Apo Islands Philippines Marine Sanctuary

Apo is a small island in the Philippines off of the town of Dumaguete on the larger Negros Island. 50 years ago the coral reef at Apo was destroyed by fishermen using dynamite and bleach. The island was later purchased and became a marine sanctuary and now the corals and marine life have returned making an amazing dive site and resort. Half of the island is protected from fishing and now has huge schools of fish and stunning corals while the other half is fished in a sustainable way by the local community making a living that supports two new schools and over 400 families. Apo Island is a true success story that can show the world how proper management of a coral reef can produce a sustainable food source and economy for locals and a thriving dive resort for visitors.