The Philippines hosted the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Forum 2026, which brought together AHP managers, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and advance regional cooperation on biodiversity conservation. 

From 8 to 10 September, the three-day forum focused on the theme “Navigating a Sustainable Future for ASEAN Heritage Parks,” led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). 

The forum featured nine breakout sessions on topics such as ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, financing, law enforcement, community engagement and capacity development.

PH features heritage parks

The DENR showcased the Philippines’ 14 ASEAN Heritage Parks, with Mount Apo Natural Park and Mount Iglit-Baco National Park among the first parks declared under the network. 

Mount Kitanglad, Mount Malindang, Mount Hamiguitan, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pasonanca Natural Park, Mounts Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, and Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park were later recognized, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. 

The agency also exhibited Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro, Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi, and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, which are known for their rich marine and wildlife biodiversity.

“I am pleased to note that as we meet here, Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in Mindanao is poised to become the newest addition to this growing family of outstanding natural parks, and among the newest in the entire ASEAN region,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said in his keynote message. 

The Mt. Balatukan Range National Park in the Philippines is among the five potential new AHP sites, along with Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, Bako National Park and Lambir Hills National Park in Malaysia, and Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand which were all discussed during the 12th AHP Committee meeting held on May 26, 2025, in Thailand.

Cuna, however, revealed that the nation is establishing the Philippine AHP Network to bring together managers and representatives of existing and newly declared ASEAN Heritage Parks, while providing a platform for protected areas seeking AHP nomination.

He noted that through the network, the nation connects park managers, aligns national priorities with regional cooperation, and links work on the ground with the broader global agenda for biodiversity and sustainable development.