Banwa Private Island, One of Only 10 Places in Philippines Declared as Important Shark and Ray Areas

Banwa Private Island is proud to announce its designation as one of the Philippines’ 10 Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). This significant recognition highlights the island’s vital role in protecting and conserving threatened marine species.

 

Years of dedicated research by marine biologists have revealed the island's critical importance as a habitat for Black Tip Reef Sharks. The island’s unique geography and rich marine environment create ideal conditions for these vulnerable creatures to thrive.

 

As an ISRA, Banwa Private Island joins a global network of protected areas committed to safeguarding shark and ray populations. This designation underscores the island’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Banwa Private Island, in partnership with the Aquos Foundation, is actively working to protect its marine ecosystem through reef rehabilitation and community outreach programs. The island aims to set a global standard for sustainable luxury tourism and marine conservation.

Banwa Private Island is honored to announce its designation as one of the Philippines’ 10 Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). This significant recognition underscores the island’s vital role in protecting and conserving these threatened marine species.

The validation follows years of dedicated research by Dr. AA Yaptinchay of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines and Dr. Teri Aquino, Aquos Foundation Consultant, who have been studying Black Tip Reef Shark habitats around Banwa Private Island since 2017. Their collaborative work has been instrumental in demonstrating the island’s importance as a critical habitat for these vulnerable creatures.

This prestigious recognition places Banwa Private Island alongside renowned marine protected areas like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in safeguarding threatened marine species. Located within the Tumarbong Marine Protected Area, Banwa Private Island is a haven for marine life, boasting shallow waters teeming with diverse ecosystems. The island’s unique geographical location and rich marine environment create ideal conditions for sharks and rays to thrive. 

ISRAs are designated ocean habitats crucial for the survival of sharks and rays. With over a third of shark species at risk of extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss, these protected areas are essential for their survival. Coastal regions, home to 75% of endangered shark species, are particularly vulnerable.

Banwa Private Island has become a sanctuary for marine life, with a remarkable resurgence of threatened species. Black Tip Reef Sharks have returned to the island's shallow waters, and Hawksbill Turtle nesting success rates have soared. These achievements are a testament to the island's commitment to conservation and habitat preservation. 

“Being named an ISRA is a significant milestone for Banwa Private Island,” said Janet Oquendo, Island Manager of Banwa Private Island. “This recognition underscores our dedication to safeguarding our marine ecosystem and contributing to global shark and ray conservation efforts.” 

The identification of ISRAs is a global initiative led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) Shark Specialist Group, in collaboration with local and regional experts. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of area-based conservation strategies, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The newly designated ISRAs will provide valuable insights for developing and managing effective conservation measures to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species.

The Aquos Foundation, Banwa Private Island’s non-profit partner, has been instrumental in the island’s ecological restoration through reef rehabilitation and community support. Together, they are working to create a thriving underwater sanctuary for generations to come.

Banwa Private Island is an exclusive all-villa destination offering unparalleled luxury, privacy, and personalized service in a pristine marine and nature preserve. Nestled in the Sulu Sea, the island's lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters provide an idyllic setting for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.

About Banwa Private Island

Banwa Private Island is an intimate all-villa destination for discerning guests wanting to experience in luxury, privacy and designer services in a marine protected and nature preserve. Located in north-eastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Philippines, the island’s lush landscaping provide a perfect environment for nature to thrive. Guests can prefer to be accommodated in one of six beachfront villas or decide on an exclusive island charter giving that privacy that guests may need. The ‘exclusively yours’ offer includes tailor-made gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea or regional tapas, a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and access to all non-motorized water sport activities.

 

The garden island offers “Destination Dining” experiences in various locations within the island, providing private chefs and an array of choice ingredients. All of these while privately soaking in nature. Remote, yet not removed, the island is accessible via charter seaplane direct to the island or helicopter transfers from San Vicente, Puerto Princesa or El Nido directly to the island lawn, after a 1-hour commercial flight from Manila. www.banwaprivateisland.com

About Aquos Foundation

Fundamental to Banwa Private Island’s ethos, and something every guest’s visit contributes to, is our mission to support, nurture and protect the island’s delicate ecosystems – a mission that led to us to setting up the Aquos Foundation. Our original inspiration was to help protect the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, as Banwa Private Island is one of its favoured nesting habitats in the region.

 

Aligned to this, our Reef Balls programme is helping to stimulate reef regeneration off the south-westerly shores of Banwa Private Island. To date, our investment has funded the deployment of over 200 structures, which are already promoting significant growth of coral in the area. As part of the Foundation’s further conservation initiatives, we are also pursuing important and nationally-recognised research programmes, guided by world-leading experts. Projects include studies into the native Tabon Bird (Philippine Megapode) and Mantanani Scops Owl, as well as the preservation of the indigenous beach forests where they nest. www.banwaprivateisland.com/nature-and-conservation