IMPROVED AND SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM FOR BPLS

During the Board Meeting held on May 27 this year, Regional Executive Director and PAMB Chairperson Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has emphasized to review the BPLS Ecotourism Management Plan focusing on the development activities that are related to the conservation and protection of natural resources.

 

“The ecotourism plan activities should be anchored in the master plan of the BPLS in order to align with the different guidelines and policies mandated by our Department. This will ensure that our environment and natural resources will not be abused and threatened,” said Director Bambalan.

 

The Board has agreed to strengthen the environmental conservation efforts for the BPLS as the whole areas in the province is declared as protected area (PA). It discussed about the role of the DENR, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations and other Board members on the continued conduct of water quality monitoring, and the enhancement of watershed and cave management. Resolution on issues such as land conversion and classification; carrying capacity; and prohibition of activities within the natural park were also tackled.

 

The ecoutourism plan for implementation within the PA is in accordance with DENR Administrative Order No. 19 s. 2013 or the "Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management in Protected Areas".

 

“Not all developmental activities can be implemented in a protected area for we are governed with various policies and regulations. We should focus our ecotourism plan into how we can possibly generate income in a well utilized and regulated manner highlighting the ultimate protection of the watersheds and biological diversities,” RED Bambalan added.

 

The representatives of the provincial government, and municipal LGUs of Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan and Basco; and other PAMB members pledged their commitment to provide technical assistance in finalizing the ecotourism plan for the BPLS.

 

The PAMB has also discussed for its approval and adoption the proposed new trail project at the Mount Iraya; applications for tree cutting permit; business plan for Diura and Chavayan Village tour and trekking; and Omnibus Resolution for tree cutting permit applications and endorsement of infrastructure projects established within the PA.

 

Assistant Regional Executive Director Marcos Dacanay, PENR Officer Victoria Baliuag, and Conservation and Development Division Chief Enrique Pasion who also gave inputs in the agenda discussed, and other officials of DENR and LGUs joined the meeting.#