Chapter I: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The Philippines has a coastal area measuring 266,000 km 2, and with a

coastline measuring 36,289 km that is ranked third longest coastline in the
world (Fernandez, 2009), this makes the Philippines a popular spot for coastal
tourism for local and foreign tourists. The white sand beaches found in almost
every corner of the country; the diverse marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling
and diving; and the wonderful tropical climate perfect for swimming and
sunbathing and other recreational activities.

The Philippines’ coastal and marine waters are one of the world’s most
diverse ecosystems, it contains various species of coral reefs, seagrass beds
and dense mangrove forest. In these coastal zones, beach resorts have
become a main destination because it offer various facilities, services and
activities which are focused on seaside recreation for the use and enjoyment of
tourists. Also, the Philippines’ total marine biodiversity is very high compared to
other countries because it has over 5,000 species of marine plants and animals
occurring only in its coastal and marine habitats. With these given facts, the
Philippines’ coastlines have become an important area for coastal tourism
development.

However many tourists nowadays have an increasing concern for the

environment and are interested in discovering and experiencing natural
environments which are untouched and immaculate. This then resulted to a
trend, ecotourism, and with it comes the construction of eco-resorts. The
popularity of ecotourism in the Philippines has been steadily increasing since
its introduction in the late 1980s. Its assurance of environmental preservation
as well as social and economic improvements makes ecotourism an ideal
development for different tourism organizations. (Alampay & Libosada, 2005)

Eco-tourism, as cited in the National Eco-tourism Strategy published in

July 2002, is a significant tool in sustainable development of the country as it
advocates protection of our natural resources and seeks to put in place

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mechanisms that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and
socially equitable. (Vizconde, 2012)

1.2 Background of the Study

Batangas is a province located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the

CALABARZON region. It is easily accessible by its neighboring provinces such
as Laguna, Cavite and Quezon and it is 110 km south of Metro Manila. This
makes the place more accessible to both domestic and international tourists. It
is a popular tourist destination because of it naturally beautiful seas, mountains
and rivers. The province has many beaches and is famous for its diving sites
that are ideal for observing marine life and their coral reefs which are
considered one of the best in the world. It is also blessed with diverse and rich
natural resources, warm and hospitable people, with unique attractions that
could initially be of national significance. The provincial government has
encouraged the development of many tourist attraction and is committed to
maximize the province’s tourism potential. While the Department of Tourism
(DOT) aims to make Batangas into a world-class tourist destination without
endangering the natural environment and the ecological resources of the
provinces. (Vizconde, 2012)

Also the Verde Island Passage (VIP) can be found between the
provinces of Batangas and Mindoro and is believed to be the “center of the
center” of marine shore fish biodiversity in the world. Many coral reefs can be
found in VIP and has a very diverse underwater landscapes that makes it one
of the most popular diving destination. Good roads and a wealth of facilities
have helped make tourism a major industry in this part of the country. (WWF-
Philippines, 2013). The corner points of the passage lie at the boundary of San
Juan, Batangas.

The Municipality of San Juan is considered as the 2nd largest

municipality in the Province of Batangas, it has a total land area of 27,340

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hectares, most of which is used for Agriculture. It has been classified as a first
class Municipality and it has 42 barangays with a total population of 90,294.

San Juan has picturesque view of 33 kilometers coastline of black and

white sand beaches, coves and marine life cradled at the foot of mountains and
hills that makes it suitable of tourism development. The Laiya area and its
surrounding area on the southern tip of the municipality has been identified as
one of the tourism development zones in the Tourism Master Plan for
Batangas/Taal/Tagaytay areas prepared for the government of the Philippines
through the Department of Tourism by the World Tourism Organization. The
municipality is also considered as a fishbowl on these parts of Batangas and
Quezon province. (About San Juan)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has considered San Juan, Batangas

as a priority area of Tourism Development under the Philippine Tourism Master
Plan. It is also declared as a Special Tourist Zone and it will be known as the
San Juan Priority Tourism Area or “SJPTA”. (Executive Order No. 904, 2010)

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Many coastal communities benefit from coastal tourism; which brings

development of many public and private infrastructures, a greater financial
stability for the local economy and a source of livelihood for many residents.
However, due to the continued development of beach resorts and the
increasing popularity of marine tourism, impact negatively on the environment
and coastal environments suffer, some examples of this is pollution; resource
depletion due to high tourist demand for seafood and/or souvenirs;
development of tourism infrastructure that destroys mangroves; disruption of
organisms because of various human activities; tour boat anchoring; and
trampling on corals and seagrasses. Also, according to the observations of
Briones & Quicoy (2009), beach resort developments begins well, and as it
progresses, the resort ambience deteriorates, escalation of pollution levels,
negative social impacts increases, and the distribution of economic benefits

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becomes doubtful. Furthermore, any development which causes conflict in the
coastal ecosystem may have severe consequences for the long-term stability
of the environment. (Hall & Page, 2000).

Marine conservation efforts are extremely crucial to the protection and

conservation of these marine ecosystem. And in the worldwide empirical
analysis of coastal tourism demand and coastal recreation, it has been shown
that natural resources, like marine protected areas (MPAs) and biodiversity,
have a substantial role in showing how various stakeholders benefit from
tourism and recreational activities (Ghermandi & Nunes, 2013). In response to
this, the Philippines has established approximately 1,100 MPAs through
innovative approaches and delegation of responsibility to local governments
units, and in total the area is approximately 15,000 km 2 (Christie, Lowry, &
White, 2009). However, implementations of this conservation efforts in some
places are lacking, outdated and ineffective which leads to continued
degradation and destruction of these ecosystems.

Based from these problems, there is a need for the project which is an
eco-resort and marine conservation center. This project can help conserve the
marine ecosystem and provide the people with proper education for the care of
marine ecosystem while also providing a more sustainable approach to coastal
tourism.

1.4 Project Goals and Objectives of the Study

The goal of this project is to raise awareness of marine conservation and

to promote sustainable tourism development through the integration of an Eco-
Resort and Marine Conservation Center. In able to understand the project goal
the following objectives are to be followed:

1. To develop an eco-resort facility that emphasizes on sustainability, and

the protection and conservation of its surrounding environment and
ecosystem.

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 2. To have an active educational role in drawing public attention to areas
of special ecological significance and marine conservation.
3. To provide an alternative tourist experience that advocates ecotourism
and community-based coastal resource management and conservation

1.5 Significance of the Study

According to Flores, Hüttche, & White, (2002), the Philippines has a

diverse coastal environment with a variety of ecosystems and an extremely rich
biodiversity and productivity. Sandy beaches, coral reefs, rocky headlands,
mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, lagoons and sea grasses are typical.” This
being the case, the researcher chose to propose a development that would
conserve these coastal environment to improve tourism and produce
alternative livelihood methods.

First, through this proposed thesis project, ecotourism can be made

available to the public. In the Philippines, ecotourism has become one of the
fastest growing tourism niches (Alampay & Libosada, 2005) however it is
relatively new concept, therefore only a few people are aware of it and only a
handful of sites offer it. Resorts and the environment are closely link to each
other, they can affect each other either positively or negatively. By developing
eco-resorts, minimal intrusion is done to its environment, therefore it preserves
the pristine quality of the beaches and ecosystems which in turn encourages
more tourism. Eco-resorts also offer amenities and facilities that are eco-
friendly, it is able to supply its own need without damaging its environment, and
it is also designed to be responsive to the changing climate.

Second, the project aims to have an active educational role in drawing public
attention to areas of special ecological significance. Marine protected areas
gives the opportunity for the public to observe relatively undisturbed marine
habitats, and thus, witness the benefits of conservation. ( Attrill, Barnes,
Jennings, Kaiser, & Thomas, 2011) Through this, awareness is raised and

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widespread conservation can be achieved. Furthermore, the development
could also encourage a more sustainable use of natural resources.

Lastly, tourism and marine conservation contribute greatly to economic

growth and community development. The proposed project will provide the local
fishing community an alternative livelihood in lieu of the marine protected areas
(MPAs). Also, it will help recuperate damaged marine ecosystems which will
then produce a healthier and more productive ecosystem for surrounding areas
along the MPAs. And the integration of the tourism development and the coastal
management could lead to the advancement of environmental sustainability,
awareness and conservation. While the marine conservation center can also
strengthen local community ties by providing a venue for planning, training and
converging of ideas. Through the development of sustainable fishing
techniques, protection of marine ecosystem and promotion of ecotourism,
economic stability can be achieve.

1.6 Scope and Limitation

The study aims to present various data necessary to determine the

feasibility of the proposal and to come up with possible architectural designs
and solution for the proposed Eco-resort and Marine Conservation Center.
Listed below are the scope and limitations of this proposal:

Scope
 The target users of the eco-resort are low-impact visitors from middle
class to high class markets
 The marine conservation center has various educational facilities.
 The eco-resort is a low rise development that focuses on
accommodations, cabanas, recreational facilities with appropriate
service facilities. Supporting structures for the resort includes a
reception and lobby, restaurant and bar, recreational hall, chapel,
events place amenities, etc.

