Ecotourism Concept and Management

• The module focuses on the Ecotourism Concept and Management Process.
• Ecotourism is gaining traction as an alternative to mass tourism since the 1980s.
• Initially, ecotourism was closely associated with ecologically sustainable tourism.
• The Philippine Department of Tourism broadened the definition to include cultural resources.
• Ecotourism is a strategy for sustainable development in the Philippines.
• Ecotourism fosters conservation, economic development through partnerships, equity of socio-economic benefits, and community participation.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the benefits and costs of ecotourism.
• Classify ecotourism using different systems.
• Differentiate ecotourism from other forms of tourism.
• Discuss the phases of ecotourism management.

Rationale for Ecotourism Development

• Ecotourism development is driven by both supply and demand.
• Many places offer significant natural and cultural assets.
• The Philippines is well-suited for ecotourism due to its natural and cultural assets, including being a "megadiversity" hotspot.
• The Philippines have several hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, with 67% being unique to the country.
• Notable ecotourism sites in the Philippines: Cordillera Rice Terraces, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Agusan Marsh, Mayon Volcano, Bohol, Donsol, and Olango Islands.
• Ecotourism balances economic objectives with resource preservation to avoid overexploitation.
• It offers a non-extractive income source for communities in protected areas, while potentially improving their livelihoods.

Benefits and Costs of Ecotourism

• Ecotourism offers revenue generation, local employment, environmental conservation, environmental awareness, appreciation of local culture, and opportunities for involvement.
• Revenues come from entrance fees, user fees, rentals, and tourism donations.
• Ecotourism can lead to environmental degradation, inflation, crowding, conflicts, and cultural loss if implemented poorly.
• Excessive tourism can disturb wildlife, damage sites, and cause pollution.
• Uncontrolled access to sensitive areas can cause damage and conflicts with locals.
• JICA recommendations include skills development, indigenous knowledge protection, cultural celebration support, residents' appreciation of their area, local empowerment, tourist involvement opportunities, and sound business management.

Definitions of Ecotourism

• There is no universally accepted definition of ecotourism, with at least 85 definitions estimated.
• Common elements of ecotourism include travel to natural areas, education as a motivator, conservation, and local well-being.
• Ceballos-Lascurain (1983) defines ecotourism as tourism involving travel to undisturbed natural areas for study, admiration, and enjoyment of scenery, plants, animals, and cultural aspects.
• The Philippine National Ecotourism Strategy (2002) defines ecotourism as a sustainable tourism form that fosters community involvement, natural resource protection, environmental education, and economic benefits.

Classification of Ecotourism

• Alampay and Libosada (2003) reviewed various classification systems, including "shallow-deep continuum" and "hard-soft continuum”.
• Hard ecotourism is physically active, environmentally committed involves specialized trips, and requires minimal service.
• Soft ecotourism is physically passive, moderately environmentally committed, involves multipurpose short trips, and expects services.
• A classification of ecotourism consisting of four quadrants combined Weaver's hard-soft categorization with their own dimension of visitor volume: larger scale active ecotourism, smaller scale active ecotourism, larger scale passive ecotourism and smaller scale passive ecotourism.

Principles of Ecotourism

• Minimal impacts.
• Environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Positive experiences.
• Direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Financial benefits for local people and private industry.
• Memorable interpretative experiences.
• Low-impact facilities.
• Recognition for Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Support for human rights and democratic movements.
• Organized small groups via specialized tour operators.
• Generation of alternative income and employment.
• Promotion of well-being and community development.
• Interpretation.
• Education.
• Community participation in management.
• Ethics.
• Responsibility.
• Sustainability.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Inclusion of local and Indigenous Peoples.
• Gender equality.
• Equity of benefits among stakeholders
• Consideration of indigenous people.

Terms Related to Ecotourism

• Ecotourism = sub-component of sustainable tourism.

• Sustainable tourism extends beyond ecotourism.

