Ecotourism Design & Facilities

• Module discusses Ecotourism Design, Ecotourism Facilities, and Homestay Operations.

Ecotourism Design

• Good design is essential for fully enjoying ecotourism sites.
• A well-designed ecotourism facility promotes environmental preservation, cultural sensitivity, inclusion, gender sensitivity, and safety.

Good Design Principles

• Something is well-designed if it fulfills its function efficiently and is beautiful (Rawsthron, 2008).
• A well-designed product is easy to use, technologically innovative, ethically made, and environmentally friendly.
• The last two characteristics enable guiltless enjoyment of a product.
• A good design is intuitive, long-lasting, honest, thorough, and minimalist (Wright, n.d.).
• A well-designed ecotourism facility should enable place exploration and create satisfying experiences.
• It should be ethically made, environmentally sound, compatible with a place's natural and cultural values.
• It should not destroy the natural appearance of the site or introduce themes that reduce its authenticity and indigenousness.
• Endangered species and their habitats must be protected from potential impacts and include mitigating measures.
• A well-designed ecotourism site is safe and should be situated away from hazardous areas.

Sustainable Building Design Principles

• Healthful interior environment

• Energy efficiency

• Environmental form

• Use of ecological materials

• Good design

• Materials and building systems should not emit toxic substances, and interior must be revitalized and cleaned with filtration and plantings to provide a healthful interior environment.

• Energy use must be minimized through energy-efficient cooling, heating, and lighting systems.

• Building design must suit the ecology of the site, the nature of the region, the climate, and local culture.

• Materials for construction must minimize the destruction of the global environment by having low embodied energy.

• Good design means an efficient, sustainable, and elegant relationship of function, circulation, form, mechanical systems, and construction technology.

Ecotourism Facility Design

• The design and appearance should be compatible with the landscape and local conditions.
• The overarching design philosophy should be climate-sensitive and exude a strong "sense of place," creating an authentic setting.
• A sense of place involves accentuating all the sensory elements that make it unique.
• Aspect and orientation must optimize insulation, ventilation, and heating/cooling.
• Landscape features must be reflected in design through scale, form, color, and texture.
• Facility design should not dominate landscape features.
• Use endemic, low-maintenance plant species for landscaping.
• Special care must be given to trees affected by ecotourism-related construction.
• Size should be as small as possible to maximize open spaces and lower construction costs.
• Recycling, water and energy conservation, and waste minimization should be visible and promoted.
• Existing structures, like heritage buildings, should be preserved for adaptive reuse.
• Use outdoor lighting on pathways for orientation and safety, avoiding spotlights or floodlights that create light pollution.
• Scenic views contribute value to the tourist experience as do panoramic windows; do not plant trees that will obstruct a nice view, or plant mangroves along coastlines with rock formations.
• Ecotourism operations must preserve the environment.
• Use recycled materials or those from sustainable production systems with minimal packaging.
• Waste minimization is a goal throughout an ecotourism project's life cycle.

Inclusive Design

• Make the site accessible to persons with disability (PWDs).
• PWD-friendly design must provide ample width for paths, manageable slopes, and firm surface materials.
• At least one accessible route with necessary dimensions for wheelchair access should be provided within the site's boundary.
• Ground and floor surfaces should be level, stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
• Boardwalks should be provided if the site's topography is broken or rough.
• Floating docks should be provided in places where water level rises and falls.

Tropical Design

• Heat gain minimization during daytime and heat loss maximization at night in hot seasons

• Site selection according to micro-climatic variables

• Building structure optimization with respect to thermal storage and time lag

• Control of solar radiation

• Regulating air circulation

• Temperature regulation may be done by positioning the building properly, having adequate distances from other buildings, installing shading devices, and having a green roof.

• Lessening solar absorption can be done by using light-reflective material, making walls thicker, or adding thermal insulation.

• Shallow pools can also add a cooling effect.

• Ventilation will be facilitated by making the windows small, placed high on the wall under the eave

• Align windows and doors to capture breezes and allow cross-flow breezes.

• Rain catchment cisterns and solar power could be incorporated.

• Rainwater could be pumped to water gardens and flush toilets.

Safety Considerations

• Danger zones in an ecotourism park must be clearly marked.
• Roofs must withstand 150kph winds (Calanog et al., 2012).
• An ecotourism facility should be prepared for emergency situations
• Water tanks for bush fires should be installed (Gil, 2009).
• Boardwalks and ramps must have handrails, and barriers or guards must be installed along ridges.
• Pathways must have setbacks and a minimum vertical height allowance of around 8 feet.
• Fences must be built near hazardous areas and situate facilities away from wildlife habitats.
• Animals must not be caged; they should be allowed to roam free in their natural habitat.
• Trails should be designated for biking and hiking to prevent wandering into dangerous areas.
• Single entry unisex bathrooms are preferred rather than multiple stall restrooms because they prevent attacks.
• Access doors must be clearly visible to adjoining public streets or driveways.
• Parking lots must be on level ground, and each slot must be wide enough for maneuvering.
• Parking curbs or stoppers prevent cars from overshooting.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Ecotourism facilities must apply cultural sensitivity in the provision and design of facilities.
• Signage must be multilingual and toilet facilities must accommodate cultural and religious preferences.
• There must be a combination of western and squatting-type toilets, and toilet paper, bidet, on-hand showers must be available.
• Prayer rooms should be provided if a place has a sizable number of Muslim visitors.

