MOALBOAL bad news

[cebudiver]

if the big northern asian developers are the only game in town, thats the one the local politicians will play... its almost as bad , but not quite, as the total lack of regulations and enforcement when there is no tourist income at all -

the government needs to look to places like sipidan and the sinai where development is regulated and the environment is protected - even though tourist traffic is heavy
...and take warning from places like Pattaya, where short term profits and wantan development have ruined everything

[cebudiver]

oh, and yabs, do you actually think what is posted on TT has any effect on Japaneese and Korean investment in this area ?? you are linking my positive comments about the area with increased activity of asian mega investors -
quite a stretch, dontcha think?

[pickled_newt]

Obviously there's growing evidence of tourism foreign investments trickling in,and this is
one of the desires of this govt to put the PI in internt'l tourism map.I agree with the intensions,but should come with careful planning with the environmental sectors .They should look at projects related to sewage system in the area and all what these prospective areas need to be done to minimize the potential risks that is easy to ovelook ,like what happened in boracay where this sewage problem obviously exists.Not being too overwhelmed by too much excitement.

[The Dane]

This is an interesting thread, please do not destroy it with racism.

[Timn8ter]

What other nationalities are doing is not relavant to what is happening in the Philippines other than emphasizing the desperate need for a viable and enforced environmental policy by the government.
There must be balance between development and economic growth in all countries of the world. We would especially like to see that happen in the Philippines since all of us here have a personal stake in it.
The Filipinos must step up and demand their government protect what remains of their beautiful land.
There are active groups working to do just that and the best we as foreigners can do is support those groups.
A positive reaction to what we're seeing will go much farther than a negative reaction.

[Timn8ter]

Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation, Philippines
Balik Kalikasan
Pusod Inc. - Restoring Respect for Earth and Life through Education
Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Greenpeace SEAsia
One Ocean
OneOcean -- Coastal Resource & Fisheries Management of the Philippines

[Recycle]

Originally Posted by pickled_newt

Poverty and low level education /misinformation abour protecting the environment can cause dramatic impact leading to environmental distruction. These are documented facts .Why would poor people care about the environment if they are starving to death .I can emphatize on that .People have to address first of all their basic needs to survive . They'll cut trees ,destroy corals ,the marine enviroment and everything, through drastic measures of fishing /over fishing etc .In theory, tourism can alleviate or get people out of poverty ,by giving them jobs which could augment family incomes to relatively sustain and improve people's living standards ; educate children and enjoy life and in return it is one of perceived avenues to improve and protect the environment.In ways such as many jobs are created , people can be diverted into more environmentally friendly livehood, related to tourism services .However,if tourism is not managed and planned carefully ,it will give the opposite undesirable aftermath of no other than dreaded environmental disaster .

I say Amen to that Newt!
So impress of your comments!
It is also important to recognize that, tourism operators should focus on protecting their environment for this is the main factor why visitors or tourist visit a destination. Not only think of profit that tourism brings but also the operators should think of what good they can provide for the local peoples and the environment!!!

Cheers!

[Timn8ter]

Valkommen Recycle!

Very true. Good environmental practices do not come about accidently or as a result of capitalism. It seems intuitive that the resort operators would be very supportive of good practices but Boracay has proven they will not unless forced to. Newt, you make a good point; enforcement must be coupled with education.

[yabs]

I can't see it ever happening whilest this arroyo bitch is in power
she thinks of only money from big resorts. The longer she is in power the more risk the phils is of becoming something worse than Thailand
with the current run of asian and middle eastern investors who have as much regard for the environment as dynamite fishmerman. money comes first
In Asia and always will. its the think of today and firget tomorrow syndrome.
I'm just surprised by people like cebudiver who thaought it would ever be any different. Naive and then some.

[cebudiver]

you think another candidate would be any different? she is better than most of the bunch, but thats not saying much ..... Erap anyone???

tourist income is the only hope - it may or may not be done responsibly - time will tell but its better than the alternative - population growth spiral with no economic prospects to slow it down - overpopulation , exploitation and then starvation when nothing is left to eat-
even becoming a cesspool like pattya is 1000X better future than that