Dugong Sanctuary

Dugong Sanctuary is a community-managed marine conservation area in the municipality of Busuanga, in northern Palawan. The sanctuary was established through a local ordinance as part of a conservation initiative focused on protecting dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their coastal habitat. The area includes important seagrass habitats used by dugongs for feeding, along with associated mangrove and marine ecosystems. Conservation work has involved local communities from Quezon, Cheey, and Calauit, as well as a multi-stakeholder management committee and community-based monitoring. Dugong watching has also been developed as a nature-based livelihood connected to the sanctuary.