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  The main construction materials used are mostly locally available and
renewable materials like bamboo.
 Development of the site, traffic flow and design of the structures within
the site will be covered.

Limitation
 The marine conservation center can be used for educational purpose
but cannot be considered as an educational institution
 Specific names of plants and wildlife will not be covered
 The marine conservation center does not include scientific facilities
like laboratories or aquariums to hold marine animals
 The project does not cover any facilities in the sea
 Temporary structures like the events place tent and daytrip cottages
plans will not be covered in detail.
 Some structures like waste management, sewage treatment area and
constructed wetlands will not be covered in detail. s
 The project is concerned with architectural and functionality issues
only.

1.7 Definition of Terms

1. Biodiversity – Refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth. The term
is coined from the phrase “biological diversity”, which comes from the
root words “bio” meaning life and “diverse” meaning variety. (Philippine
Biodiversity for Beginners, 2006)
2. Carrying Capacity - the level of visitor use an area can accommodate
with high levels of satisfaction for visitors and few impacts on resources.
The concept implies that there are limits to visitor use. (Flores, Hüttche,
& White, 2002)
3. Conservation – the management of human use of the biosphere so that
it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generations while

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 maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future
generations. (IUCN-UNEP-WWF , 1980)
4. Ecotourism – a low impact, environmentally-sound and community-
participatory tourism activity in a given natural environment that
enhances the conservation of biophysical understanding and education
and yields socio-economic benefits to concerned community (Briones &
Quicoy, 2009)
5. Eco-resort - A tourist resort whose facilities are intended to have a
minimal impact on the local environment. (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.)
6. Ecosystems - A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism
communities and their non-living environment, interacting as a functional
unit. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2007)
7. Marine Protected Areas – Any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain,
together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical
and cultural features, which has been reserved by law or other effective
means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment. (Sinha, 2006)
8. Marine Tourism – includes those recreational activities that involve
travel away from one’s place of residence and which have as their host
or focus the marine environment
9. Recreation – embraces a wide variety of activities which are undertaken
during leisure. (Jennings, 2007)
10. Resort - any place or places with pleasant environment and atmosphere
conducive to comfort, healthful relaxation and rest, offering food,
sleeping accommodation and recreational facilities to the public for a fee
or remuneration (Department of Tourism)
11. Sustainability - A characteristic or state whereby the needs of the
present and local population can be met without compromising the ability
of future generations or populations in other locations to meet their
needs. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2007)
12. Sustainable Architecture - defined as the creating and responsible
management of a healthy built environment based on ecological and
resource-efficient principles (Bromberek, 2009)
13. Tourism - a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails
the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual
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 environment for personal or business/professional purposes (United
Nations World Tourism Organization, 2007)
14. Water-Based Tourism – relates to any touristic activity undertaken in or
in relation to water resources, such as lakes, dams, canals, creeks,
streams, rivers, canals, waterways, marine coastal zones, seas, oceans,
and ice-associated areas. (Jennings, 2007)

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CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Marine Biodiversity

Sinha defines biodiversity as characterized by many dynamic

interactions. The functional relationships and the interaction of populations and
ecosystems are influenced by the interplay and connectivity of biological,
physical and social factors across time and space. (Sinha, 2006) While marine
biodiversity refers biodiversity in regards to the variety of life in coastal and
ocean environments. It is considered as an important part of human life for the
oceans covers about 70% of the planet Earth and it is rich in biodiversity and
97% of species in the earth are found within marine and coastal environments.

While Hourigan explains that the oceans and marine ecosystems

provides a wide range of resources and services necessary for economic,
environmental, aesthetical, and cultural benefits for humanity. Marine
ecosystems also provide carbon storage, atmospheric gas regulation, nutrient
cycling, and waste treatment. Coral reefs, mangroves, and kelp forests protect
coastal areas from storm damage while marine algae contribute nearly 40% of
global photosynthesis. (Hourigan, 1999) These just shows that the oceans,
marine ecosystems and their biodiversity are vital for life on earth.

2.1.1 Marine Biodiversity of the Coral Triangle

Coral reefs can be considered as the rainforest of the sea, and if you go
by this comparison then the Coral Triangle can be considered as the
underwater equivalent of the Amazon. The Coral Triangle is considered as a
bioregion that is half the size of the United States, and it passes through six
countries which are: the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands and East Timor and contains more marine species than
anywhere else on the planet. An example of it diversity is that some reefs found
in the Coral Triangle can contain more species than the entire Caribbean. When

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it comes to abundance and sheer scale, nowhere else comes close to the Coral
Triangle. (The Coral Triangle, n.d.)
Campbell, Green, White et al., has stated that the Coral Triangle is the
global epicenter of marine biodiversity and is considered a global priority for
marine conservation. It contains over 75% of the estimated 600 coral species
more than 30% of the world's coral reefs, over 3,000 species of fish, has 6 out
of 7 of the world’s turtle species, and the greatest extent of mangrove forests
of any region. The region's productivity and unique gathering of species and
evolutionary significance make it a repository for the different species of the
Indian and Pacific Oceans. (Campbell, et al., 2011)
This is why the bioregion is quickly becoming one of the planet’s most
valuable natural assets, and can be compared to the Amazon. The Coral
Triangle is developing into an icon of marine treasure, it is known as the
wellspring of the world’s oceans. (The Coral Triangle, n.d.)

2.1.2 Marine Biodiversity of The Philippines

Dorente states that the Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle which is
the center of global marine biodiversity however the center of this center is no
other than the Philippines, and the Philippines' marine resources are made up
not just of coral reefs but “seagrass beds, mangrove and beach forests,
fisheries, invertebrates, seaweeds, marine mammals and many others”
(Dorente, n.d.)

Carpenter and Springer discussed that the Philippines is the center of

marine diversity, and it is both supported and contested by previous studies
discussed in the article. The Philippines is shown with higher concentration of
species per unit area than anywhere in the Indo–Malay–Philippines archipelago
(IMPA) according to this study. This was proven through the analysis of 2983
species in the IMPA which revealed that the central Philippines has the highest
area of diversity and endemism. The Philippines has the greatest concentration
of these restricted-range endemics which has 38, Indonesia and Malaysia has
19 such endemics, Australia has 18, New Guinea/Bismark/Louisade has 18 and
Coral Sea/New Caledonia/Vanuatu has 17. The study also recommends that
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special attention be given to marine conservation because of it being the
epicenter of biodiversity and evolution. (Carpenterr & Springer, 2005)

Philippines Fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological

Diversity (2009) gives a few examples to show the diversity of the marine
environments in the Philippines. For example, 468 scleractinian corals, 1,755
reef-associated fishes, 648 species of mollusks, 19 species of seagrass and
820 species of algae are found in the Philippines. Also there are about 212 fish
species found in the Philippines, 731 of which are considered commercially
important. And the Philippines is noted to have the second highest diversity in
seagrass in the world, second only to Australia.

Many conservationists have been encouraging a special focus of marine

conservation efforts on the country because of the abundance of its marine
diversity. The threats that cause the deterioration of the Philippines marine
ecosystem is grouped into five major categories, which are: chemical pollution
and eutrophication, fisheries operations, habitat alteration, invasion of alien
species and global climate change. This threats are mostly due to destructive
human activities such as mining, logging and hazardous and solid waste
disposal. (Republic of the Philippines, 2009)

2.1.3 Threats

Imtiyaz, Sweta and Prakash states that the greatest threat to marine
biodiversity is human activities. Examples of this threats are overfishing, urban
development and resource base industries, like mining, which destroys natural
habitats. Air and water pollution, sedimentation, and climate change also pose
threats to aquatic biodiversity. The article also shows that the fauna, flora and
habitats of coastal environments has been changing at an unusual rate in the
last few decades, because of global climate change, introduction of alien
species that become invasive, pollution, habitat destruction, and
overexploitation. (Imtiyaz, Praka, & Sweta , 2011)

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 Overharvesting

Overharvesting can be considered as the most serious threat in marine

environments. This originated in the start of the industrial revolution because it
increased the mechanization of fish harvesting. This made it possible to catch
species which were hard to catch like whales and offshore pelagic fish. Also the
population of palatable fish continuously deplete and there is evidence that
humans have fished down food webs and will continue to do so. (Zacharias &
Roff, 2011) Some overharvested tidal flat and mangrove resources include
cowries (sigay) for handicraft; shellfish, sea cucumber and seaweeds for food;
and coral and sand for commercial use. Some mangrove trees are cut to be
made into housing material. (Philippine Biodiversity for Beginners, 2006)

Pollution

Pollution has deeply affected the marine ecosystems on Earth. There is

a growing concern for the persistence and longevity of pollutants in the marine
environment, and their ecosystem-level effect on the marine life and even to
humans. (Zacharias & Roff, 2011)

Today, only 5% of the country’s reef system remains in excellent

condition. About 30-50% of our sea grass beds have been lost in the last 50
years. Only 112,400 hectares from the original 400,000 hectares of mangroves
are left which is not even enough become buffers against storms. Even our
coastal and marine ecosystems have been degraded, which in turn lowered the
fish production. Also the dumping of wastes in waterways, agricultural run-offs
and mine tailings also contaminate rivers, streams and other bodies of water.
(Philippine Biodiversity for Beginners, 2006)

Introduction of Alien Species

The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms to new marine

environments is believed to be one of the four greatest threats to the world’s
oceans. An alien species can be intentionally or accidentally transported and
released into an environment. They are described as ‘invasive’ if they are

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ecologically and/or economically harmful. Invasive species can cause harm by
changing the structure and function of marine ecosystems which can lead to
the destruction of the food chain. These species are harmful to native
biodiversity in a number of ways, for example, as competitors, predators,
parasites, or by spreading disease. (Imtiyaz, Praka, & Sweta , 2011)

Habitat loss

Loss of habitat is the major reason why aquatic biodiversity is declining.

