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KM Reyes makes history as first filipino in The Explorers Club 50, pioneering conservation in Palawan

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PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES – KM Reyes, Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainability PH (CS), has become the first Filipino to be named to The Explorers Club 50 (EC50). This prestigious list celebrates 50 individuals worldwide who are redefining exploration and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. The Explorers Club’s legacy is legendary, its members have led the first expeditions to the North and South Poles, summited Mount Everest, ventured to the deepest parts of the ocean, and even walked on the moon.

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized as the first Filipino in this esteemed global group,” said Reyes.  “This recognition reflects the vital work of our frontline indigenous communities, with support of our team, to protect the Philippines’ Last Ecological Frontier, Palawan.”

As a conservation campaigner and expedition leader, KM has dedicated her career to the preservation of the Philippines’ natural resources. Under her leadership, CS has taken significant steps to conserve the country’s last remaining 3% of pristine rainforest. CS spearheaded the establishment of Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat, now the largest critical habitat in the Philippines, covering 41,350 hectares. This initiative has united countless local and international stakeholders in cooperative action, setting a benchmark for collaborative conservation efforts.

In addition, CS formed the Southeast Asia coalition 30x30SEA, successfully advocating for the Philippines to support the global initiative to protect 30% of land and water by 2030. This initiative, adopted at the UN Biodiversity Convention, aligns with CS’ efforts to establish another protected area, Sultan Peak, as part of a broader plan for the legal conservation of all unprotected Key Biodiversity Areas in Palawan.

CS’ latest project focuses on the proposed Sultan Peak Critical Habitat, aimed at preserving some 10,000 hectares of pristine rainforest including the Almaciga tree (Agathis philippinensis), a vital non-timber forest product for the indigenous Tagbanua peoples. This ancient tree, known for its high-value resin, is threatened by overharvesting and illegal activities. The indigenous communities, in collaboration with CS, are working to ensure the future of the Almaciga tree through research, reforestation, and sustainable management practices.

Palawan is one of the last remaining reservoirs for Almaciga resin and rattan, both considered highly tradable non-timber forest products. The forests of Sultan Peak, which cover more than 10,000 hectares within the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range Key Biodiversity Area (VAMR KBA), are home to numerous endemic and globally threatened species. This region also serves as a Class AA watershed for indigenous and farming communities and is home to Atabay Lake, a sacred site for the Tagbanua tribe.

Despite its ecological and cultural significance, the Sultan Peak area faces increasing threats from mining operations and land conversion. Existing mining activities encircle the region, jeopardizing both the biodiversity and the livelihoods of the indigenous Tagbanua communities that rely on its resources. Further encroachment could lead to irreversible ecological damage, making the need for conservation more urgent than ever.

“As we celebrate this recognition, we also acknowledge the critical challenges that lie ahead,” Reyes stated. “The urgency to protect areas like Sultan Peak is paramount to maintaining the integrity of our ecosystems and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Tagbanua communities that have safeguarded them since time immemorial.”

About The Explorers Club:

Founded in 1904, The Explorers Club is a multidisciplinary, professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation. Headquartered in New York City with a community of chapters around the world, The Explorers Club has been supporting scientific expeditions of all disciplines, uniting our members in the bonds of good fellowship. Its members have traversed the earth, seas, skies, and even the moon, on expeditions. Members of The Explorers Club have been the first humans to the North Pole, South Pole, the summit of Mount Everest, the deepest point in the ocean, and the surface of the moon. Notable members include Teddy Roosevelt, Kathryn Sullivan, Jeff Bezos, Walter Cronkite, James Cameron, Neil Armstrong, Jane Goodall, Edmund Hillary, John Glenn, Sally Ride and Bob Ballard.  The EC50 class of 2025 can be seen here.

About the Centre for Sustainability PH:

The Centre for Sustainability PH is a women-led, youth environmental NGO dedicated to conserving the Philippines’ natural resources and promoting sustainable development. Through community engagement, advocacy, and innovative conservation strategies, the organization aims to create lasting positive change for the environment and future generations.

The post KM Reyes makes history as first filipino in The Explorers Club 50, pioneering conservation in Palawan appeared first on adobo Magazine Online.


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