Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor is a vast and ecologically significant protected area spanning the eastern portion of Mindanao Island in the Philippines. This corridor connects fragmented forest patches, watersheds, and coastal ecosystems, preserving critical habitat for numerous endemic and endangered species. Stretching along the mountains and lowlands of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and parts of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur provinces, it includes a mixture of old-growth rainforests, river systems, mangrove shorelines, and agricultural mosaics. The corridor serves as a key biodiversity hotspot supporting iconic wildlife such as the Philippine Eagle, Mindanao Hornbill, and various endemic reptiles and amphibians. Historically, the area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples who have contributed to conservation through sustainable land-use practices. Ecotourism activities such as trekking, bird watching, kayaking, and cultural tours are gaining popularity, with destinations like Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—located within the corridor. Visitors can explore diverse habitats ranging from lowland dipterocarp forests to ultramafic summit ecosystems, featuring rare flora like the native Medinilla speciosa and endemic pitcher plants. The corridor’s extensive river networks and coastal fringes offer opportunities for freshwater and marine biodiversity observation, while local communities actively engage in protecting the landscape through reforestation and wildlife monitoring programs. The Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor is a vital refuge that promotes biodiversity conservation, supports traditional livelihoods, and invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience one of the Philippines’ richest natural environments.