In the last few decades, approximately 20% of the world’s coral reefs were lost
and 20% degraded and approximately 35% of mangrove area were also lost.
When a species goes extinct, all the genetic information carried by the specie
is lost forever and cannot be reproduced again. Extinction can cause the loss
of potential solutions for future problems like possible cures to disease.
(Imtiyaz, Praka, & Sweta , 2011)

Irresponsible Tourism

Resorts and facilities for diving and other water sports are steadily
increasing. If the resort owner, tour operators, tourist, and local government unit
are not properly oriented on the importance of balancing nature conservation
and tourism, exploitation of forests and marine areas is likely to grow worst.
Among the negative impacts of tourism are water pollution, damage to coral
reefs due to improper docking of boats, over extraction of corals and shells as
souvenir items, and dumping of garbage in natural habitats. (Philippine
Biodiversity for Beginners, 2006)

Use of Illegal and Destructive Fishing Methods

Fishery resources in many areas in the country continue to deplete

because of illegal fishing methods through the use of dynamite, cyanide, tubli,
compressor and use of fine fishing nets, some locals even use pesticides to
catch fish. These fishing methods catch and kill even small fishes and fry and
they damage coral reefs as well. (Philippine Biodiversity for Beginners, 2006)

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 Dynamite fishing, muro ami which is the smashing of coral reefs with
heavy objects to scare the fishes from their home and drive them into trap nets,
and poisoning are illegal in the Philippines but continue to exist in some areas
of the country. (Zacharias & Roff, 2011)

2.1.4 Benefits

Ghermandi and Nunes, describes many benefits that can be garnered

from a healthy and well conserved coastal and marine ecosystems. In the
article it is shown that the population in coastal areas are 2.6 times larger than
those in-land which just shows that more people are dependent on it. It is also
a great source of food, livelihood and various natural resources, like sea oil. It
is also a great natural asset and can provide a thriving coastal tourism.
(Ghermandi & Nunes, 2013)

The World Bank has also stated that the coastal ecosystems are
valuable in terms of the goods and services they provide which are known as
direct use values; the ecological functions, which indirectly support economic
activity and is also known as indirect use values; and the options for direct or
indirect use of these ecosystems in the future or option use values. They also
have non-use values like for example when an individual gets satisfaction from
the aesthetic value of the place and the knowledge that they will continue to
exist for future generations.

The coastal areas of the Philippines also provide continuous supply of

goods like fish, oil, gas, minerals, salt, and construction materials. It also serves
as a shoreline protection, sustaining biodiversity, maintaining water quality,
transportation, and recreation.

The estimated value of mangroves when it comes to fish production and

wood harvest are calculated to be more than $600 per hectare per year and in
total produces at least $83 million per year. While coral reefs have been
estimated to contribute at least $1.064 billion annually to the economy. Locally,

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1 square kilometer of healthy coral reef with some tourism potential produces
net revenues ranging from $29,000 to $113,000

Then there is tourism, which is a major source income and employment

for the Philippines. Coastal and marine attractions are the most important
tourism destinations. Tourism generates revenue through recreational user
fees, lodging, transportation, food, and souvenirs. Tourism also provide higher
employment rates and increased incomes for businesses related to the tourism
sector. (World Bank, 2005)

Table 2.1.4-1 Annual Economic Net Benefits from Philippine Coral Reefs

(World Bank, 2005)

2.2 Marine Conservation

Marine conservation is a multifaceted discipline that seeks to address

both preservation and use of exploited resources through the use of restrictions
in such spatial extent, intensity of fishing activities and the control of pollutants
to the ocean. In theory this may perhaps be a rational, but until a global
consensus on such management of the oceans might be reached, the single
most effective means of simultaneously preserving biodiversity and enhancing
fisheries appears to be to locally establishment of protected areas – MPAs –
where human activities are regulated. (Green & Meneses, 2008)

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 2.2.1 Marine Conservation Efforts In the Philippines

Green and Meneses have shown that there is approximately 1,169

established MPAs in the Philippines in 2008. It is under that National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, 28 national MPAs have been
proclaimed, an example of this is the Tubataha Reef Natural Park and World
Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) and the

Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-
BFAR) are the two leading government agencies that are responsible for the
planning, policies and evaluation of the marine environment of the Philippines.
Also, in 2002, the Philippine Marine Sanctuary Strategy was established and it
plans to make 10% of the marine waters in the Philippines to be fully protected
in an MPA network by 2020.

There is also an MPA Support Network (MSN) and the MSN continues
to help integrate various initiatives with the same goal of achieving the
Philippine Marine Sanctuary Strategy. Examples of these initiatives are the
Pambansang Alyansa ng Maliliit na Mangingisda at Komunidad na
Nangangalaga sa Santuwaryo at Karagatan sa Pilipinas (an alliance of
community-based protected areas) and the Community-based Coastal
Resource Management networks. The MSN provide various trainings and
workshops for the effective management of MPAs throughout the country.
(Green & Meneses, 2008)

2.2.2 Conservation Trends and Strategies

2.2.2.1 Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

Green, White and Kilarski states that marine protected areas

(MPAs) are defined as marine managed area that protects its natural
resources. It may include areas with carious policies and regulations like
marine reserves, which are described as areas of ocean that are

17
protected from extractive and destructive activities, and areas with
fisheries restrictions upon gear, species, size and access. It also include
marine areas that that are managed by the government and/or by the
local community. (Green, Kilarski, & White, 2013)

Sinha defines marine protected area (MPA) as “any area of

intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water and
associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, which has been
reserved by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the
enclosed environment”. An MPA system can be established either by
protecting many small sites or by managing multiple purpose areas
where found within are small sites that are strictly protected. (Sinha,
2006)

Marine Protected Areas in Philippines

Sinha explains that MPAs may contain various ecosystems, like

a beach forest, mangroves, estuaries, bays, coral reefs, seagrass beds,
and open and deep seas. In the Philippines, almost all MPAs have a
portion of the coastal zone, which is legally defined as an area that
extends a kilometer inland from the shoreline at high tide and to sea ward
are covered within the 200-m isobaths.

The Philippines has the most numerous MPAs within the

Southeast Asia, ranging from 400 to over 500 areas. Most of these MPAs
have been established by local government as marine “reserves,” fish
sanctuaries, fishery reserves, mangrove sites, or tourist zones. 60% of
the Philippine’s human population are found in the coastal zone and the
fishermen who live in this zone depend on marine resources for their
livelihood.

However an assessment of the 400 MPAs in the Philippines

showed that only 10-20% of these areas are effective as conservation
areas. The failures are caused by weak governance and enforcement;
poverty; economic and political uncertainties; and inadequate funding

18
and resources to sustain management activities, especially after
external funding support is withdrawn. (Sinha, 2006)

2.2.2.2 Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)

According to the Partnerships in Environmental Management

(PEMSEA), Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is a natural resource
and environmental management framework which employs an
integrative, holistic approach and an interactive planning process in
addressing the complex management issues in the coastal area. The
ultimate purpose of ICM is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness
of coastal governance in terms of its ability to achieve the sustainable
use of coastal resources and of the services generated by the
ecosystems in the coastal areas. It aims to do this by protecting the
functional integrity of these natural resource systems while allowing
economic development to proceed. Through integrated planning, ICM
aims to address competing conflicts and conflicts arising from multiple
use of limited space and resources (Partnerships in Environmental
Management, 2008)

Ma. Monina M. Flores, Carsten M. Hüttche, and Alan T. White,

expresses that integrated coastal management (ICM) is the overall
approach to solve the issues caused by the development in coastal
areas. ICM can help plan the management of resources and coastal
development and how to implement this plan. ICM takes into
consideration the interaction between human activities and the natural
coastal environment. ICM can provide an orderly manner in analyzing
different situations and to plan for future development before changes
and restoration are required. It takes into considerations all stakeholders
by including them in the planning and decision making process. (Flores,
Hüttche, & White, 2002)

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2.2.2.3 Carrying Capacity

Briones and Quicoy, describes carrying capacity as a measure of

sustainability, it is a practical tool to use in maintaining the balance
between development and conservation. It can serve as a benchmark
against which one can measure change and the causes of that change.
Carrying capacity will serve as the early warning system for trouble.
(Briones & Quicoy, 2009)

Ma. Monina M. Flores, Carsten M. Hüttche, and Alan T. White

states that the assessment of the physical carrying capacity in sensitive
coastal environments is a good planning tool for sustainable tourism
development. The carrying capacity is defined as the balance between
the number of visitors an area can accommodate which does not or have
few impact on the coastal environments. This tool limits visitors use and
access because most problems related to coastal development are the
result of placing too much stress on limited coastal resources, exceeding
the carrying capacity.

