The Site located on Siargao Island is a complex of shallow marine waters, sandy shores, intertidal flats and mangroves. The mangroves within the Site span 4,871 hectares, forming the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the Philippines. They facilitate a connection between the intertidal flats and upland forests, enabling birds that rely on both these habitats to move between them. Of the 245 animal species present in the Site, 20% are endemic to the Philippines, including the vulnerable Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) and Southern rufous hornbill (Buceros mindanensis). The Site also hosts three threatened turtle species. Over 900 residents and thousands of visitors benefit from fishing, aquaculture, recreation and tourism opportunities and the protection provided by the Site against natural hazards. Local communities in Del Carmen celebrate mangroves and raise funds for their restoration through annual events including the Bakhaw (Mangrove) Festival and the Siargao International Marathon.