Philippines - Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Extension) - Pujada Bay

Forming a cove characterized by white sand beaches and calm waters with mountain ranges at the backdrop, Pujada Bay is a highly valued protected landscape and seascape in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines. It comprises a total land area of 20,873.43 ha with fertile coral (1,175.75 ha), seagrass (610.440 ha), and mangrove (262.719 ha) ecosystems downstream of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a World Heritage site. The bay encompasses ten coastal communities: Macambol, Mamali, Dawan, Badas, Central, Matiao, Dahican, Bobon, Tamisan, and Lawigan mutually interacting with nature for recreation and livelihood. Additionally, the bay features distinctive and alluring islands and islets called Sleeping Dinosaur, Pujada, Waniban, Oak, and Ivy. It is a natural treasure that has traditionally benefited local and indigenous communities, and at the same time provided biological refuge for globally significant species. Management measures were instituted to maintain the bay’s integrity, subdivided into strict protection, buffer, and multiple-use zones.