Considerations in Facility Siting and Construction

• Proper siting of ecotourism facilities helps preserve and enhance the aesthetic value of the site and prevents disrupting animal movements and plant growth.
• According to Calanog, Reyes and Eugenio (2012), carrying capacity, density of structures, slope vegetation, wildlife, views, natural hazards, energy and utilities, visitor circulation, conflicting uses, and tenurial arrangements must be factored in when planning ecotourism infrastructure.
• The peace and order situation in the prospective site must be considered.
• Every site has a carrying capacity, or the maximum number of visitors that it can accommodate.
• Carrying capacity is influenced by factors, such as the sensitivity of the place, the behavior of expected visitors, and the kind of ecotourism activity carried out at the site.
• There should be a balance between dispersing and concentrating structures and facilities (Calanog et al., 2016).
• Facilities can be dispersed to distribute the impact.
• Higher costs are linked with dispersed facilities due to the higher amounts roads, electricity, water, and other utilities needed.
• Concentration minimizes the footprint of buildings resulting in smaller areas cleared of vegetation.
• Buildings must be placed to take advantage of natural breezes and avoid intense sunlight.
• Lodgings and trails should be located to optimize visitor flow and contribute minimal disturbance to natural features.
• Different uses of the site must be geographically separated enough to avoid conflict with sleeping quarters.
• The reception, dining, and recreational facilities should be centrally located.

Ecotourism Site Facilities

• Facilities should be designed and constructed to preserve the natural quality of the site, promote a sense of place, evoke positive emotions, and provide uniquely satisfying experiences.
• Facilities include parking lots, blinds, observation platforms, trails, boardwalks, ecolodges, canopy walks, zip lines.

Parking Lots

• Potential tourists are more likely to come if they know that secure parking spaces are available.
• Visitors can shift to foot or bicycle travel inside the site.
• Ecotourism entities can provide bicycles for an additional fee or integrated into the entrance fee.
• Bicycles must be suitable for the bike trail on site.

Blinds and Observation Platforms

• A blind or hide conceals viewers and photographers from birds or other wildlife (Oberbillig, 2002).
• A blind may consist of platforms and observation towers that partially hide viewers.
• Observation Platform's allow visitors to view or take pictures of wildlife species that are very sensitive.
• Blinds help lessen environmental impacts.
• Observation blinds are made for birdwatches, wildlife viewers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
• Photography blinds are best utilized when:
  • Wildlife frequently and predictably uses the site.
  • There is a high interest from photographers.
  • Wildlife has to be protected from photographer disturbance.
  • There is a need to separate photographers from casual viewers.
• Observation decks or platforms are best to utilize when the elevation will provide better viewing experience and wildlife is not sensitive to the sight of humans.
• Towers may be best when visitors need protection or when a unique perspective is desired.

Trails

• A trail is a corridor, route, or pathway that has strong linkages with the natural environment, open space networks, and cultural heritage (Drew Grocke & Cahalan, 2003).
• Trails must be designed for safe and convenient access and direct foot traffic away from sensitive areas (DENR, 2009).
  • Shared-use trails or greenways have gentle grades, rounded turns, and hardened surfaces.
    • These trails accommodate many uses (biking, jogging, inline skating, dog walking, and picnicking).
  • Hiking trails are designed for foot travel, minimize impact, and have the fewest and simplest signs.
  • Horse trails are natural surface trails for equestrian use.
    • They may be either double or single track.
  • Interpretive trails interpret natural or cultural features.
    • These trails can educate users about natural features, history, or wildlife.
  • Mountain bike trails are designed for low-impact use, range from general use to challenging, and include signs indicating their level of difficulty.

Boardwalks

• These are raised platforms that facilitate movement over wetlands, mangrove swamps, rainforests, or along a beachfront on spots where the soil or surface is not suitable for walking.
• Boardwalk decking should be raised about half a meter to minimize trampling on vegetation and avoid damage to geological features (Drew et al., 2003).

Ecolodge

• An ecolodge is "a 5-75 room, low-impact, nature-based, financially sustainable accommodation facility” that has a number of key traits.
  • Helps protect sensitive neighboring areas
  • Involves and benefits local communities
  • Offers tourists an interpretive and interactive participatory experience
  • Provides spiritual communion with nature and culture
  • Planned, designed, constructed, and operated in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner (Mehta, 2007 in Erdem & Tetik, 2013)
• Ecolodges fit into the existing context rather than imposing on it” (Glenski, 2010).
• Key principles:
  • Water conservation
  • Preservation of flaura and fauna
  • Designed to be small with a small footprint
  • Interpretive programs to educate both employees and tourists (Mehta 2002, in Glenski, 2010).

