Promoting eco-tourism: the economics of it

This is a second of a series which I intend to devote on the subject of eco-tourism in Calicoan Island, Eastern Samar.
           
While I may be writing about Calicoan, there will be ideas which can be used in other tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas.
           
In today’s column, I’d like to take a look at the economic aspects of promoting eco-tourism.
           
By the way, the term “eco” in eco-tourism does not refer to economics. It refers to “ecology”, hence, the natural environment featuring living organisms and their habitat, thus - the land, sea, plants, and animals.
           
Thus, when eco-tourism is used as a term, the idea is to promote the arrival of visitors by preserving the ecology of the place. It is the existing ecological situation that attracts tourists.
           
This may seem clear-cut, but in practice what can happen could be a focus on tourism but a neglect of ecology.
           
Thus, there could be a long-term damage and even destruction of the natural environment if those involved will not be conscious of the possible harmful effects of uncontrolled tourism.
           
For example, a marine biologist has told me a long time ago (before my recent trip to Calicoan) that surfing can damage coral reefs.
           
This is something that needs to be considered. To what extent will surfing damage the coral reef of Calicoan? Perhaps, the DENR, local government officials, and private investors have to study this. This may not be a problem now because surfing is not extensively done, but it could be in the future.
           
The economics of it?
           
In general, what this means is that to sustain the ability of Calicoan to generate employment and income from eco-tourism, both the government and the private sector must invest and engage in activities and projects to sustain the existing ecological status of Calicoan. For example, tourism should be undertaken with the help of broad-based community inputs and the community should maintain control of tourism. (I will mention more on this in other parts of series)

Both will reap substantial returns on their investments because the basic attraction of Calicoan will be always there for tourists to enjoy.