The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve on Siargao Island in the Philippines was recently designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance.
Spanning nearly 4,900 hectares, the reserve forms the country’s largest contiguous mangrove forest. The area’s intertidal flats and upland forests are connected by the mangroves, providing a way for birds to move more easily between the two types of habitats.
The reserve hosts 245 animal species, including endangered species such as the Philippine duck and Southern rufous hornbill, while supporting the local fishing and tourism industries.
The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 27 September 2024.
The Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential data on the state of mangroves around the world, providing key insights to better protect these important ecosystems.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