A formula is used to estimate the carrying capacity of a place by

dividing the area to be used by tourists by the average individual
‘standard’ (usually in m2/person) required. However the individual
standard is not always the same, it is different in many cases, because
it involves at least three capacity variables: material, psychological and
ecological. Once the individual standard has been determined for the
particular area, then planning can proceed with the knowledge that the
development will not alter the environment of a site more than what is
acceptable (Flores, Hüttche, & White, 2002).

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 Figure 2.2.2-1 Carrying Capacity Equation

The figure below illustrates the relationship between carrying

capacity, the coastal environment and tourism and can be used to
determine corrective factors such as monsoons with high-energy wave
impacts.

Figure 2.2.2-2 Relationship between Carrying Capacity, Coastal

Environment and Tourism

(Flores, Hüttche, & White, 2002)

2.3 Tourism

21
 Tourism is considered as one of the world’s largest industries and it is
connected economic, social, cultural, environmental, and political sectors of life.
It is found in particular places where there is numerous environmental, cultural,
social and physical attractions. (Markovic, Satta, Skaricic , & Trumbic, 2009)

Tourism provides employment and income opportunities which helps

reduce poverty. Tourism is now a huge contributor to the economies of many
island nations. It can help produce income for protected areas and raise
awareness of tourist, and has fewer environmental impacts than other industry
sectors. However, it uses significant amounts of natural resources which can
damage ecosystems, it can also raise the cost of living for local people, may
degrade local culture and sell it as a “commodity”, and its revenues may not
really benefit the local community. (Secretariat of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, 2009)

Figure 2.2.2-1 Negative Effects of Tourism

Linking Tourism and Biodiversity

Sinha explains that biodiversity is a major attraction in nature tourism.

There is a “symbiosis” between tourism and nature conservation, which is a
mutual reliance on each other for sustainability, because nature is the biological

22
lifeline of tourism and that tourism can be a tool for conservation and
enhancement of the quality of human life.

Unfortunately, short-term benefits that can be gained from tourism has

compromised biodiversity conversation for economic gain. If not properly
managed and monitored, both tourism and biodiversity values of protected
areas will be diminished or lost. Maintaining the biodiversity assets of a natural
destination enhances the recreational experience of tourists, which leads to
repeat and longer visitation, high quality recreational experience, and better
support for biodiversity conservation. (Sinha, 2006)

2.3.1 Tourism in the Philippines

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department states that

the tourism industry is very important to the Philippine economy because it
creates employment and gives off revenue. The ratio of tourism direct gross
value added (TDGVA) to gross domestic product (GDP) recorded an average
of 5.9% per annum for the years 2000-2012. Shopping, accommodation
services, and food and beverages services are activities that are made by
tourism and they contribute greatly to the TDGVA of the Philippines. Tourist
arrivals have also increased from 1.9 million in 2003 to 4.7 million in 2013.
However, it varies throughout the years. In 2004 it reached 20.1% and then it
gradually slowed in the succeeding years before shriveling in 2008 and 2009
because of the Asian financial crisis. Recovery was in the offing with a growth
of 16.7% in 2010 and 9.6% in 2013. (Congressional Policy and Budget
Research Department, 2014)

23
 Figure 2.3.1-1 Tourism Direct Gross Value Added Percentage Share to
GDP

Figure 2.3.1-2 Tourist Arrivals in the Philippines

24
 2.3.2 Ecotourism

Buckley explains that ecotourism is a useful concept but it not well-

defined yet. It has many definitions however its main components do not
change, and these component are: nature-based product, minimal-impact
management, environmental education, contribution to conservation. The
significance of ecotourism is that it can help fund conservation in developing
countries, it can help reduce the impact of tourism on protected areas, it might
be able to improve the environmental management of mainstream tourism and
it can help produce various policies that can help improve the environment.
(Buckley, Ecotourism : Principles and Practices, 2009)

Flores, Hüttche, and White also agrees that there is no widely agreed
definition of ecotourism and much of the travel industry literature fails to
differentiate between nature-based mass tourism and ecotourism. The
International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as: “responsible travel to
natural areas, which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of
local people”

Ecotourism is used to refer to a scale that is small with limited ecological

and social impacts. Conservation plays a significant role of ecotourism. It aims
to educate the guests about local environmental and conservation issues,
income gained from ecotourism can help finance the costs of protecting natural
areas. An example of this is by charging a user fee from tourist, this fee can be
integrated into the price for the ecotour or the ecotourism product, or as a
separate contribution for the project’s conservation activities. It will also give the
ecotourists a more active feeling of supporting conservation as the money is
used for a specific purpose. It can be voluntary, however in cases where these
revenues are the sole source of funds for the operation of a conservation area
or program, they may be fixed at a certain amount.

Ecotourism can bring economic benefits to local community of the

tourism activity. This may include a wider range of locally owned and operated

25
tourism businesses such as tour operators and travel agents, small and
medium guesthouses and hotels amongst others. This ecotourism is
community-based and aims to improve livelihoods of poor people in rural
environments. This form of tourism relies on natural resources and cultures,
which is easily accessible to this communities. It has the potential of offering
alternative livelihoods with benefits for education and health care for the
involved community members.

Poverty forces people to exploit natural resources in destructive ways

because of no alternative opportunities or work. In coastal areas, this often
means destructive fishing methods such as dynamite fishing or overharvesting.
Community-based tourism may be able to achieve two goals which are to
provide alternative livelihood and income to the poor, and to offer more
sustainable means of utilizing and conserving natural resources. (Flores,
Hüttche, & White, 2002)

2.3.3 Water Based Tourism

Jennings discusses how water has long been associated with restorative
qualities and medicinal benefits for the stress of work, life in the city, or the
pollution found in most industrial and urban areas. This association is found in
past practices of picnicking beside creeks, rivers, and lakes; short excursions
to lake areas, thermal springs, and the seaside; the taking of seaside holidays
and vacations; second-home ownership by lakes, or at the seaside; and bathing
and spa therapy; and waters and fresh or sea air.

In the United States, water-based tourism, sport, leisure, and recreation

experiences have also increased because of rapid change in society due to
industrialization, especially changes in working conditions. It is also a
consequence of the rising demand for open space such as parks, recreational
piers, and spaces within a 100- mile radius of urban areas in which people could
relax.

26
 However, in Asia the acceptance for water-based tourism is slower. As
a result of various changes to working conditions; perspectives and values
regarding work and leisure; income; standards of living; increases in leisure
time; and for some nations, moves into the capitalist market economy,
participation rates in water based experiences are starting to improve. For
example, boating became popular in Japan in the latter part of the twentieth
century and scuba diving in Asia has grown since the 1970s. (Jennings, Water-
based Tourism, Sport, Leisure, and Recreation Experiences, 2007)

2.3.3.1 Boating

In the late twentieth century, private boat ownership was estimated to be

to be 20 million. Most of owners are situated within the US, where boating
registrations have continued to increase from 10.9 million in 1990, to more than
12.5 million in 1999. Elsewhere, participation numbers have also demonstrated
growth.

Boating can be differentiated by its energy source for forward motion,

which can either be sail driven or motor driven (Jennings, 2003). Both forms
continue to be popular in the twenty-first century. Boating, however, is not a
singularly focused experience. It usually occurs in association with other water-
related activities. This is particularly the case for motorized boating. Generally,
self-contained underwater breathing apparatuses, scuba diving, and fishing are
the biggest market segments linked to boat-associated activities.

Sailing is an activity that can take place in different physical locations on

different time periods and for different reasons. Participants can even have
varying skill levels with different numbers of participants; and could have a
formal or informal organizational structures. There are also many vessel
designs or constructions, and materials drawn from a wide array of technology
and corresponding levels of expenditure.

27
 2.3.3.2 Sport Fishing and Big Game Fishing

Sport fishing and big game fishing, popular sports of the 1950s and
1960s for the high class society, they still continue to attract a core number of
participants, however it is still only done by those who can afford it. Like most
forms of scuba diving, sport and big game fishing are reliant on motorized
vessels to access key activity sites. Another popular motor-dependent activity
is motorized watersports.

2.3.3.3 Motorized Watersports

Motorized watersports, such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, personal

hydrofoils, and parasailing, have become popular in the twenty-first century. But
because of increasing fuel prices, water resource management controls, and
restrictions due to user conflicts have caused amenity and safety issues related
to multiple use of sites.

2.3.3.4 One-Day Tours

Day tripper numbers in water-related areas have also increased.

