Environmental Science, Spring 2015

“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education" (TIES, 2015). Biodiversity hot spots

Goal: to plan an eco-friendly trip to a country that is a biodiversity hot spot, taking into consideration the protection of the people and threatened animals native to that location WHY? This project will give you specific insight into eco-friendly alternatives for travel, which you and others will utilize in the future to ultimately help protect endangered species. The class will vote on their favorite trip! “World Fact Book”

Travel the Philippines! Embark on a 3-Day tour exploring one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet! Experience eco-friendly tourism Improve habitats of endangered species

Population: 107,668,231 Urban population: 48.8% Age expectancy: 72 years Literacy rate: 95% Drinking Water: 92.5% of population Religion: 83% Catholic Fiesta- music and dance festival Economy: agriculture (32%)=rice, corn, bananas, pork, beef industry (15%)= electronics assembly, garments, fishing services (53%)= corporations and local business (tourism)

Human impact: “near threatened” -destruction of natural forest habitat (logging, slash-and-burn agriculture) -overharvesting: food, pet trade About - Nocturnal -primates -carnivores: insects -Rotate head 180˚ -primary/secondary forest (endemic to Philippines)

1pm- arrival by plane into Manila (capital of Philippines) Total: ~$1200 3pm- depart from Manila on ITI (Island Transvoyager) plane 3:55pm- arrive in El Nido, Palawan (island) 5pm- Ride boat from airport to Miniloc Island 5:45- Arrive at El Nido Resort on Miniloc Island- water cottages Miniloc Island Resort is #5 on list of top Green Hotels in Philippines solar power, Filipino supplies- wooden floors, bamboo walls, thatched roofs 6:30 p.m.- Eat supper on beach Food organically grown from garden 7:30 p.m. hike to watch the sunset 9:00 p.m. Relax/Free time

7:00 A.M. – Rise and shine! 7:30-9 A.M. Breakfast at Clubhouse Restaurant through resort (locally grown food) 9-11 A.M. EDUCATE: Walk to market/tourist area- hand out pamphlets and explain declination of Philippine Tarsier Encourage vendors and tourists to stop buying for food and pets- hang up signs at shops 12pm: Market- buy and eat lunch from a local vendor (mangoes, pineapple, salad, yellow watermelon, tuna, eggs, crab, shrimp)

1-3 p.m. Snorkel along beach 3-5 p.m. Free time to lay on beach, play Frisbee, swim 6 pm: Walk to food shops away from beach Choose a local vendor to buy local burgers, seafood, rice and chicken, or vegetarian options 7:30 p.m. Tricycle Ride at Los Cabanas Beach 9:00 p.m. Back to Resort and water cottage