Canopy Walks

• Canopy Walks or suspended walkways are a great way to learn about the ecosystem at the treetops in relative safety.
• Forest canopies are believed to host 40% of plant species and catch 25% of precipitation (Meins, 2010).
• Walking over canopy walks can be thrilling as they are designed to sway slightly.
• Canopy walks may be constructed from rope and wood; aluminum alloy, trussed suspension walkways, and adjustable cables and braces that allow trees to grow naturally.

Zip Lines

• A zip line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable that is mounted on a slope being used as a means of access in places like rainforests and thrill rides in resorts and theme parks.
• A user is able to traverse from the higher point to a lower point by gravity, in sitting, standing, or Superman position and is secured to the cable by safety harnesses.
• Some zip lines require a mini parachute to be attached to slow them down.
• Zip lines are inherently dangerous.

Philippine Guidelines for Ecotourism Facilities

• DENR defines a sign as "any letter, word, numerical or pictorial presentation, illustration, decoration, emblem, device, symbol or trademark, flag, banner or any other figure of similar character that is attached to, painted on or in any manner represented on a building or structure, used to announce, direct attention to, or advertise, and is visible to the public." Types include:
  • Administrative Sign - information on the protected area, its boundaries, and facilities.
  • Directional Sign - symbols showing the location and direction of the different facilities.
  • Interpretive Sign - message to improve the visitors' understanding and appreciation of the features of a particular area.
  • Restrictive Sign - symbols limiting activities or visitor access.

General Considerations

• Ticket booth is for the issuance of tickets/collection of identification papers for incoming protected area visitors, as well as collection of ticket stubs/return of ID papers to outgoing visitors.
• Guard station allows guards to observe incoming/outgoing visitors and must be located where the guard can control the entry and exit of everyone who enters the destination.
• Plain cottages require living rooms with a minimum of 6 square meters.
• Dormitory types with 10 to 20 beds require living rooms with a minimum of 18 square meters; a urinal, toilet bowl, lavatory, and shower; good water supply, illumination, and ventilation.
• Camping areas should be provided where there are no lodging facilities.
• Solid waste management occurs via a combination of solid waste containers, Material Recovery Facility (MRF) with compost pit for biodegradable wastes.
• Energy conservation systems and fossil fuel-powered generators are utilized.
• Utilizing passive ventilation and natural lighting (skylight) to minimize the need for air-conditioning and lighting.
• Water supply systems are available for general use, and for drinking stemming from lakes, rivers, aquifer, or rain.

Homestay Definition

• Homestays are a form of accommodation and a tourism product, can be the ideal form in places where Hotels, are not allowed, and an alternative tourism "where tourists stay with host family in the same house and experience daily life.. owned and operated by the local community” (ASEAN, 2016).
• A true homestay experience involves interaction with the local family.
• The homestay concept improves the quality of life by generating income/supporting arts and crafts, local & historic sites/nature conservation.

Homestay Accreditation Standards

• Philippine Department of Tourism accreditation standards covers requirements for homestay sites, facilities, and training.
  • Homestay sites should have prevailing peace and order; existing natural/man-made attractions; easy accessibility with existing transportation; good road condition; and other basic infrastructure.
  • Hosting community must be willing to join the National Homestay Program.
  • Lack of commercial accommodation facilities in the area to service tourists is a must.
  • Home facilities must have structures made of durable building materials, located in pleasant, healthful surroundings with adequately furnished guest rooms to accommodate paying guests.
    • Available items: extra beds, adequate lighting, running water supply, clean toilet/bathroom, reasonably priced meals, and electric fan.
    • Qualified family members completed the DOT's training workshop on Homestay Program.

Homestay - Additional Information

• Guests expect something good including food, service/hospitality, surroundings, safety/security, and hygiene standards (RSPN, 2013), so hosts should set some norms and ethical tips.
• Unique sharing of family life involves hosts allocating time for the guests to get acquainted about local culture/lifestyle, exposing them to farming/performances/sports/folktales/stories/preparing local.
• Responsibilities include making guests feel at home/proud of culture by serving traditional food and apparel, respecting their privacy, and making them feel valued.
• Maximize sales by offering toiletries/souvenirs, and tours; restrict alcoholic beverages; create souvenirs, crafts and food (dried fruits, fish, and meat); and take them to tours, birdwatching, or coastal areas (VHOM, 2013).
• Clean, hygienic/ well-maintained; rooms must be cleaned/sanitized before/after checking out; the dining area must be clean/free of rodents; buy food with confirmation, known quantity, and dining needs established; limit meals to a few dishes; use careful hygiene/ masks and hairnets to prevent unwanted contamination/illness.
• Local meals adjusted for suit culture/nationalities with attention towards preferences/health/religion; serving organic is good, and homestay operators serve traditional meals and should explain/ask if they enjoyed their meal.