Apayao, known as the "Last Frontier of Cordillera," has been declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Biosphere Reserve.

The declaration happened during the 36th session of the International Coordination Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme held in July 2024 in Agadir, Morocco.

This makes Apayao the fourth area in the Philippines to receive this designation after Palawan, Albay, and Puerto Galera.

"Masaya po dahil kinikilala ang mga natatanging mga likas yaman ng aming probinsiya," Marcelo Menor, Supervising Environmental Specialist at the Provincial Governor's Office in Apayao, said.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a designated area that serves as a model for sustainable development, where harmony between nature and the people living in the area is promoted.

The local government started their bid for this recognition in 2018 after discovering the first active nest of the Philippine eagle in the forests of Luzon, according to a report by 24 Oras.

They are now coordinating with the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).

With this designation, parts of Apayao are now protected for biodiversity conservation.

"Upang mapanatili ang kalikasan ng Apayao, [tayo'y dapat] magpatupad ng mas mahigipit ng regulasyon para sa pangangalaga ng likas na yaman sa aming probinsiya," Menor said.