MODULE 5: Ecotourism in the Philippines PDF

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODULE 5: ECOTOUR...

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODULE 5: ECOTOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES The Philippine archipelago of 7,107 islands offers diverse tourism activities and relaxation destinations for both local and international tourists. This developing country's ecotourism projects help in sustaining and protecting its natural resources, historical attractions, and cultural heritage sites. With its tropical climate perfect for outdoor activities all year round, the Philippines is known as a top tourist attraction with many countless coastlines featuring thousands of natural coves and beaches. Its natural attractions provide a competitive advantage for its ecotourism projects. History of Ecotourism in the Philippines In 1991, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborated with various government agencies and private organizations in the Philippines to make the country a bastion of ecotourism. It wasn't until 1999, however, that an executive order was passed to structure its development. The Department of Tourism (DOT) led the preparation of the Philippine Tourism Master Plan which aims to position the country as a world-class tourism destination. In 1992, the National Tourism Congress promoted the theme "ecotourism" with the guiding principle of sustainable tourism development. The plan culminated through a technical workshop to develop a framework on how ecotourism projects in the Philippines can be best realized. Nature and Ecotourism Sites Nature and ecotourism sites form a significant component of tourism in most of the destinations within the Central Philippines. There is a wide range of nature. Rote in dude dolphin watching, bird watching and mangrove tours. In the development of nature products, ecotourism principles are being consciously applied. The National Ecotourism Strategy formulated by the DOT and DENR has given impetusto the development of various community-based ecotourism produces values and ecotourism sites assisted by LGUs, NGOs and the DOT/DENR include the Olango Bird watching tour in Cebu, the Cambuhat River Cruise and the Pamilakan Island Dolphin Watching (Marine Life) tour in Bohol. National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC) In 1999, President Fidel Ramos proclaimed the Executive Order 111, which states: "The State shall develop and promote sustainable tourism while enjoining the participation of the Filipino people in enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine economy; and The State shall ensure the sustainable use, development, management, protection and conservation of the country's environment and natural resources and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of the present and future generations." This formally established the organizational structure of ecotourism in the Philippines. It also led to the creation of the National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC). Collaborating Organizations With Executive Order 111, the collaboration among the many branches of the government, along with the participation of the private sector and various non-government organizations, became the backbone of ecotourism in the Philippines. The government agencies including the Department of Tourism (DOT),  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led these primary collaborations. Ecotourism Development in the Philippines New ecological tourism (ecotourism) sites have been established by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau Management Project (ICRMP). of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Integrated Coastal Resource. Ecotourism under DENR-ICRMP, funded by Global Environment Facility, the largest funder of projects to improve global environment, and the Asian Development Bank, seeks to strengthen the conservation of natural assets of a community and promote responsible travel within natural and cultural heritage areas to conserve the environment, manage indigenous knowledge and practices, upgrade the welfare of local peoples and communities, and promote educational and life-changing experiences. The Philippine government supports its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in strengthening the region's capacity for ecotourism development and biodiversity conservation. DENR New Ecotourism Rules for Protected Areas The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently approved guidelines on ecotourism development for protected areas in a bid to support conservation efforts and sustainable use of natural resources. DENR on August 6, 2013, issued Department Administrative Order No. 2013-19 which covers the various phases in the ecotourism planning and management process, including site assessment that will determine whether ecotourism management is the right strategy for a particular protected area. The Success of the National Ecotourism Strategy The National Ecotourism Strategy outlines the spreading of wealth between ecotourism The Nation parts of the country and impoverished rural areas, tip economical historical and cultural sites, the promotion of environmental and conservation awareness, the implementation of educational programs and more conservation the strategy led to several achievements in Philippine tourism. The succeed important market segments in the development of nationwide ecotourism projects. International Ecotourism Standards The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as " responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." While there is no singular set of international ecotourism standards, most organizations agree on several guidelines. First, Do No Harm Ecotourism should minimize any potentially negative impact on the environment, culture, and people. This concern includes avoiding overtaxing an area's resources and supplies.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] Conservation Both national and native heritages should be conserved and respected, as well as the natural resources. Education Tourism that provides hands-on educational opportunities is preferred These opportunities can include active and meaningful involvement with the community, outdoor activities that immerse the traveler in natural settings, and bird or wildlife watching. Profits Ideally, profits from ecotourism will go towards environmental conservation 72 and sustainable development in the area. The Impact of Ecotourism Ecotourism is defined as traveling to a place and having as little impact on the environment as possible. It is often contrasted with "regular" tourism. Community Benefits People living closest to ecotourism destinations are directly affected by conservation or the lack thereof. Ecotourism can bring in much needed income and education to local and indigenous people. Developments One of the main impacts on the environment are new developments (hotels, beach resorts, etc.) According to The Nature Conservancy, "careful planning and management of tourism impacts are needed." More attention to how much impact these hotels and resorts have on the environment is now taken into consideration. Forest Conservation According to the article, "Ecotourism and its Impact on Forest Conservation, " ecotourism can be effective: forest conservation can increase greatly when ecotourism and research are paired. Product Development The Central Philippines possesses a wealth of ecological and cultural attractions including pristine white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, volcanoes, forests and wetlands and heritage sites. These natural resources support a range of tourism products and facilities to include national parks, ecotourism sites, beach resorts, scuba diving, golf courses, trekking, and festivals. National Parks Visits to national parks are important elements of the Central Philippines tourism product.