Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework in Marine Protected Area Management: A Comparative Document Analysis of Tubbataha and Apo Reefs Natural Parks ^†

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP), included on UNESCO’s tentative list, are two of the Philippines’ most vital marine protected areas (MPAs). They are recognized globally for their exceptional biodiversity and conservation significance. Despite their ecological importance, they face persistent threats from climate change, illegal fishing, and marine extraction activities. These complex challenges need a comprehensive management approach, making the integration of an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework into TRNP and ARNP’s public reporting crucial.

In the context of MPAs, ESG reporting extends beyond ecological goals. It enables holistic and transparent management to secure funding, improve climate resilience, and ensure effective governance. However, studies have shown that traditional ESG frameworks lack biodiversity integration and remain human-centered, failing to prioritize ecological protection. This study addresses these gaps. It begins by identifying potential implicit ESG concepts already present in TRNP and ARNP’s public reports. It then uses this evidence to conceptualize a tailored ESG framework that addresses both parks’ unique financial, ecological, and governance needs.

Through an interpretive qualitative cross-case document analysis study of the parks’ public documents—including recently published annual reports, management plans, communication plans, and contingency plans—this study was coded for environmental, social, and governance themes. The study identified existing but implicit ESG concepts, such as biodiversity assessments (Environmental), stakeholder engagement (Social), and legal enforcement (Governance).

While both parks prioritize ecological resilience, their management strategies differ based on unique strengths and weaknesses. TRNP exhibits strong governance and tourism-based financing but faces climate risks and logistical challenges due to its remote location. In contrast, ARNP excels in community-centric management but has limited capacity to adapt to environmental pressures. An emergent theme highlights the parks’ strategic evolution from managing the immediate crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic to pursuing long-term ecological and financial resilience. This change is evident in their communication methods: ARNP focuses on grassroots engagement with the local community while TRNP employs digital outreach to connect to the international audience.

Adopting a tailored and biodiversity-centric ESG framework is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of TRNP and ARNP. This framework, informed by lessons in resilience learned since the COVID-19 pandemic, enables TRNP to formalize its climate adaptation strategy and ARNP to leverage community partnerships to enhance adaptive capacity. This approach strengthens governance and effectively balances conservation goals with the principles of sustainable use.