Davao Research Journal ISSN 2244-4432
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Davao Research Journal ISSN 2244-4432 The Official R & D Publication of Davao Oriental State College of Science & Technology Policy Brief Sustainable tourism in an ecologically critical area: Implications to Dahican and its threatened marine megafauna Lea A. JIMENEZ1, Bernadette J. NANUAL1, Diana Maria Margarita VERDOTE2, Maria Jessica June LABAJA2, Marlo Khen INABIOGAN1 France Guillian B. RAPIZ1,* 1Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, City of Mati, Davao Oriental 2Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental *[email protected] Abstract The City of Mati, Davao Oriental is one of the few places that can boast of a wide variety of natural attractions ideal for promoting eco-tourism enterprises. Dahican Beach is unique because it is the habitat of several charismatic marine megafauna, namely: dugongs, whale sharks, dolphins, and three species of nesting marine turtles. Yet, very little is known about the marine species that have made Dahican their home. In 2013, the Regional ICRM Center XI simultaneously conducted two studies in Dahican: one was the baseline study on the status of marine megafauna in Mayo Bay; and the other was a willingness-to-pay study for the feasibility of collecting environmental fees. Both projects have implications on the sustainability of these resources as well as that of future tourism endeavors. Around the same time, however, the operation of a personal watercraft (PWC) – popularly known as Jet Ski® – had been observed in Dahican. Such an activity has and will result to a number of issues including but not limited to conflict with other beach recreationists, disruption in the con- duct of RIC XI’s research, and the potentially grave threat to the survival of marine organ- isms, especially the large marine vertebrates. To elucidate to the reader the possible threats of PWCs on the marine wildlife of Dahican, a literature review is provided. Davao Res J 2015; 11: 19-29 19 Sustainable Tourism in Dahican Jimenez et al The Role of Research Discussion The Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) Center – XI Sustainable Ecotourism (RIC XI) aims to provide scientific informa- Tourism is one of the world’s biggest tion that can be used as a tool for enhancing and fastest growing industry. It is also the natural resource management. We are cog- only major service sector where developing nizant of the fact that management is countries have recorded trade surpluses with 1 founded on policy and legislative developed countries . To ensure the frameworks which, in turn, rely on accurate, long-term benefits of tourism, the industry is and rigorous information. At present, we are pursuing a more sustainable approach; that conducting two simultaneous studies in is, tourism is concerned with achieving the Dahican funded by the Foreign Assisted triple bottom line of economic viability, 1,2 Project (FASPO) of the Department of Envi- environmental integrity, and social equity . ronment and Natural Resources (DENR). Undoubtedly, tourism is a big income earner One of these studies is to gather baseline and the Philippines, in particular, is well status information on the dugongs, whale positioned to gain much from tourism con- sharks, cetaceans, and marine turtles in sidering that our country is blessed with Mayo Bay; the other study is to elicit the abundant and diverse natural resources. willingness of tourists to pay environmental Ecotourism – which is nature-based tourism 3 fees for the conservation of the marine that supports environmental conservation – resources. Clearly, both projects have specifically is one product niche that we can implications on the sustainability of these and should proactively pursue. resources as well as that of future tourism The beach of Dahican is a particularly endeavors. rare jewel because of its sugary, white sand and the surfer waves during amihan season Admittedly, the role of RIC XI is have secured Mati City’s place in the tipped more towards natural resource ecotourism map. Dahican Beach is so conservation and management than towards uniquely positioned to make the most of the identifying tourism potential but they are, in opportunity: very rarely is a small area being fact, complementary. The baseline study we the habitat of not just one but several are conducting is primarily a recognition of charismatic marine megafauna – dugongs, the importance of the above-mentioned whale sharks, dolphins, and three species of marine species. Their importance is detailed nesting marine turtles. Yet, very little is in the attached literature review but on the known about the marine species that Da- whole – being top predators of the hican hosts. Perhaps, this is why Dahican ecosystem – they are indicators of the has not been promoted for its full potential? overall health of the marine environment. The place is popular enough through word- They ensure a well-balanced ecological of-mouth. In fact, Dahican may be Mati’s interaction, ensuring that the products and most well-known (and well-loved) destina- services upon which the human population tion, especially among outsiders seeking the heavily depends will be maintained. Hence, tranquility and unique experience this idyllic these species need to be conserved and place can offer. protected for their own value, making the conservation of Dahican imperative. 