Motorized boat are key elements of commercial water-based experiences and
enable large numbers of people to experience a wide range of water based
environments. In the Great Barrier Reef for example, have commercial vessels
carry from 20 to 400 passengers. Permitted operators have a variety of sites
and numbers of days for their operations. But there are also other activities that
are less or not at all dependent on motorized vessels.

2.3.3.5 Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Free Diving

Scuba diving and snorkeling continue to be popular water-based

experiences however free diving is less widespread. In the early 1980s, the

28
sport of scuba diving was projected to grow at a rate of 240,000 per annum.
Within the United States, in the 1990s, it was estimated that there were 4 to 5
million participants in scuba as recreation (West, 1990). While at the start of the
twenty-first century, PADI estimates that there are between 5 and 7 million
active divers in the world. Recently, the number of certified divers worldwide is
in excess of 5 million (PADI 2005).

(Jennings, Water-based Tourism, Sport, Leisure, and Recreation

Experiences, 2007)

2.4 Resort

Resorts offer luxurious surroundings with a variety of recreational

facilities, such as swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, game rooms,
and health spas, as well as planned social activities and entertainment. Resorts
typically are located in vacation destinations or near natural settings, such as
mountains, the seashores, theme parks, or other attractions. Resort and the
environment are linked inextricably, both in the minds of the guests and the
management. In all resort-environment situations resorts have the opportunity
to differentiate themselves through features of their environmental setting.
Sometimes the environment is the main attraction and careful access needs to
be provided to bring guests into contact with it, along with education to
maximize the enjoyment and appreciation, as happens with national park
oriented resorts. (Arora, 2011)

2.4.1 Resort Management

Arora states that resorts represents the best of vacation experiences

because it is often associated with luxury and are located at destinations that
are for tourist. Most resorts are even designed to emphasize a core activity, like
beaches, a mountain or a heritage site, where the guest can enjoy the different

29
activities it offer. And it is also supported by different facilities for
accommodation, food and retail opportunities.

The main objective of a resort is to attract and hold guests that’s why the
total resort package must be appealing. Resorts generally depend on place-
bound products such as beach, mountain or heritage experience. These tourist
destinations can be treated as products, which are the source of activities that
completes the tourism experience. They are the main product being advertised
by different promotion agencies on the tourism market to attract guests.

However since most resorts are often found near vacation destinations
or near natural settings, like mountains, beaches, theme parks or other
attraction, they are often seasonal. For off seasons, some resorts contain
convention and conference facilities to encourage customers to combine
business with pleasure. These establishments would offer hosting conventions,
sales meetings and incentives tours to fill their empty rooms, and some resort
even close during off-season. They also offer lower rates to entice guests and
would hire fewer staff to balance the cost. (Arora, 2011)

2.4.1.1 Industry Trends

Mill discusses the most significant trends in the resort industry which are:

 Health Spas and Fitness Facilities

Nowadays many people are very concerned of their health, and so

fitness facilities have become basic amenity for resorts. Many resorts also have
on-site spas as a complement to existing fitness facilities. They offer a mixture
of pampering, education, and medical programs. They require a high capital
cost and highly skilled personnel that can result in high payroll costs.

 Soft Adventure Programs

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 Soft adventure programs consist of activities like white-water rafting,
multiple day hiking, and wild-game hunting, etc. They require experienced
guides to facilitate the activities and provide safety for guests seeking a thrill as
part of their vacation experience.

 Gaming

In recent years, many countries and various states in the USA have been
legalizing gaming to gain revenue through taxes. The increase in the number
of resorts offering gaming however may reduce its uniqueness and can lower
its popularity.

 Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a growing subcategory under the environmental

movement. Example of ecotourism activities include trips to the rain forests of
the Amazon and to study the Galapagos tortoises. Because these trips involve
visits to fragile environments they are best handled by smaller ‘‘boutique’’
resorts (Mill, 2011)

2.4.1.2 Current Market Trends and Concerns

According to Mill, a necessary first step in attracting guest is to study and

understand the market trends and concerns.

Beaches and Islands

Trips to beaches has become a family affair compared to other kinds of

trips. In America, one in every three families that go to beaches have a child or
children in the trip.

Beach travelers enjoy the following activities while at the beach:

 Dining out: 46%

 Touring or sightseeing: 39%

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  Shopping 37%
 Entertainment activities: 33%
 Night Life activities: 14%

However in recent years, there has been increasing concerns on

pollution at beaches because it has led a number of beach closing. While
overall contamination has remained fairly constant, the number of closures has
increased due to increased water quality testing.

Also beach erosion has become a serious concern, with the erosion rate
being one foot per century. This is a problem for resort areas with many
commercial development like condos, hotels, etc. To fix this problem, "beach
nourishment" is done which is to place sand on the eroding beach. This can be
very expensive which can cost anywhere from $1 to $10 million to put sand on
one mile of beach.

Scuba Travel

In 1968 there were only 3,200 scuba certifications world-wide; in 2008 it

grew to 930,000. It is estimated that there are over 17 and a half million certified
scuba divers in the world and over a third are women.

Scuba divers are attracted to areas with great visibility, coral percentage,
and the diversity of species. Unfortunately, coral reef erosion has become a
major. It is estimated that 10% of all coral reefs are degraded beyond recovery,
while an additional 30% are in critical condition and may die within 10-20 years.
In Southeast Asia the problem is more severe, with as much as 80 percent of
the reefs are under high risk. This has resulted in some destinations creating
marine protected areas (MPAs), a research on this destinations showed that
divers are willing to pay a fee to go toward the cost of maintaining or managing
the areas.

The motivation to scuba dive varies according to the experience of the

diver. Those with little experience dive:

 To show they can do it.

32
  Because it is an impressive thing to do
 To develop diving skill and knowledge
 To have an experience they can look back on
 Because it is a challenge

More experienced divers do so:

 For relaxation
 To share knowledge
 To use their equipment
 To see shipwrecks

The equipment is not easy to handle and resorts and equipment manufacturers
can do certain things to make the experience more enjoyable for the beginner:

 Improve the way diving and personal equipment are carried on

shore.
 Improve the transition into and out of the water.
 Make getting into and out of the wetsuit trouble-free and pleasant.

(Mill, 2011)

2.4.1.3 Managing Resources

Beach resorts have very fragile resources and so proper management

and conservation of resources should be done.

Water Quality

– In the Caribbean and South Pacific the microbiological limit

values for E. coli faecal enterococci are set at 100/100 ml and
40/100 ml respectively
– Water samples are to be taken every two to three weeks, where
the concentration of bathers is highest

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 – No wastewater, industrial or urban, should affect the quality of the
beach
– Storm water outlets must be clean at all times
– Once a year, divers should collect data regarding a site
description focusing on the extent of human imprints on coral
reefs
– Algae should not be allowed to accumulate to the point where it
is a hazard or a nuisance to beach users
– Seaweed dried on the beach can be used as fertilizer

Environmental Management

A beach management group should be established to facilitate

environmental management systems and conducting regular environmental
audits of the beach facility.

– The operation of a beach and its immediate surroundings should

comply with local and regional land-use plans
– There should be no signs of litter on a beach
– Trash containers must be available by the beach in adequate
numbers, regularly maintained and emptied
– Recycling facilities must be available by the beach
– The number of sanitary facilities will depend on the average
number of beach users during peak season, the length of the
beach and the number and location of beach access points
– Cars should be kept at least 65 feet away from the water’s edge
– In most beaches, pets are not allowed on the sandy part of the
beach

2.4.1.4 Safety and Services

A risk assessment should be done on the beach to find out the

appropriate number of lifeguards and equipment. The number and placement

34
of lifeguards will vary according to the demands of the season. The lifeguards
should also wear the internationally recognized red/yellow uniform easy
visibility in a visible in a crowded beach. The areas patrolled by guards should
be outlined on maps and on the beach with markers or flags. Also by providing
information and educating beach users about safety concerns should be part
of the safety strategy.

Lifesaving equipment includes life buoys, torpedo buoys, hooks, life

vests, life rafts, etc. It is recommended that equipment be provided every 120
feet when no lifeguards are present. Instructions on the proper use of such
equipment must be visible. Equipment must be inspected and maintained on a
regular basis. Also there should also be access to an emergency phone.

First aid can be made available in several ways:

 A lifeguard site
 An attended first-aid station with trained personnel
 Equipment located in a shop or other beach facilities at the beach
 Equipment directly available to the public on the beach

Separate geographic zones can be set up for various activities;

separated by buoys, beacons, or signs

The beach should be managed in a way that helps protect the

environment

– Emergency plans should be developed in order to plan for

hazards
– Safe access can be provided by: securing stairs with handrails,
designating crosswalks, and reserving disabled drivers parking lot
spaces.
– Security guards may be necessary to provide a safe environment
– Potable drinking water must be available on the beach
– A map of the beach indicating different facilities must be displayed

35
 (Mill, 2011)

2.4.2 Types of Resorts

Robert Christie Mill has categorized resorts based on its proximity to

primary market, its setting and primary amenities and its mixture of residential
and lodging facilities.

