Puerto Princesa, Palawan, October 19, 2023 – In a historic moment for environmental conservation, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the City Government of Puerto Princesa signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, sealing their commitment to protect the precious Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH). The signing ceremony took place at the Hue Hotel, where stakeholders gathered to commemorate this milestone in preserving one of the Philippines’ most ecologically significant regions.
The Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, sprawling across an astonishing 38,693 hectares, is a pristine natural gem ensconced within the heart of Palawan, an island paradise known for its unparalleled biodiversity. The reserve is situated in the majestic Cleopatra’s Needle Mountain, Puerto Princesa’s highest peak, soaring to an elevation of 1,593 meters. Nestled on the northern fringes of the city, it stands in close proximity to the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, adding an extra layer of protection to the region’s invaluable ecological heritage.
What makes the CNCH truly exceptional is its recent revelation as a sanctuary for species believed to have gone extinct. A few years ago, an awe-inspiring rediscovery unfolded as two endemic amphibians, the Palawan toadlet (Pelophryne albotaeniata) and the Malatgan River caecilian (Ichthyophis weberi), emerged from obscurity in the mystical realms of Mt. Cleopatra’s Needle. Their reemergence serves as a powerful testament to the reserve’s role as a living ark, preserving species that were once lost to time.
Furthermore, in 2014, an elusive and rare ant species named Romblonella coryae, was unearthed in the reserve’s primary lowland forest. It was named in honor of former President Corazon Aquino, signifying the ecological significance of this region. Countless other endemic species, including the Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis), Palawan flycatcher (Ficedula platenae), Palawan bearcat (Arctictis binturong), Palawan bearded pig (Sus barbatus), Palawan flying squirrel (Hylopetes nigripes), Palawan birdwing (Trogonoptera palawanensis), and many more, find refuge within the forest’s lush embrace. With every passing day, there’s a hope that new discoveries await scientists and enthusiasts alike, hidden among the verdant landscape of Cleopatra’s Needle.
Notably, Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve isn’t just a biological paradise but also a cultural haven. It serves as the ancestral home of Palawan’s dwindling Batak Tribe, whose population hovers around a mere 200 individuals. Sharing this sanctuary with the Batak Tribe are the Tagbanua people, another indigenous group residing in the region. Their ancient wisdom and sustainable practices have been integral in preserving the forest’s natural integrity, making this pact for its preservation a testament to the harmony between humanity and nature.
The Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve is not just a jewel of biodiversity but also a vital ecological corridor for species crossing the island, allowing for the genetic exchange necessary to ensure long-term species survival. Beyond this, it is the largest watershed in Puerto Princesa, providing clean water to approximately 30% of its residents. The significance of protecting this forest cannot be overstated, as it directly affects both the city’s ecological health and the well-being of its inhabitants.
The declaration of Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve as a critical habitat signifies an essential step in preserving its ecological magnificence. The PCSD, an esteemed multi-sectoral and intergovernmental body dedicated to the sustainable development of Palawan, passed a resolution designating Mt. Cleopatra’s Needle as a critical habitat. This designation falls under the purview of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which defines a critical habitat as a portion of land outside a protected area characterized by the presence of threatened species and the existence of threats to their survival.
The Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, with its remarkable tapestry of life, has now been bestowed with a higher level of protection and conservation. This newfound commitment between the PCSD and the City Government of Puerto Princesa marks a turning point in the preservation of Palawan’s ecological heritage, recognizing the intertwined destinies of both its unique wildlife and its indigenous peoples.
For Palawan, Cleopatra’s Needle remains a symbol of hope—a testament to what can be achieved when people, organizations, and governments come together in the spirit of environmental stewardship. The preservation of this critical habitat is not only an investment in the future but also a celebration of the rich tapestry of life that this lush paradise has harbored for countless generations. With this historic MOA, we look forward to a future where Cleopatra’s Needle stands tall as a beacon of conservation, promising a world where nature’s beauty and biodiversity thrive.