20 Davao Res J 2015; 11: 19-29 Sustainable Tourism in Dahican Jimenez et al It may be recalled that several dugongs cannot be allowed to launch without the died 2 years ago from accidental gill net appropriate policy guidelines to steer it in the entrapments in Dahican, provoking public right course. In areas such as Dahican, the outcry that reached national level agencies. very first step in maintaining coastal The prevalent concern was securing what integrity is to minimize disturbance, could be one of the last few havens of especially as dugongs, cetaceans, whale dugongs in the Philippines. Various groups sharks and turtles are all vulnerable to noise, brought up the call for a more permanent crowding and traffic. protection of the Dahican area and safeguard Lately, the operation of a personal the threatened biodiversity that has made it watercraft – popularly known by the their home. The benefit of such a protection Kawasaki trademark of Jet Skis® – had been is two-fold: (1) it will assure the conserva- observed in Dahican. The reason for our tion of species and improve fisheries; and concern is two-fold: (1) the PWC pose an (2) enhance eco-tourism value. immediate threat as it was reportedly operated near the shoreline frequented by Tourism and Conservation: Harmony or other non-motorized water-based tourists, Conflict? posing potential safety risk; and (2) the con- It is thereby encouraging to note that tinuous operation of PWC in the area further the local government has taken a step threatens the marine organisms that we – towards this direction with the signing of from the Local Government Units (LGU), Resolution No. 275 Series of 2011, “A academe and to the community – are trying Resolution Declaring the Eastern Part of to conserve in Dahican. The former is Mayo Bay Going to Dahican Stretch vis-à- apparent and requires no greater elaboration vis to Bobon and Lawigan as Environmen- while the latter is less appreciated, thus, the tally Critical Areas” in recognition of its subject of the succeeding literature review. being a habitat to threatened marine wildlife The PWCs are very different from and for its ecotourism potentials. other motorized crafts operated in the area However, this is but a first step. The because of their speed (from zero to 50 kph resolution needs to be reinforced by legis- in a few seconds), maneuverability4, and lated guidelines on how to ensure the long stopping speed of 80 to 150m5. Large “protection, preservation, conservation and marine vertebrates and turtles are known to management of natural resources” in this evade boats because of the latter’s relatively environmentally critical area. Without direct course, slow movement, and inability which, Dahican will remain vulnerable to to enter shallow waters. PWCs, on the other unscrupulous economic pursuits and unregu- hand, have a high potential of harming the lated shoreline activities that in no way pro- animals, obstructing natural route and subse- mote sustainable tourism development. quently causing them to seek other less dis- It needs to be pointed out that tourism turbed areas but maybe with less food. itself can be detrimental to the environment. Moreover, the high possibility of a vessel For one, infrastructures and facilities strike raises ethical issues on animal welfare. constructed to cater tourism cause pollution The US National Park Service proposed a and habitat alteration; for another, an influx ban against the use of PWCs in national of imprudent tourists to a small natural area parks due to the grave danger to aquatic can cause undue stress a fragile ecosystem. wildlife and vegetation.4 These underscore the fact that ecotourism Davao Res J 2015; 11: 19-29 21 Sustainable Tourism in Dahican Jimenez et al In order to make a complete, albeit the sound of the Jet Ski® or by creating concise situation of these animals, a short wave disturbance in the seawater. Unlike description regarding their importance and fishing boats that pass through in the area Jet the threats to their survival is provided. Skis® can likely cause major disruptions in Towards the end of this advocacy paper, a dugong’s communication as they just stay in few recommendations are also outlined. the same area going back and forth. The disruption in seawater may also affect the Vulnerability of Dugongs to Personal delay in hearing the coming vessel so that Watercrafts they may have not enough time to dock Dugong (Scientific Name: Dugong underwater, and thus, their collision to the dugon; Local Name: dugong or sea cow) has vessel. been documented as a regular visitor in the The disturbance created by PWC can coastal waters of Dahican.