DENR, DOT unite for ecotourism site development in 6 LGUs KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region has recently partnered with the Department of Tourism for the development of ecotourism sites in identified areas in the region. The collaboration, which aims to conserve and sustain natural resources in protected areas while providing livelihood and income to concerned communities, has recently identified six local government units in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani for the National Tourism Development Program (NTDP). A statement from the Regional Public Affairs Office of DENR 12 said that product development is ongoing for proposed ecotourism sites in Kidapawan City, Magpet and Alamada in North Cotabato; Glan and Maitum in Sarangani Province; and Tupi in South Cotabato. Bidding is also underway for the construction of information and visitor centers in Magpet, Glan, and Maasim. Hadja Didaw Piang-Brahim, regional technical director for Protected Areas and Wildlife Service said DENR’s role in the protection of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity through ecotourism is highlighted in the NTDP. “The NTDP would pave the way for the institutionalization of ecotourism planning and management process in protected area management and promote advocacy on the concept and principles of ecotourism,” Piang-Brahim explained. Protected areas considered for ecotourism can be terrestrial, coastal, marine and wetland areas, including caves, she added. Attainment of such shall be dependent on various factors including community participation, ensuring protection and management of natural resources, respect of culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, observance of environmental education and ethics, and provision of economic benefits for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors. She said, integral to ecotourism development is the provision of business opportunities as part of the nation’s socio-economic development efforts to improve the life of local communities. NTDP also highlights the role of women in nation building entitling them equal opportunities and access to resources and development results and outcomes. Moreover, the program seeks the promotion of learning experience and conservation awareness; responsible action on the part of tourists and industry; and delivery to appropriate number of participants and businesses that observe and follow ecotourism and conservation concepts, ensuring appropriate development and visitor control. She explained further that entire process begins with identification of possible sites and assessing the extent of development that can be done in protected areas. Formulation of ecotourism management plan comes after the vision, goals, objectives, programs and possible ecotourism enterprises are identified. The Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) then prepares the ecotourism management plan along with other concerned agencies and a business plan is formulated in partnership with the local government unit or private sector. Management and business plans are then submitted for review by the Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC), currently headed by DOT 12 regional director Nelly Nita Dillera, before it is finally approved by the multi-sectoral Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from MPDomingo/ MCLocsin-DENR 12) - See more at: news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1611404876038#sthash.tx3lk9hC.dpuf
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 05:19:39 +0000
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