1 International Workshop on Beach EcoWatch Program Jitendra Shah, Joe Tuyor, Maya Villaluz, Rey Ancheta, Luiz Tavares Boracay Island, Philippines May 31- June 2, 2004

2 Findings of the Environment Monitor on Water Quality PEM 2003  36% of the river systems [sampling points] are classified as public water supply sources;  About 60% of Filipinos living along coastal areas contribute to discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater;  31% of illnesses during was from water-related diseases; and  58% of groundwater for water supplies are contaminated with [total] Coliform and would need treatment [(preliminary data)] Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

3 Total and Fecal Coliform for Selected Beaches in Bataan Coastal Area (April to October 2003)

4 Share of Domestic, Industrial, and Agricultural BOD at National Level, Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

5 Effects of Pollution  Causes typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, diarrhea, gastro-enteritis, and most recently SARS (in Hong Kong)  Oxygen depletion in receiving waters  Formation of sludge and scum  Reduces the aesthetics of water bodies  May contain toxic substances  Eutrophication and algal blooms Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

6 Water pollution adversely affects: Health of the population (PhP 3 billion) Fisheries production (PhP 17 billion) Tourism (PhP 47 billion) Other non-quantifiable losses and damage claims Total (PhP 67 billion or US $ 1.3 billion) ECONOMIC LOSSES DUE TO POLLUTION Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

7 Population Growth and Sewerage Services Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

8 Comparative Situation of Cities in Asia with Access to Sewerage Systems, 2000 Philippines Environment Monitor 2003: Water Quality

9 Investments on Sanitation and Sewerage in comparison with Water supply for the Past Years

10 Sanitation and Sewerage Development Program, Existing and Targets MTPIP and NASAP, 1999

11 Future Investment Requirements Sanitation and Sewerage PhP 55 B (2005) 158 B (2015) Institutional Development about PhP 5.5 B (2005) about 15.8 B (2015) Tourist Coastal Area Development PhP 2.5 B (2005) 6.8 B (2015)

12 1)Promoting Public Disclosure and Participation- Political action, participation in decisions, and demand for specific actions will continue to lag without public information and knowledge. 2)Wastewater management in urbanized and coastal tourist centers- Expanding user base Promoting intermediate solution Smaller collection and treatment system CHALLENGES

13 CHALLENGES 3)Stimulating revenues and incentives Increase domestic wastewater fees Industrial pollution charges Incentives for private sector

14 Why do we need an EcoWatch Program? The water quality at some of the beaches needs improvement to promote tourism, ensure safety of swimmers and better use of coastal resources Improve compliance by hotel and resort owners and LGUs through disclosure of performance Health and economic costs are huge Public needs to convince the government to change current situation - but this will happen only if they get the information from a program such as EcoWatch