El Nido-Taytay Protected Area - is the largest marine reserve in the Philippines, located on the northwestern tip of Palawan Island. It includes the areas of the resort of El Nido and the neighbouring town of Taytay. The total area of the reserve is just over 903 square kilometres, of which 60% is marine.
Interestingly, local residents are actively involved in various environmental education programmes conducted by the reserve, such as forest and marine conservation projects. Public organisations also make their contribution - WWF staff regularly participate in patrolling the territory together with the administration and raise funds for conservation projects. According to experts' estimates, about $180,000 is needed annually to maintain the successful operation of the reserve. Part of the money comes from the tourist business, very developed on the territory of El Nido - Taytay: each tourist pays half a dollar a day for staying in the reserve.
El Nido - Taytay, unique for its flora and fauna and unusual geological formations, is one of the most biologically rich Philippine ecosystems. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, with more than 50 sandy beaches, steep limestone cliffs where salanganes - birds of the swift family - nest in crevices, five types of forests, including evergreen rainforests and mangroves. The protected area is home to 16 endemic and 10 vulnerable bird species, including the Palawan hornbill, shama thrush and Palawan tit. 6 species of marine mammals are also endemic to Palawan Island, including dolphins and dugongs. The reserve's marine life is also extremely diverse, with 100 species of coral, 813 species of fish, and 4 endangered species of sea turtles.
Of particular interest to scientists is the fact that the nature of El Nido - Taytay in its species diversity is closer to the north lying island of Borneo, rather than the rest of the Philippines, which makes this reserve unique in the country.
