ECOTOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

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1 ECOTOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

2 OUTLINE Overview of biodiversity and Philippine Biodiversity Concept of Ecotourism and Guiding Principles in Ecotourism Development Ecotourism Planning and Management Process in Protected Areas Institutional Arrangements

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4 variety and variability among living organisms from terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes in which they occur

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11 WHAT? A form of sustainable tourism WHERE? within a natural and cultural heritage area HOW? with community participation protection and management of natural resources are ensured culture and indigenous knowledge and practices are respected environmental education and ethics are observed economic benefits are provided WHY? for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors.

12 - very close to ecotourism but does not meet all the criteria of true ecotourism. Example 1: A cable car or zipline carrying visitors through the rainforest canopy may generate benefits for conservation and educate visitors... But because it represents a high degree of mechanization and consequently creates a barrier between the visitor and the natural environment, it would be inappropriate to describe it as an ecotourism initiative.

13 Example 2: Larger eco resort development would not be considered low impact if it required significant clearing of native vegetation but may contribute to conservation financially and provide conservation education.

14 GUIDELINES ON ECOTOURISM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN PROTECTED AREAS Approved on July 01, 2013 July 5, 2013 Published in Malaya Filed with the Office of the National Administrative Registry Effectivity : July 20, 2013

15 Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; Ownership by the local communities providing them business opportunities to sustain their well-being; Gender responsiveness and adherence to inclusive growth that considers women, children, indigenous peoples and informal sector activities;

16 Promotion of learning experience and conservation awareness; Responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry; and Delivery to appropriate number of participants and businesses that observe and follow ecotourism and conservation concepts, ensuring appropriate development and visitor control.

17 ECOTOURISM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROCESS (SITE ASSESSMENT) (ECOTOURISM PLANNING) (IMPLEMENTATION) (MONITORING & EVALUATION) Assessment Zoning for Visitor Use Visitor Site Plan Sustainable Infrastructure Design Visitor Management Revenue Generation Business Planning MOA w/ LGU/Private Sector SAPA PACBRMA PASU PAMB - Ecotourism Sub-Committee

18 PHASE 1: SITE ASSESSMENT Preliminary Site Evaluation (PSE) Involves answering basic questions in order to determine whether a site is appropriate for ecotourism Natural and/or cultural attractions Accessibility Security/ peace and order Management and administrative authority Funding Stakeholders involvement Biodiversity conservation thru visitation Lead: Protected Area Superintendent (DENR), with the local stakeholders

19 Full Site Assessment Is conducted to determine the possible extent of ecotourism development that can be done in at the site Natural Resources Cultural Resources Tourism Plans and Policies Protected Area Management Status Visitor Patterns, Activities, and Infrastructures

20 FULL SITE ASSESSMENT Communities Partnerships Marketing and Promotions Opportunities and Obstacles Lead: Protected Area Superintendent (DENR), with the local stakeholders

21 1. Formulation of Ecotourism Management Plan Involves formulation of the vision, goals, objectives, strategies, programs and initial identification of possible ecotourism enterprises/businesses Lead: Protected Area Superintendent (DENR), with concerned stakeholders i.e. LGUs, DOT, NEDA, POs, private sector

22 Strategies: Zoning for Visitor Use Visitor Site Plan Sustainable Infrastructure Design Visitor Management Revenue Generation Zoning -the division of the area into different zones for the purpose of distributing different types of use or non-use in the most appropriate places Visitor site planning -Visitor use should be concentrated in only a few locations of the protected area, the visitor sites, to facilitate management, and limit the impact on the natural environment.

23 Zoning for Visitor Use Visitor Site Plan Sustainable Infrastructure Design Visitor Management Revenue Generation Sustainable Infrastructure Design - Infrastructure in PAs i.e. trails, campgrounds, eco-lodges, and other support systems should blend with the surroundings. - Should be done with use of natural materials, use of renewable energy, and proper management of waste. - Ecotourism standards issued by DOT for eco-facilities and eco-lodges and DAO (Standard Designs and Specifications of Signs, Facilities and Other Infrastructure that may be Installed and/or Constructed within Protected Areas) should be followed.

24 Visitor Management Zoning for Visitor Use Visitor Site Plan Sustainable Infrastructure Design Visitor Management Revenue Generation - Reduction of area by limiting number of visitors to entire area or limiting length of stay, etc. - Modification of location of use within problem areas by discouraging camping or use, etc. - Modification of timing of use by encouraging use outside of peak periods, etc.

25 Visitor Management Zoning for Visitor Use Visitor Site Plan Sustainable Infrastructure Design Visitor Management Revenue Generation - Modification of visitor expectation by informing about appropriate uses and conditions to expect - Increasing the resistance of the resource by using fences and natural barriers and strengthening the site (tent platforms, paved trails, etc.)

26 2. Formulation of Business Plan DENR presents the ecotourism management plan (site profile, site plan, possible ecotourism products) in an investment forum and encourage private sector, POs and LGUs to submit investment proposal for the business/enterprise operation. The LGU, PO, or the private sector partnersshall prepare the business plan. The POs should be assisted/capacitated.

27 Suggested Outline of the Ecotourism Business Plan: Executive Summary - contains the highlights of the Business plan. Product or Services Description - contains the details of the services or products offered and the Mission Statement for the business. Industry Analysis - an assessment of the standards, trends and characteristics of the ecotourism industry in the area.

28 Suggested Outline of the Ecotourism Business Plan: Marketing Strategy - a description of target markets, estimation of market size, and number of visitors expected, including details of promotional and sales activities Management and Organization - an overview of business structure, including key positions and descriptions. Financial Projections - will reflect historical, current and projected financial data. Monitoring and Evaluation - will include indicators and method of monitoring.

29 Approval of the Ecotourism Management Plan & Business Plan REVIEW: Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) APPROVAL: Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)

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33 DOT/LGUs - for accreditation of tour guides

34 Progress monitoring of the Ecotourism Management Plan implementation Impact monitoring to determine the effects of ecotourism development and environmental protection in the area, and the community benefits DENR and Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) monitors the implementation of the Ecotourism Management Plan

35 Planning, Ecotourism Product Development, Marketing and Promotion Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other marketing institutions Business Planning Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), UP Institute of Small Scale Industries (ISSI), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and similar institutions Gender Mainstreaming Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and other national government agencies with GAD Focal Points/staff trained by PCW;

36 Financial Support Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), and other donor agencies. Approval of project proposals Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) upon review and recommendation of the Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) Other agencies/institutions as necessary

37 THANK YOU!!!