Sustainable Environmental Management Project in Northern Palawan of the Philippines

1. Project Outline

The project consists of drawing up Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) maps, works to prevent soil erosion and promotion of eco-tourism in northern Palawan of the Philippines.

2. Background

The northern Palawan, called the "last unexplored area of the Philippines," is an ecological treasure endowed with coral reefs, tropical rain forests, dugong habitats, and rare creatures. Unfortunately, illegal fishing using dynamite is destroying unique coral reefs in the sea, while illegal logging of forests continues on land. These destructive activities are spoiling ecosystems and causing soil erosion. Deteriorated road surfaces are also causing soil erosion, which is seriously damaging ecosystems on land and threatening marine life in nearby coastal areas. The resulting decline in the quality of natural resources are driving the local inhabitants to increase their destructive fishing and logging practices in order to obtain the same yields as before. It is feared that the ultimate depletion of natural resources will lead to much higher incidence of poverty. It is therefore urgently required to protect the unique environment and ecosystems to enable the sustainable use of natural resources.

3. Detailed Description

The project consists of drawing up Environmentally Critical Areas Network zoning (ECAN maps), works to prevent soil erosion and promotion of eco-tourism in northern Palawan of the Philippines. Works to prevent soil erosion involve procurement of equipment and materials for field study and civil works. In addition, consulting services involve detailed design for drawing up ECAN maps, strengthening the administrative capacity, setting standards and guidelines for undertaking eco-tourism and civil works.

4. Partners

NGO: Conservation International
Government institutions: the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)