El Nido local government finds managing its natural environment challenging

Thursday, February 1, 2018

The El Nido local government finds managing its natural environment quite testing due to constant demands coming from its booming tourism industry.

 
Town administrator RJ de la Calzada said, “It is very challenging because this is a developing municipality, and as tourists are coming in, we have to provide appropriate services to them.”

 
As one of the world’s top tourism destinations, El Nido presents a bunch of adventure-filled nature activities, and the credit goes to its unique islands, beaches and exceptional biodiversity.

 
“Of course, we’re offering tourism activities and these necessitate the utilization of our surroundings, but we also need to protect the natural integrity of El Nido which we’re known for,” De La Calzada added.

 
El Nido currently has issues of diminishing water quality, biodiversity loss, the proliferation of business establishments without permit, along with a range of other problems. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that he has directed his staff “to address such priorities as clean water, clean air, and solid waste management” to help minimize the negative impact of tourism pressure in El Nido.

 
Cimatu further said, “I want people to experience the beauty of El Nido and other natural wonders of our country for as long as possible.”

 
De la Calzada said, “We have certain policies we’re implementing together, such as the enforcement of the anti-logging law and regulation of harvesting non-timber forest products and our islands and beaches.”

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