Why Danjugan Island is a model of nature conservation

According to camp organizer Gerry Ledesma, it offers the youth a chance to experience nature by exposing them to the interesting concepts of terrestrial and marine biology, as well as environmental sciences.

GUESTS can visit bat caves with the help of knowledgeable guides.

Off the coast of Cauyan in Negros Occidental, a 45-hectare islet is teeming with life.

Danjugan Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife species most especially the rare Philippine scrubfowl.

One would say, “We’ve heard this story before,” of an island in our country swarming with nature gems, only to see it destroyed by misguided development.

The case of Danjugan is entirely different. Thanks to a well-conceptialized program, this 1.5-kilometer-long island that was once threatened by illegal fishing is now a protected marine sanctuary and has become a model for nature conservation.

To learn more about Danjugan and how it became a model of nature safeguarding, here are some facts other local government units managing similar islands in our country can try to emulate.

All man-made facilities are powered by solar energy and made of rustic materials.

Other than being declared as a protected marine site by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, Danjugan island is also managed by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI), a non-government and non-profit organization.

With this set-up, it eradicates senseless business decisions and politicking when it comes to overseeing the conservation operations in the island.

In 1994, through a worldwide fundraising effort, the PRRCFI bought the island with a vision to preserve its amazing wildlife state and provide a lasting habitat to the many species that exist in and around it.

When you visit the island, Dave Albao, the executive director of PRRCFI, will immediately brief you on all necessary information about the organization’s conservation efforts in the island.

Even before the PRRCFI took over management of the island, Danjugan has been playing host to a Marine and Wildlife Camp since 1991.

According to the organizer of this camp, Gerry Ledesma, the camp offers the youth a chance to experience nature by exposing them to the interesting concepts of terrestrial and marine biology, as well as environmental sciences.

The camp is organized numerous times every year and is held exclusively for private schools and organizations.

The Marine and Wildlife Camp is composed of a lecture series with guest speakers and various activities centering on nature conservation.

It is comforting to learn the over-tourism that beay destroyed popular islands in the country will never happen to Danjugan.

This is because the island enforces a strict 50-people carrying capacity per day.

Reservations are done online with prospective visitors being made aware ahead of time of the environment-friendly practices in the island.

Upon arrival, each visitor must attend a briefing to know the do’s and don’ts in the island.

A local guide is assigned to each group of tourists, ensuring no one wanders off the established trails to preserve the natural habitat of the wildlife species.

“This is their home, we are just guests in their home, so we must respect their island,” Dave Albao told us during our island briefing.

“Danjugan Island is NOT a resort,” the people taking care of the island would like to let the visitors know.

Danjugan is an ecotourism destination aimed towards conservation, environmental education, sustainable livelihood, science and research.

Because Danjugan is first and foremost a habitat of many wildlife species, there is no running water and electricity on the island.

All man-made facilities are powered by solar energy and made of rustic materials that blend with the surroundings. The island ensures both caretakers and visitors exert less carbon footprint as possible.

EXPERIENCING the beauty of Danjugan Island.

Danjugan Island offers a day-long nature immersion tour where guests are directed by highly trained and knowledgeable guides who take visitors through established paths passing through the five lagoons, hilltop trails, bat caves and other beaches before proceeding to explore the vibrant marine life in the snorkeling areas.

Guests are also made aware of the many flora and fauna found in the island. Participating on this day-long nature immersion tour is a great way to learn more about the importance of preserving Danjugan Island.

The latest tally from scientists who conducted a wildlife census on the island indicate an astounding number of species.

To date, there are a total of 10 bat, 572 fish, 72 bird, 22 butterfly and 244 coral species — all flourishing inland and in the surrounding waters.

These stunning figures indeed make Danjugan Island one of the most vital biodiversity locations in the country — something truly worth keeping!