By: Jonathan Dayaon
Donsol, the Whale Shark Capital of the World, in its successful launched of the community based ecotourism project through the effort of the local Government Unit, Non-governmental organization and the Donsoleñous becomes the 2007 subject of Summer Field Research by the Department of Peace Studies. The study aimed to examine the impact of this ecotourism on the significant stakeholders and the community itself, and its implication for sustainability and human security. The study is an integral part of Peace Studies program since peace is perceived as ecological harmony. “That lays the foundation and strength to build a just and humane society as envisioned by the constitution”.
Along the coastal Barangays of the said Municipality, last May 7-11, 2007, the incoming senior class conducted the study under Research 2 subject of Dr. Herbert B. Rosana. Donsol is located at the province of Sorsogon & is very accessible with more or less one hour ride from the Bicol University Daraga Campus. The residents from the coastal Barangay were relying mostly their major income in fishing and with seasonal basis, they were benefited by the tourism industry. Under the principle of Ecotourism, the local community should be the one to implement the project and at the same time standing to be benefited from their activity. During the Butanding (Whale Shark) season, various fishermen converted themselves as a Tour Guide or they called themselves as Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) as they undertake the Butanding Interaction Activity highly recommended by the Department of Tourism at the local Municipality of Donsol. There are these boat owners which basically used their boats for Butanding interaction even founded the Boat Operators Association (BOA). Aside from all of that, those great beneficiaries of the Ecoutorism Program are the Business Entrepreneurs, The Resort Owners and the Souvenir Vendors.
There are lots of efforts undertaken by the local Government Unit of Donsol, the Church and the World Wide Fund (WWF) a non- governmental groups in conserving and preserving the natural habitat all throughout the world. Although to some extent, opinions of stakeholders demand for more comprehensive plans and implementation of conservation projects. In summation, the pursuance of the conservation & the preservation of these rich natural resources of Donsol is one way of assuring the people for the elimination of treats with regard to the determination of environment and aquatic life. Many individuals and groups believe that the ecotourism brought a positive impact to their lives, and resulted to more infrastructure developmental projects and the elevated lifestyle Standards of people.
Because of the dedication and hard work done by each group, the Social and Economic Impact of the Ecotourism in Donsol were determined from the perspective of the different stakeholders through observations and interviews as well as experiencing of the researchers as a tourists during the Field Exposure. We also tried to generate policy implication that would help promote sustainability of ecotourism and human security of Donsoleñous, thereby improving the quality of life of the community & preserving the environment. As we, the researchers presented the finings, conclusion and recommendation before the energetic and equally hardworking Faculty of BAPS last May 24, 2007.
So, for us guys! Let’s keep it up…….and Good Luck Batch ’08…☺
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