Banilad Marine Protected Area

Philippines , Philippines

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The Banilad Marine Protected Area is Dumaguete City’s oldest and most established marine sanctuary, located in the barangay of Banilad along the coast of Negros Oriental in the central Philippines.

Established in 2001 through a community-led initiative with support from the Coastal Resource Management Project, Silliman University Marine Laboratory, and local foundations, it covers approximately 75.5 hectares of coastal waters and is managed entirely by the local Banilad barangay council. The sanctuary protects vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, and diverse marine life including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and invertebrates, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving with its thriving underwater coral gardens just steps from the shore.

Over two decades of community protection have allowed fish populations to recover significantly, demonstrating the success of locally managed conservation in the Philippines. The site serves both as an important breeding ground for marine species and as an educational hub for sustainable tourism and marine awareness in Dumaguete City.