2.4.2.1 Proximity to Primary Market

Resorts are either destination resorts or non-destination resorts. The

difference between them is its closeness to its primary market, way for guest to
reach the resort, the number times a guest visit, the length of stay and the
quality of the setting. Destination resorts tend to be far from the market. Visitors
tend to fly rather than drive there and visit once a year for one to two weeks.
Further, the resorts are located at places attractive enough to entice people to
travel large distances to get there.

While non-destination resorts tend to be within a two to three hour drive

away from its primary market. Guests arrive by car, visit more frequently, and
stay three to four days each time. As a result, destination resorts have a higher
ratio of hotel rooms to second homes than do regional resorts. However there
are resorts that fit into both category.

2.4.2.2 Setting and Primary Amenities

Resorts can also be categorized based on its location and amenities.

Resorts can be either ocean resorts, lake/river resorts, mountain/ski resorts, or
golf resorts. Ocean resorts depend on the quality and size of their beaches,
views, climate, and water sports activities. As the number of waterfront
locations expanded, fewer sites associated with water are available. Other

36
resorts rely on specialized amenities, including tennis, equestrian facilities,
ranches, health, natural attractions, sporting expeditions, and entertainment.

2.4.2.3 Residential and Lodging Properties

A. Traditional Lodging

The resort hotel is the most common form of resort development. The
guests of traditional hotels selects the property based on convenience. For the
business traveler, convenience might mean the hotel is close to the highway or
to the businesses to be visited. For the leisure traveler, convenience translates
into proximity to the beach or other tourist attractions. The resort hotel guest,
on the other hand, visits the development simply for relaxation.

Facilities with 25 to 125 room can include properties from the above
group as well as small specialty resorts. Most are referred as lodges and cater
to hikers, hunters, and skiers. In this category, the increasing number of
boutique resort hotels can be found, they cater to a small, upscale segment of
the market. These are often located in beautiful and delicate settings that are
not appropriate for larger-scale development.

Resort hotels ranging in size from 125 to 400 rooms tend to be affiliated
with a chain and located in major resort areas. They can be either low-rise or
high-rise, though they are usually more horizontal than vertical in design. They
have large balconies and larger rooms than comparable commercial hotels, and
offer more amenities as well. Hotels with more than 400 rooms are located in
prime resort locations offering major attractions such as beach frontage.

B. Timeshare or Vacation Ownership

Timesharing is defined as ‘‘the right to accommodations at a vacation

development for a specified period each year, for a specified number of years
or for perpetuity.’’ Each condominium or unit is divided into intervals by the
week or as points and sold separately.

37
 C. Condominium Hotels

In a condominium hotel, or condotel, guests buy fee-simple equity in the

unit which means buying a hotel guestroom. They can be used as permanent
or second homes. Owners can even earn income by renting out their units
independently or through the rental program of the management company but
it depends on the policy of the hotel.

D. Destination Clubs

This a new development which cater mostly to the high class society.
Initiation fees can be as high as $500,000 in addition to annual fees of $25,000.
Customers stay for weeks at a time in luxury residences and villas in both urban
and resort locations. Customers join as they would a country club by paying
initiation fees that range from $200,000 to $400,000 with yearly fees of between
$10,000 and $25,000. Eighty percent of the initiation fee is refundable.
Members stay between 15 and 25 days a year at these homes.

(Mill, 2011)

2.4.3 Resort Design

Resorts have very different designs which depend greatly on the location
of the resort. Ariel Yu discusses a few guidelines in designing a resort to be
able to achieve a resort that is in tune with its surrounding and uses it well for
the benefit of it guests.

2.4.3.1 Basic Requirements for Resort Architecture

 The general design of a resort should be integrated and local

features can be conveyed through the theme of the architecture.
The buildings in a resort should meet the aesthetic standards as
well as the architectural standards.

38
 The buildings in a resort can be divided into several building
clusters according to their own distinguishing features. However,
all of them should meet the basic architectural requirements.
 Sustainability is now a basic requirement for resort architecture.
The use of materials and resources that can mostly protect the
environment and are in accordance with the ecological
sustainability should be taken into consideration throughout the
resort's design and construction.
 Resort building elevation: each building in a resort should have a
clear-cut foundation, distinct open forms and building surface
features, a highly identified entrance, and exquisite rooftop
outlines.
 Rooftop and rooftop outlines: The rooftop and rooftop outlines
should be able to arouse the guests’ interest and should keep
accordance with the building elevation's styles, details and
materials.
 Building entrances: Building entrances should be distinct and can
be easily identified by the guests as an "entry". The entrance
should be set in a central area if it is in a building cluster.
 Building profiles and back façades: A building's profile and back
façade should get the same sort of attention from the architects.
The details should be in accordance with the front façade of the
building. All sides of the building should meet the aesthetic
standards from any angles.
 The features and types, of windows, doors and building surfaces:
All the windows, doors, panels, pilasters, and building bays
should be elaborately constructed on the basis of the building
bay's space planning and other organization systems. The special
details on the resort building's surface should be put into practice
throughout the whole construction of the building.
 Doors and windows: The doors and windows constructed in a
resort should be vertically arranged which can make an attractive
building façade. Generally, the shape and location of the windows

39
 should be able to mostly show the resort's landscape and
scenery. Windows are an important element which can reflect the
building's total quality. Windows should be vertical, square, or
meet the resort's special requirements for architectural design. At
present, many green resorts advocate that windows design
should meet the LEED-NC standards. Windows can be dyed if it
is required from the aspect of the building's functions. (Yu , 2014)

2.4.3.2 Site Planning Strategies for resorts

 The surrounding of the resort should be the main element in site

selection. Resorts with proximity to the sea, historic sites,
shopping centers and entertainment venues attract guests.
 A research on the environmental protection should be done in
order to formulate proper protection measures if the resort site is
close to sensitive areas that are under environmental protection.
 Resort sites should be selected in areas with convenient traffic,
for example, places where there are two-way roads and are easy
for vehicles steering. If a resort is set in a place that is connected
to high-speed roads, the designers should take elements such as
the width of roads, traffic signs, and lighting conditions into
consideration when they are selecting site for the resort.
 Resort sites in environments that have strong sunlight, or that are
noisy and polluted should be avoided. (Yu , 2014)

2.4.3.3 Architectural Planning

The architectural planning for resorts should comply with the following
requirements:

40
  The same facade for all kinds of buildings should be avoided to
the greatest extent. Different facades should be designed to make
a visual impact.
 The positions of the garages in a separate building should be
different, but garages should be set in each building or building
area.
 The density of the buildings should be defined according to the
conditions of the resort's geographic location and planning. Each
region may have its own different standard for land ratio. For
example, the land ratio is relatively higher in prosperous areas
while relatively lower in residential areas.
 The height and withdrawing distance of the buildings in a resort
should be able to protect the guests' privacy and prevent invasion.
(Yu , 2014)

2.4.3.4 Planning for Roads in Resorts

The design of a resort's vehicular roads should comply with the following
principles:

 The entry of vehicular roads in the resort should be 6.1m-7.3m

wide and should be paved with a gentle slope. The entry vehicular
roads can be a two-way road or two separate one-way roads.
 A separate sidewalk/bikeway of 1.5m-2.4m wide should be set
beside the entry vehicular roads.
 Suggested materials of pavement for entry vehicular roads in
resorts include: stones, asphalt, concrete, and gravel.
 The vehicular roads inside the resort should be 5.5m-6.1m wide
and should be paved with a gentle slope which is convenient for
pedestrians and bicycles
 Suggested materials paved on the vehicular roads inside the
resort include: resin, cobbles, grit, pervious asphalt mixed with grit
or weathered granite.

41
  Multifunctional roads should be paved in the resort for the use of
pedestrians, bicycles, carriages, and ambulances at the same
time. Multifunctional roads should be 3.7m-4.3m wide and should
be paved with pervious materials.
 Suggested materials paved on the multifunctional roads in the
resort include: resin, cobbles, and gravel. Asphalt mixed with grit
or weathered granite can also be used if necessary.
 The construction of firefighting access should also be taken into
consideration when design the vehicular roads and
multifunctional crossroads in the resort. (Yu , 2014)

2.4.3.5 Sidewalks and Bikeways in Resorts

These factors should be taken into consideration when designing the

sidewalks and bikeways in a resort:

 Bikeways should be set in all the multifunctional roads, minor

roads, and the entry vehicular roads in the resort. All the roads
should be able to get access to each scenic spot and residential
area in the resort.
 All the sidewalks and bikeways in the resort
should be equipped with enough lighting facilities and mounted
with proper signs in order to guide the visitors to travel around the
resort; comfortably and safely
 The parking lots for bicycles or vehicles drawn by men should be
set in the key areas that are close to the buildings. The parking
lots for bicycles or vehicles drawn by men should provide
adequate lighting and proper shelter to protect visitors from the
heavy weather such as sunlight or rain. The design of this kind of
parking lots should pay attention to their usability which is
convenient for the visitors as well as their aesthetic
 Suggested materials paved on the entry sidewalks in resorts
include: weathered granite and resin. (Yu , 2014)

42
 2.4.3.6 Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is one of the important measures to protect the

ecological environment. The followings are some specific measures for
reference:

 The wall surface in the south and west should be installed with
vegetative walls or screens in order to increase the visual sense
of beauty of the interior design and reduce the interior heat
gathering.
 The trees planted in resorts should have proper height and crown
size in order to provide guests the largest shadow space in some
outdoor space such as terraces and squares, sidewalks, motor
vehicle roads, and parking lots. The framework of this kind of
vegetative walls such as canopy frames and pillars should keep
in accordance with the whole architectural structure and
landscape design.
 ln suitable conditions, green roofs could be set to relieve storm
harm and adsorb sun's heat, which can reduce the roof surface
temperature and meet the interior air conditioning requirement in
summer.
 The brightness of the street lamps should be limited in order to
reduce light pollution and energy resource interest. Street lamps
should meet the safety lighting level. (Yu , 2014)

2.4.3.7 Rainwater Management and Water Saving Measures

 Limit the destroying of natural hydrographic net by reducing the

paving of impervious roads.
 Improve the water infiltration capacity in resorts through paving
pervious roads and working out water storage system.

