The impacts of coastal tourism in Maribago, Lapulapu City.

Date

1997

Abstract

Identification of the beneficial and negative impacts of coastal tourism on the marine, socio-economic, and the institutional environments is the focus of the study concentrating on Barangay Maribago, where most of the beach resorts in Lapulapu City are located. Similar to other beaches, its corals have been destroyed by illegal fishing (e.g. dynamite).Providing protection to corals in their beach fronts (generally accepted as within their jurisdiction) from further destruction is one of the major impacts of the presence of resorts. Their operations discourage illegal fishing, thus providing the chance for corals to rejuvenate. To thrive and grow, the industry is dependent on a clean and healthy marine environment.Scuba diving, a major water recreational activity, did not seem to cause significant physical damage to corals, which could be partly explained by strategies like the provision of mooring buoys by resorts, and righ perception/attitude and high level of knowledge of the users (tourists, resort operators and employees) towards conserving marine resources. DO and BOD levels in the two sampling stations obtained before and after the peak tourist season were within the standards for the Class SA Water Classification for Tourism Zones and Marine Parks. The total coliform (TC) count which, before the peak season was almost two times higher, then shoot up to over 18 times than the standards of 70 MPN/100 ml immediately after the peak season. This finding is significant considering that tourism is identified as a "smokeless" industry. In general, the community perceived tourism as economically beneficial but its presence could encourage some social ills such as prostitution and transmission of STDs. Financially, it seems that only the resort operators and employees and "sari-sari" store owners profited from the industry.Displacement of local tourists from the beach areas which they used to frequent before, is a major negative social impact which confronts the present management as well as the future development of the industry.Although specified in the Local Government Code that the city government is responsible, the management of the industry appears to be inadequate even with the support of the DOT, DENR and academe. The laxity in management provided an opportunity for the resorts to construct illegal structures on their foreshore and off-shore areas. It appear that there is a strong need for strengthening the capability of the LGUs as well as the linkages among these institutions. Although the industry is considered as a major source of revenue, the only clear contribution of tourism to the city is through the payment of annual real estate taxes.In view of the city government's plan to develop two additional tourism zones on the island, some of the major recommended strategies are : (1) inclusion of a sustainable Tourism Plan in the City's Master Plan, and (2) conduct of EIA of the proposed reclamation projects.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 1997 E8 M37

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