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] Variants of Ecotourism What are the types of nature-based activities categorized as ecotourism? Nature Based Tourism - Travel is geared towards the experience and appreciation of nature. Accommodation/lodging facilities are in the site Examples: caving, hiking, camping, mountaineering. Heritage Tourism - Appreciation and understanding of history. Its purpose is to commemorate a historical past/ event or visit to cultural sites. Agricultural Tourism (Agri-Tourism) - Involves handing, specialized orchards, pasturelands, and integrated farming. Wildlife Tourism - Visit to wildlife sanctuaries or areas. Example: African Safari Adventure Tourism - A very active form of tourism Example: rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving Indigenous Tourism - Visits to areas occupied by indigenous communities in anger traditional life ways and culture of a host community. This type may erode indigenous cultural, social, and economic systems due frequent interaction with outsiders. Example: visit to the Dumagats of Palanan, Isabela along the coastal areas. Ecotourism Strategy Ecotourism emphasizes environmental responsibility and support by tourists of local cultures and economies, according to the International Ecotourism Society. Proper trip planning and strategies enable tourists to take part in this international movement. Trip Planning Ecotourism begins with smart trip planning. Ecotourists should choose their transportation involving as little air travel as possible, for instance, to reduce contribution to greenhouse gas production. They should also research their destination's economic and environmental challenges in advance. Local Activities Once they reach their destination, ecotourists should buy local goods and services wherever possible, except for items made from endangered animals. They should also pay any fee that help local conservation efforts and follow all guidelines for protecting local sites and their ecosystems. Significance Ecotourism strategies affect global tourism, one of the most significant industries worldwide. Among developing nations, tourism represents a critical source of foreign investment for 83 percent, and many poorer countries rely on it as their principal source of income, according to the International Ecotourism Society.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] Benefits of Ecotourism Ecotourism is defined by the International Ecotourism Society as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserve the environment and improve the welfare of the local people. " Another definition, provided by Ecotourism Australia, is "Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. " Simply put, tourism helps the environment and helps the local community. International Ecotourism Society The International Ecotourism Society claims that their mission is as follows; "Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry; educating tourists and tourism professionals; and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies. " They offer information on ecotourism ranging from educational material to vacation suggestions. They also provide information on ecotourism events and conferences. Sustainable Sustainable tourism is enjoying an area the way that nature intended it. Animals must not be disturbed, therefore hunting and fishing are not considered sustainable. The area must be left the way that it was found for the next group to enjoy. Environment Issues and Concern: It's Effect to Community and Tourism DENR Interventions PD 705 - Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines PD 1586-Establishing the environmental Impact Statement System, Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures and for Other Purposes PA 7586 _ National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 RA 7947 - Philippine Mining Act  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] DENR Interventions RA 8371 - Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997 RA 8749 - Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 RA 0147 -Protection Act Wildlife Resources Conservation RA 9003 Ecological Solid Management Act of 2000 Waste RA 9175 - Chain Saw Act of 2002 RA 9275 - Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 Status of Philippine Biodiversity The Philippines is considered a mega-diverse country. The country hosts more than 52,177 described species of which more than half is found nowhere else in the world. On a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than another country on the planet. The country is also considered a biodiversity hotspot. Alarming rate of destruction of these important resources brought about by overexploitation, deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and pollution (including biological pollution), among others. Once famous for... lush forests, today the Philippines is known as an example of the deep costs of ecological decline. The rapid harvest of the once-abundant resources has brought environmental changes: droughts, deadly flash floods, and the collapse of vital fisheries. 1521: 27 million has. (90%) tropical rainforest 2003: 7.17 m has. Total forest area (23.9%). Total land area: 30 million hectares, 52% is forest land. Other Relevant Related Information Certification Australia -is the first country to offer ecotourism certification, through the International Ecotourism Society of Australia. It's possible that other countries will follow suit in the future and offer certification programs with guiding principles of their own. Costa Rica -This country was one of the first to delve into the ecotourism market, and as of 2009 has 161 protected areas. According to travelcostarica. nu, ecotourism contributed to Costa Rica's interest in preserving its biodiversity. Negative Impact Overcrowding has been an issue in the Galapagos Islands and Tibet (where there are more tourists than actual Tibetans). Also, viewing wildlife excessively can disturb feeding and breeding practices.