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Community-based Tourism in Donsol, Sorsogon
Carlos M. Libosada Jr. Assistant Professor University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism
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Donsol Located in the province of Sorsogon A 4th class municipality
High level of unemployment Fishing and farming as main economic activities Zero tourism
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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
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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
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But at what price?
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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
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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
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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
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Programs Community preparation and stakeholder organization
Identification of opportunities and constraints Management planning and workshops
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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
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Organized Stakeholders
Butanding Interaction Officers Boatmen Association Homestay Association Tricycle Drivers Association Van Drivers and operators Paddleboat Association (2004)
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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
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Economic Benefits Jobs Revenue Investments Added liquidity
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Major Present Challenge
How to increase the tourism season in Donsol January – May, open season for whale shark interaction
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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
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THANK YOU
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