• Urban sustainable tourism can be viable if managed well.

• "Eco-labeled” products are not inherently sustainable

• Operators could misrepresent practices.

• Responsible travel = "treating others the way they wish to be treated."

• Responsible travel = respect for nature/culture.

• Responsibility not limited to ecotourists.

• Natural area = unique scenic, historic, geologic, or ecological value zone w/ natural processes.

• Natural area = provide locations for observation/protection, and beauty

• Cultural tourism celebrates heritage discoveries.

• Cultural tourism example = artisans showing traditional tapestry with dress.

• Cultural tourism excludes nature, wildlife, and geologic.

• Green tourism focuses on eco-friendly operations/infrastructure.

• Green tourism example = rainforest lodge with composting toilets.

• Green tourism difference is central ecolodge control regardless conservation/destination goals

• Adventure tourism = element of risk.

• Extreme adventure = rock wall climbing/underwater cave diving.

• Ecotourism not extremely risky.

• Soft ecotourists = mangrove tour

• Hard ecotourists = risk minimized.

Ecotourism as a Business

• Ecotourism entails long-term goals, strategies, and optimal choices.
• Business planning covers marketing, operation, and environmental management.

Phases of Ecotourism Management

• Assessment phase (preliminary and full site evaluation)

• Planning phase (ecotourism management & business plans)

• Implementation phase (management & business plan implementation)

• Monitoring and evaluation

• Protected Area (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (RA 7586 of 1992)) uniquely “managed”.

• Management enhances biodiversity and protection

• Protected areas classification = strict nature, natural park, natural monument, (4) wildlife sanctuary, landscapes/seascapes, resource reserve, biotic areas - catagories via the law.

• Strict protection zones = scientific studies/Indigenous use.

• Multiple use zones = prescribed activities.

• Sustainable use zones = habitat/conservation via plans.

• Restoration zones = area-zoning/stricter protection.

• Habitat management zones = habitat maintenance.

• Special use zones = special uses upon agreement.

• Cultural zones = cultural values/rites.

• Recreational zones = education and tourism values.

• Buffer zones = adjacent area for prevention.

• The assessment = DENR (local people and Supervisor leader).

• Site evaluation = potential site evaluation via criteria.

Full Site Assessment Criteria

• Access factors = distance from town, travel time, modes/transfers count.

• Zoning criteria = setbacks, buffers, built-up zones - concentrated impacts via built-up area designation.

• Development limits = building height, man-made structures, lines-of-sight, distances/habitats considered.

• Ecotourism products = resources/development via visitor areas.

• Evaluated facilities = centers, boardwalks, lines, toilets, signs

• Additional activities = trekking, tours, camping, fishing, viewing, service provisions.

• Assessment inputs = ecotourism Plan (crafting stage).

• Assessment activity can be access in your course google classroom named Module1-L2A

• Ecotourism Management Plan = (DENR proceeds), refers to area plan/staffing.

• Management planning = stakeholders include the local community.

Plan should contain

• Physical profile
• Location
• Climate
• Geological
• Demography
• Infrastructure
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Tourism Profile = resource base via events by segment and government efforts
• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Security
• HR and impacts (environment/institutional)
• Goals

Plans include Site, Business needs and opportunities Capacity, Marketing Efforts Monitoring. Business plans are formed and submitted to Regional Committee, and then the PAMB. The contents of an ecotourism business plan are:

• Executive Summary

• Product or Service Description

• Ecotourism Industry Analysis

• Marketing Strategy

• Financial Projections

• Monitoring and Evaluation

• Implementation: DENR using PASu works with activities.

• Business plans implemented by community and investors (Use Agreement)

• SAPA (order 2007-17) provides regulations, binding the DENR as the first part and people as a party for tenure.

• Protected area SAPA requires Environmental Certificate and approval.

• Along with sites/camps are communication, transmission and aqua farming projects - SAPA lasts for 25 years.