1. Community-based Tourism in Donsol, Sorsogon
Carlos M. Libosada Jr.
Assistant Professor
University of the Philippines
Asian Institute of Tourism

2. Donsol Located in the province of Sorsogon A 4th class municipality
High level of unemployment
Fishing and farming as main economic activities
Zero tourism

3. Before Tourism The whale sharks were not bothered with by the people
Whale sharks were already being hunted in some parts of the Philippines
Whale sharks were killed for the fins and exported. Locals dried the meat as.
Later, the shark’s fin market adapted to the new delicacy called whale shark tofu

4. When whale sharks were “discovered” in Donsol
Three whale sharks were killed in two weeks
A single whale shark could enrich a fisherman by as much as 100,000 pesos
If there were 50 whale sharks, local fishermen could earn a total of 5 million pesos

5. But at what price?

6. Potential Effects of Whale Shark Harvesting
Short-term riches to some fishermen
Entire whale shark population may be wiped out in a single year
Lost long-term economic opportunity
Donsol will remain in the same state before the whale sharks were “discovered”
Area-wide poverty will remain in the area

7. Tourism Ecotourism was deemed as a practical alternative over fishing
The whale sharks will be saved
The people will benefit on a long term against fishing

8. Realities
The people were not prepared for the sudden influx of tourism in the area
There was a distinct lack of tourist facilities and services in the area
There was a danger of tourism introducing anarchy instead of opportunity
There was the possibility of outside investors getting most of the opportunities resulting in massive leakage and lost economic benefits for the people of Donsol

9. Programs Community preparation and stakeholder organization
Identification of opportunities and constraints
Management planning and workshops

10. Objectives
To ensure that the whale sharks are saved from unsustainable and harmful fishing activities and provide a more sustainable form of resource utilization
To ensure that the local communities of Donsol would directly benefit from the whale shark tourism program
To provide jobs and economic opportunities

11. Organized Stakeholders
Butanding Interaction Officers
Boatmen Association
Homestay Association
Tricycle Drivers Association
Van Drivers and operators
Paddleboat Association (2004)

12. Boat Hire – 25,000 Accomm (@ 300/pax) – 18,000
At 10 boats per day, the income to the people of Donsol was almost 100,000 pesos per day
Boat Hire – 25,000
Accomm 300/pax) – 18,000
Meals (150/meal X 3) ,000
Shopping (200/pax) ,000
Local Transport ,000
TOTAL Php 94,000

13. Economic Benefits
Jobs
Revenue
Investments
Added liquidity

14. Major Present Challenge
How to increase the tourism season in Donsol
January – May, open season for whale shark interaction

15. New Major Product Firefly Watching Benefits
Organization of paddleboat operators
Increased use of present and future tourist facilities
Jobs will be more stable
More investments

16. THANK YOU