43
  In case of stormy weather, marsh or other unstructured
techniques could be used to transform hydrops in order to reduce
or eliminate water pollution.
 Adopt indigenous and climate suitable planting method to reduce
water loss and increase the possibility of ecological recovery. (Yu
, 2014)

2.4.3.8 Sustainable Materials

The construction materials used in resorts should be materials

that are extracted, picked or recycled within 500 miles of the resorts. It
can reduce the environmental effect brought by transportation and
increase the requirement for local materials and products through
supporting local resources. (Yu , 2014)

2.4.4 Eco Resorts

Zbigniew Bromberek discusses how Eco Resorts have objectives for

sustainability which are:

 Conservative management of the natural environment;

 Minimizing non-renewable resource consumption;
 Reducing embodied energy and total resource usage;
 Reducing energy in use;
 Minimizing external pollution and environmental damage;
 Eliminating or minimizing the use of toxins; and
 Minimizing internal pollution and damage to health.

An eco-resort in the tropics should offer a ‘tropical experience’ to visitors

but the resort should have a minimal impact on the environment without
compromising guests’ comfort and safety. The eco-resort should consider the
local natural and cultural environments by employing principles of

44
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD). It must minimize energy use
through passive solar design and, and should utilize the renewable resources
of sun, water or wind when needed. It also has to make minimal impact on the
environment by limiting waste, emissions, pollution and other undesirable
effects of its operation. In very broad terms, the impact that the resort will make
on the environment can be derived from solutions adopted for:

 Energy and water supply

 Discharge of waste and emissions
 Construction technology and materials used in buildings and
infrastructure, and
 Direct human impacts through daily activities on the site

2.4.4.1 Energy Management

 Select carefully the services to be powered – many can work with no

additional energy input;
 Use local context as the main criterion of energy source selection;
 Match demand to supply in order to avoid oversizing the power
generation system;
 Investigate planning/design implications of selecting a particular
source of energy.

2.4.4.2 Water Management

 Carefully select services that require water: opt for waterless

solutions when available;
 Retain on the site as much water as you can;
 Find resort uses for water you harvested, including grey water;
 Only water for direct consumption should be subject to purification
and treatment.

45
 There are many places where the demand for water exceeds supply and
it depletes the available water resources, some of this places are even popular
tourist destination. This is because guest demand for water usually exceeds
that of local residents. Also, the water required for each resort room and general
activities such as kitchens and laundry, features such as swimming pools and
water-hungry landscaping can add significantly to total usage. Excessive water
use can degrade or destroy local water resources, threatening the availability
of water for local and/or future needs. Here are some examples of water
management solution:

 Capturing water from freshwater and other sources

 Storing water
 Reducing water consumption
 Redistributing water, and
 Preventing wastage.

2.4.4.3 Waste and Pollution Management

 Try to limit waste to what you are able to process on site by

adjustments to your resource lines;
 Select materials, construction and demolition technologies to limit
amount of waste, emissions, pollution and site contamination at all
stages of development and operations;
 Be mindful of waste and pollution caused by construction and
maintenance materials’ extraction and manufacturing processes in
places where they come from;
 Contain pollution at its source rather than deal with its broader
effects.

2.4.4.4 Impact of Building Materials and Construction Technology

 Select materials in small modular sizes that do not require heavy

machinery to handle;

46
  Select technologies, either vernacular or prefabricated, with low
water requirements;
 Select reusable and recyclable materials with low energy content;
 Select materials that are durable and require minimum maintenance.

Materials used in building tropical eco-resort can have a direct and

indirect impacts on the environment, both indoors and outdoors. The direct
impacts is when materials interact with the environment, like off gassing or
supporting vermin. The indirect impacts is through the action to construct
technologies or in their maintenance. This should be taken into considerations
to lessen impact:

 Impacts of construction methods on landscape and wildlife;

 Source and origin of construction materials;
 Available construction technologies appropriate for the selected
building materials;
 Impacts of resort on visual landscape;
 Amount of water required by the selected technology and water
conservation methods;
 Impacts of construction noise on wildlife;
 Amount and type of fuels and chemicals required in construction;
 Emissions from equipment;
 Drainage techniques used for discharge of construction wastewater;
 Use of energy-saving renewable energy equipment and techniques;
 Use of transport for various tasks specific to and associated with the
given material.

2.4.4.5 Impacts from Tourist Presence in the Area

 Concentrate and channel tourist movements through the site;

 Create physical barriers to prevent uncontrollable penetration of the
area;

47
  Develop zones corresponding with environmental responses to
various types and extent of impacts;
 Contain impacts at their source with visual, acoustic and other
pollution buffers.

(Bromberek, 2009)

2.5 Swimming Pools

There are a number of different types of pools that can be part of the
resort amenities.

 Lap pool with lanes for swimmers

 Sports pool of consistent depth for exercise and games
 Reflecting pool to complement picturesque landscaping
 Traditional diving pool with a deep end for safe diving
 Splash pool for wading and family fun

Fitness centers are the number one most important amenity when
traveling for business. Resorts that appeal to business travelers can turn their
pools into profit centers by offering fitness classes to their guests. While a soak
in the pool might make guests feel relax, a low-impact workout can revitalize
guests by relieving them of the fatigue from travelling, increase the blood flow,
and increase endorphins. (Mill, 2011)

2.5.1 General Design Requirements for the Swimming Pools in Resorts

 The average depth of swimming pools is 1,200 mm.

 The length of outdoor pools is suggested to be at least 25,000
mm.
 Keep the lighting without hindrance from morning to night. The
angle of light or sunlight is adjustable.

48
  The shape of swimming pools is mainly rounded and can be
changed properly.
 Swimming pools should be clearly stamped showing the depth,
no diving, and swimming pool rules.
 Swimming pools should provide enough rest facilities, 213 of
which are sunlight beds.
 Except for special requirements, it is suggested that diving service
facilities should not be included in the facility plans.
 Water circulation systems are suggested.
(Yu , 2014)

2.5.2 Maintenance

According to some experts, an attractive pool is one of the most visible

and cost-effective resort amenities. Nevertheless, keeping the pool attractive
requires constant maintenance:

 Know your chemistry-The single most important factor in

extending the Iife of the pool and reducing repairs is keeping the
water chemistry in balance. An automated water chemistry
control system measures chlorine and pH levels every three
seconds and automatically dispenses the right amount of
chemicals into the pool. These systems cost between $3,000 and
$5,000 but pay for themselves after two years due to savings on
chemicals and manpower.
 Renovations-Exposed-aggregate pool finishes, such as Diamond
Bright and Krystal Krete, cost 15 percent more than regular
finishes but last longer and are easier to maintain. Decks can be
spruced up with emulsions or concrete pavers in different shapes,
textures, and colors. Adding lighting for evening ambience
completes the effect.
 Starting over-There comes a time when it is cheaper to tear out
the pool and start over rather than to repair it. If your pool is over

49
 30 years old, this be may the better strategy. During pool
replacement is a good time to integrate changes in construction
such as larger multipurpose decks, dramatic architectural
elements such as waterfalls, shallow wet decks for kids, and
access for seniors and people in wheelchairs.

2.5.3 Safety

Because of liability concerns, the presence of pools represents a difficult

challenge for management. Management has to be particularly concerned with

 Responsible adult supervision-many resorts post signs indicating

that guests swim at their own risk and have no lifeguard. This is
no substitute for responsible adult supervision in the pool, spa, or
hot tub areas.
 Drains, suction fittings, and jets-grates and covers help prevent
body or hair entrapment. Covers must meet specific safety
standards. Safety doors should be installed in all pool cleaner wall
suction lines.
 Diving-all diving boards, platforms, or slides must be consistently
inspected to ensure compliance with industry standards.
 Electrical hazards-all equipment should be inspected by a
licensed electrician to ensure everything is properly grounded,
bonded, and protected'
 Ladders, steps, and handrails-there should be adequate safe
entry and safe exit methods at both ends of a pool and at two
sides of a hot tub or spa'
 Drowning prevention-routinely inspect all gates; have staff trained
in CPR.
 Water clarity-ensure that circulation and filtration systems are
working properly to Provide clear water.
 Water chemistry-pools need regular sanitizing and chemical
balancing.
50
  Heaters-heaters must be properly bonded and ventilated with
features to prevent overheating.

