TPC110_ACT3_3BSTM6A Tan, Joy Anne T.
Tan. Joy Anne T.ย
3BSTM6Aย
PM-18-04501-Aย
What are the efforts that have been made by the PH government which showcased/practiced Sustainable Tourism Development?ย
There are various programs and campaigns to advertise the Sustainable Tourism The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced towards the weekend that plans are in place for coordinated efforts between the agency and key stakeholders to help local communities thrive amidst nationwide tourism efforts.
ย The DOT convened selected organizations to help realize the Transforming Communities towards Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program.ย
โThe TouRIST Program will be a vehicle for us to implement a coordinated effort between the various government organizations and instrumentalities, and realize sustainable tourism development,โ DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.ย
1. Integration of Environmental Considerations In Decision-Makingย
The underlying theme in sustainable development is that economic and environmental concerns must be addressed simultaneously in the planning/decision-making process. This is a deliberate shift from the conventional practice characterized as predominantly single sector planning exercises. The importance of pursuing a sectorial approach in policy and plan formulation can never be overstated. For instance, policies that conserve the quality of agricultural land and protect forests improve the long-term prospects for agricultural development Efficiency in the utilization of energy and raw materials in industrial reduces wastes and can also reduce costs.ย
2. Proper Pricing of Natural Resourcesย
The most widespread opportunity for improving resource management is to treat natural resources as truly scarce, not as if they were free. This is done by proper pricing based on the cost of replenishment, increasing their supply and providing appropriate substitutes. In essence, this strategy aims to correct the gross underpricing of natural resources (e.g., logs, minerals) that is substantially responsible for the wasteful extraction and utilization of these resources.ย
3. Property Rights Reformย
Natural Resourcesย have a tendency to be exploited as free resources by Individuals even though they are in effect scarce resources. This is the case for open access" resources in which there is a strong tendency for misuse and depletion. It is difficult for an individual producer such as a shifting cultivator or an artisanal fisherman to conserve an open access resource and unilaterally regulate his exploitative efforts, since from his perception anything that he conserves will only be taken up by others. This is the famous 'tragedy of the commons."ย
4. Establishment of An Integrated Protected Areas Systemย
The importance of the preservation of the variety of genes, species, and ecosystems cannot be overemphasized. The development of man and his civilization has always been based on the biological wealth of nature. Agricultural crops and livestock, virtually most of the country's daily food intake, were derived from wild species. From wild species have also come many of the medicines available today. In biodiversity resides the new genetic pool of information needed to adapt to various environments. It can thus well provide the answers and increased capacities for man to deal with future questions of survival and development especially in the face of the rapidly changing local and global environments. Unfortunately, this is not generally recognizedย
5. Rehabilitation of Degraded Ecosystems
ย Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems is a significant strategy given the massive destruction of ecosystems that has already occurred. Under such conditions, nature's regenerative capacity is not enough. Deliberate rehabilitative efforts are needed. Rehabilitation must keep pace with the continuous degradation caused by the increasing demands for both raw materials and products that come from natural resources. As the pressures on these resources continue to intensify so must the country's commitment and capability for rehabilitative action. A concerted action, therefore, of a magnitude never tried before in the reforestation of denuded watersheds, mangrove re-plantation, dean-up and control of pollution and revival of biologically dead rivers, and sea grass transplantation should be vigorously undertaken.ย
6. Strengthening of Residuals Management in industry(Pollution Control)ย
The most commonly applied instrument for pollution control is "end-of-paper control systems that treat or attempt to limit waste products with standards and limits on the permissible emissions rate. Residuals management, however, looks at the pollution problem within a more comprehensive framework of materials policy which. Includes resource recovery, recycling, and appropriate by product design that save on materials and energyย
7. Integration of Population Concerns and Social Welfare In Development Planningย
Population is the critical factor in any effort at sustainable development. Population and the values espoused determine the speed at which productivity can be increased or conversely the pressures on land and natural resources brought to bear by the process of development. For a developing country like the Philippines, it is important that the population factor-in all its dimensions-is turned into a real asset for building a strong industrial base, for multiplying productive forms of livelihood, and for preserving and improving fragile ecosystems and the overall natural resource environmentย
8. Inducing Growth In the Rural Areasย
Economic recovery and long-term stability depend on increasing incomes and employment in the rural areas, where a majority of our people reside. It should be again noted that the rural poor are linked very closely to natural resources. Their actions have a direct impact on natural resources. Conversely, any changes in the actual and potential productivity of these resources have serious repercussions on their present and future welfare, even on their very survival. The sheer number of rural poor already In place right on or beside fragile ecosystems make them a formidable farce either for environmental destruction or protection.ย
9. Promotion of Environmental Educationย
Environmental education as conceived in the PSSD has two major objectives. The first is to enable citizens to understand and appreciate the complex nature of the environment, as well as the role played by a properly managed environment in economic development and to develop social values that are strongly supportive of environmental protection and which will create the commitment and political will to deal with difficult issues. Only a well-informed and motivated citizenry could provide the mass base necessary for the continued protection of the environment.ย
10. Strengthening of Citizens' Participation and Constituency Buildingย
People have the inherent capacity to improve themselves and their community. Problems confronting them can be solved through their own efforts. In cases where the poverty of their situation and the difficulties they face are too serious for them to deal with, initial assistance from government and non-government institutions may be needed. Their active participation in planning and implementation, however, is a must so that they will not be forever dependent on external support.
