Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best diving sites in the world. It has a vast and pristine underwater ecosystem and thriving marine life. It covers 96,828 hectares, including the North and South Atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef.

The park contains excellent examples of pristine reefs with a high diversity of marine species. The reefs support over 360 species of coral and almost 700 species of fish. The park also provides an important habitat for internationally threatened and endangered marine species, such as whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse.

The park lies in a unique position in the centre of the Sulu Sea and plays a key role in the process of reproduction, dispersal, and colonization by marine organisms in the whole Sulu Sea system. It also helps support fisheries outside its boundaries. The park is a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes, displaying the ongoing process of coral reef formation, and supporting a large number of marine species dependent on reef ecosystems.

The park is also a symbol of hope and change for the people of Sulu, who have suffered from violence and conflict for decades. The park is a testament to the faith and generosity of the local communities who have been involved in its conservation and management.