Blue tourism roadmap pushed to boost PH economy, sustainability
FVR Legacy Initiative and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
A blue tourism roadmap is being promoted to integrate the blue economy and marine tourism, aiming to boost the country’s economic development and sustainability.
Various stakeholders recently gathered in a landmark multi-sectoral dialogue to consolidate inputs for a comprehensive national strategy toward transitioning to an inclusive blue economy.
Hosted by the FVR Legacy Initiative and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), the discussion, titled “The Philippine Blue Economy: Moving Forward,” brought together key players, stakeholders, and resource persons from various sectors to explore the myriad issues surrounding the country’s blue economy.
Four workshops tackled pressing issues in the blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture and marine-based products, energy, maritime transport, and coastal and marine tourism.
An integral part of the blue economy, coastal and marine tourism is an emerging concept that seeks to harness marine resources for economic growth while ensuring the preservation of marine ecosystems.
The framework aims not only to enhance local economies by attracting tourists and generating revenue but also to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
Stakeholders emphasized that while tourism remains a major economic driver for the country, there is a noticeable gap between industrial tourism and community-led tourism — with the former often perceived as opportunistic and haphazard.
As such, they proposed a tourism model that is economically productive, environmentally responsible, socially just, culturally sensitive, and rooted in science and knowledge.
“There is a need for a blue tourism code or roadmap that would provide long-term direction for coastal and marine tourism, ensuring consistency across political administrations,” they said.
Achieving this, however, is no easy task, as it will require a thorough review of existing laws, policies, and programs related to coastal and marine tourism. This is particularly important given the current weak enforcement and compliance, which contribute to ongoing environmental degradation.
Local consultations are also essential to ensure that community voices are reflected in the development of coastal and marine tourism strategies.
Joe Mari Francisco, senior officer at the Department of Labor and Employment – Institute for Labor Studies, emphasized the need for government support in facilitating a just transition to help workers in environmental services shift toward sustainable jobs in the blue economy.
Liza Lim, director of the Institute of Social Order, warned that some communities are being displaced to make way for tourism development. In response, PRRM board treasurer Rebecca Malay stressed that community perspectives must be central in tourism planning.
In general, coastal and marine tourism should foster cultural exchange and community engagement through the promotion of local traditions, cuisine, and cultural heritage.
“We should advocate community stakeholdership, harnessing cultural practices and local initiatives to place communities at the center of coastal and marine tourism development,” said PRRM executive director Marlon Palomo.
PRRM also called for ecotourism programs that support fisherfolk livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.
Specifically, stakeholders urged the promotion of regionally balanced tourism by supporting underdeveloped coastal destinations and expanding infrastructure and marketing support to new tourism circuits.
To combat environmental degradation, they recommended conducting carrying capacity assessments, enforcing marine spatial planning, and implementing visitor limits and zoning regulations in high-traffic areas.
Amid ongoing waste management and pollution issues in tourist areas, stakeholders stressed the importance of implementing zero-waste tourism policies, supporting circular economy approaches, and mandating proper sewage systems in resorts.
The roundtable discussions were held in support of the Blue Economy Act, which is currently pending in Congress, alongside other proposed legislation such as the National West Philippine Sea Day and the creation of the Center for West Philippine Studies.
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