Olango Island is a diverse coastal ecosystem consisting
of extensive coralline sandflats, mangroves, seagrass beds, and offshore coral reefs. The
island is virtually flat, and it is surrounded by warm seas and partly sheltered from monsoons
and strong trade winds.
The island is used by millions of shorebirds as a resting
place enroute from Siberia and northern Japan to Southeast Asia and Australia. These migratory
birds come to this waterfowl haven to escape the fierce winters in northern Asia. Each year,
Olango sees nearly a hundred different species of birds, a number of which are migratory. Among
the frequent guests are Chinese egrets, Asiatic dowitchers, Eastern curlews, plovers, and
sandpipers.
The island's mangroves are most extensive in the Cebu
province, and its offshore corals are home to scores of various marine species.
Also sharing with them the sunshine and mild climate of
the island are the human residents of ten barangays. Mainly farmers and fishermen, the
community has been active in their involvement in the conservation program of the government
and the management of the island.
The unique biodiversity of life on and around Olango has
made it one of the best known of the wetlands recognized by the Ramsar List of Wetlands of
International Importance. |
