Ecotourism to boost Philippine economy

Ecotourism, an industry of environment-friendly and nature-based activities, is becoming a major income earner for the Philippines. It has all the potentials to help boost the economy, especially nowadays when more and more people come to appreciate, study, and enjoy nature and its accompanying socio-cultural features.

The Philippines is naturally endowed with a rich diversity of ecotourism sites, including forests, mountains, volcanoes, tribal villages, wetlands, rivers, caves and coastal areas, making the Philippines potentially one of the world’s best ecotourism sites.

As a major segment of the tourism industry, ecotourism has contributed largely to the sustained vibrancy of the industry over the years. This comes as a result of the country’s suitability to some of the most favorite recreations like sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, mountain trekking, rock climbing, canopy walking, bird watching, spelunking (exploring caves), scuba diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.

In 2002 alone, tourism accounted for 8.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and generated about five million jobs. It also accounted for almost two million international tourist arrivals amounting to US$ 1.7 billion. Not only does it bring the country’s tourist attractions to the world but it also supports related industries and services, such as food, entertainment, hotel, transport, and other services, providing employment and other economic opportunities.

According to the Strategic Plan for Ecotourism 2005-2020 prepared by PCARRD and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), sustaining ecotourism requires strong coordination and linkage among government and private sectors especially on product development and marketing.

A plus factor to boost ecotourism is that necessary policies are already in place. Its institutional structure extends down to the barangay level and many private individuals and organizations are already engaged in various ecotourism activities.

Science and technology (S&T) interventions spearheaded by PCARRD amounting to PhP 50.0 million are currently implemented to further develop ecotourism. Among the major plans is the rehabilitation of existing ecotourism areas to sustain their unique appeal to tourists.

Similarly, measures will be done to ensure the sustainability of existing ecotourism sites in view of the potential environmental costs of bringing more people into these sites. New ecotourism sites that offer unique experience to adventurous tourists are being identified and developed taking into full consideration the sites’ carrying capacity. (Ma. Rowena M. Baltazar, S&T Media Service)