Boom interview for APSIPA, Billie Dumaliang stated, “Tourism has the power as we’ve seen across the globe to become a vehicle for conservation. We hope to show in the Philippines that there is a way to do sustainable tourism which contributes to the long-term preservation of ecosystems.”
Dumaliang added, “What we hope is that each visitor becomes part of our community, the people who will stand up for Masungi’s preservation in the long run.”
The Masungi Geopark Project has received recognition from the United Nations and Global Changemaker Awards.
Celebrate this achievement and support Masungi Geopark’s mission by sharing this story and visiting the reserve. Join the movement for sustainable tourism and conservation today!
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