(Mill, 2011)

2.6 Case Study

2.6.1 Foreign Case Studies
2.6.1.1 Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

 Location: Lesiceva Point,

Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu
island, Fiji
 Year of completion: 1987
(refurbished 1993)
 Total cost of construction: USD
5 million (approx.)
 Consultant: Richard C Murphy
 Builder: local craftspeople
 Number of guest units: 20, plus
5 superior bures (bungalows)
 Max. number of guests: 80
(approx.)
Figure 2.6.1-1 Resort Plan
 Site area: 17 acres (approx. 7
ha)
 Other facilities on site: reception, two dining halls, club house, dive shop,
three pools, tennis courts, pier
 Access methods: by air and road via Savusavu from Viti Levu island (Nadi
international airport), by seaplane or launch
 Principal attractions in the area: the sea and reefs, diving sites, rainforest,
villages, towns of Savusavu and Labasa.

51
 Figure 2.6.1-2 Aerial View of Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

In the October 2005 edition of the US-published Condé Nast

Traveler, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort was declared as a
world’s top eco-tourism destination. The resort pays great attention to water
and waste recycling, it also has environmental programs to assist local
villagers and daily activities enabling guests to discover the island’s pristine
sea, rainforests and waterfalls. Guest can also visit local villages and
markets to have a feel of the ‘real Fiji’ as it was several decades ago, while
still enjoying the modern facilities of a luxury resort

The integration between resort systems and the resort’s natural and
cultural surroundings are designed to give guests an environment for mental,
spiritual and physical enrichment. Coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests and
traditional Fijian culture offer guests a wide range of options for connection to
nature and local people.

The design objective was to ‘create an environmentally responsible

facility, which was elegant, yet simple, so as to promote an appreciation of, and
connection with, the natural and cultural qualities of Fiji’. The designers were
practical in their approach to development and environmental protection. They
took great steps to protect the natural resources and ecological sustainability
was taken as a guiding principle rather than a constraint. They also believed
that reliance on the forces of nature was saving them money.

52
 Figure 2.6.1-3 Beach Front of Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

The integrated ecosystems and functional landscapes were designed to

support energy sustainability, food production, water conservation, and waste
reduction strategies. Also, the resort’s operators are very sensitive to the fact
that they are guests and members of the local community, and thus obliged to
accept certain social responsibilities. The operators and the local people have
been partners in the resort’s development and subsequent operations. They
continue to work together to ensure compatibility of the facility with the regional
culture, local traditions and community’s aspirations for the future

Figure 2.6.1-4 Guest Units (Bures)

The most important feature of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands

Resort is its integration with the local community. The resort is designed to

53
support and be supported by the local community. It draws on local building
knowledge, local traditions and local building materials. Design of guest units
(bures) follows the design of traditional huts utilizing some of their
advantageous characteristics, such as very high cathedral ceilings and
thatched roofs. Bures are strung along the shoreline taking in breezes coming
from the sea. Native vegetation provides hedges, which act as both a visual
and acoustic barrier between the units. Also, planning issues are well resolved,
with dining rooms, which doubles as an entertainment area, and playgrounds
for the children moved well away from the ‘residential’ part. Finally, most of
resort operations are in tune with the overall image of this multi-award winning
resort. (Bromberek, 2009)

2.6.1.2 Misool Eco Resort

Background

Missool Eco Resort’s (MER) objectives based on their website is to

provide exceptional and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment,
not only for their guests but for their staff as well. They aim to protect and
revitalize both the natural surroundings and the local community. They also
claim to be committed to demonstrate to their hosts, their guests, and the local
government that tourism can support a local economy with much more
favorable terms than mining, logging, overfishing, or shark finning.

It first started out as the vision of one man and is now owned by its
shareholders, which are a dedicated group of divers and conservationists. It
was in 2005, when MER first entered into a 25-year lease agreement with
members of the local community for exclusive rights to Batbitim and Jef Galyu
Islands, including hills, forests, coconut trees, water, animals and the
surrounding lagoon. An integral part of the lease was the designation of
approximately 200km2 of surrounding sea as a Marine Protected Area (MPA)
and No-Take Zone (NTZ), in order to conserve the marine environment and
also its interest for divers.

54
 The lease agreement between the community and MER was founded on
principles supported by Papuan law or Hak Adat, which is recognized and
formalized under Indonesian law. Under Papuan law, people can own not just
islands but the beaches, reefs and waters that surround them. This gives local
community owners the opportunity to assign a lease that includes rights to the
marine as well as terrestrial environment.

Site and Project Profile

Misool Eco Resort is an exclusive dive resort and conservation center

located on the island of Batbitim, within the Raja Ampat group of islands that
can be found on the western coast of Papua, the Indonesian half of the island
of New Guinea. It is found in the middle of the Coral Triangle, the Raja Ampat
group of islands has abundant coral reefs, home to more than 700 species of
mollusks and 1,397 species of fish. While the island of Batbitim offers some of
the best and most pristine diving in Raja Ampat.

It is a private resort island nestled deep in an archipelago of uninhabited

islands, in the very epicenter of marine biodiversity. The island and its scuba
diving sites are surrounded by 1220 sq. km of Marine Protected Area, and
inside the 46,000 sq.km Raja Ampat Shark and Manta Sanctuary which the eco

55
resort helped create. They are located 165 km from the nearest port, and the
nearest village is 20 km away by boat.

The resort island, Batbitim, is a true tropical hideaway, just south of the
equator and fringed with powder-white beaches and pristine coral reefs. Its
maximum capacity of just 40 guests and a staff-to-guest ratio of 3 to 1, they
offer exclusive diving holidays, surrounded by the world's richest reefs. They
first started with only eight guest cottages that were opened in 2008, and
eventually three deluxe villas have been added which brings it to a total of 11
villas and cottages.

The remote location of the eco resort helps offer the variety and quality
of live-aboard diving combined with all the comforts of a land-based holiday
resort. There are over 60 dive-sites within a 1-hour radius of the resort, while
there are 25 world-class dive sites within a 15-minute radius of the resort,
including Fiabacet, Boo, Yilliet, Wobbegong City, and Magic Mountain.

Impact of the Project

(1) Physical

The Misool Eco Resort has also established a marine conservation

foundation which is known as Misool Baseftin and it is located at Raja Ampat,
Indonesia. Misool Baseftin operates the Ranger Patrol, which enforces the
resort’s own 828 sq.km No-Take Zone, established in 2005. This Marine

56
Protected area includes some of the region’s most spectacular diving, including
Magic Mountain, Fiabacet, Daram, Yillet, and Gorgonian Passage.

Misool Baseftin also maintains a broad approach to conservation,

combining environmental, social, and educational applications. Their joint
mission is to safeguard the future of the most biodiverse reefs on earth by
empowering local communities to reclaim their traditional residence of reefs.
They believe that sustainable tourism and community-based conservation are
mutually beneficial.

Some of their conservation initiatives include:

 The establishment of a 425 sq.km No-Take Zone surrounding Misool

Eco Resort in 2005 with the full cooperation of the local community
 The expansion of the area to 1,220 sq.km last October of 2010
 The area is regularly patrolled by local Rangers to prevent all types
of fishing, long lining, netting, etc.

Some of their projects and programs for the environment include:

Misool Manta Project: In August 2011, their team begun sifting and
collating several years' worth of photos and videos from their nearby manta
cleaning station. Using the distinctive markings on the manta's belly, they have
identified individuals and created a database. This contributes valuable data to
know the manta migration patterns and behavior. They can also track
interactions between different species of mantas, follow breeding patterns, and
note seasonal variations.

Raja Ampat Shark and Manta Sanctuary: In October 2010, they

presented to the Raja Ampat government with a petition signed by over 8,500
people, encouraging them to protect sharks and manta rays. Together with
Shark Savers, they were able to persuade the head of Raja Ampat to establish
a sanctuary for the entire 17,000 sq.mi/46 million hectares of Raja Ampat. They
are currently collaborating with international NGOs and the government to

57
create enforcement strategies as well as to move the law up through the
different levels of legislations.

Reef Restoration Project: They

have investigated several different methods
for restoring reefs which have been
damaged. Their first attempt was in 2007,
when their staff created an armature using
old bits of iron rebar. They invited three
generations of underwater-enthusiasts from the local village to help install the
structure. Several years later, the structure is covered in soft corals as well as
hard corals. The Dive Centre of the Eco Resort also runs a 'Reef Restoration
Experience' for the guests. Guests can enjoy an in-depth presentation about
reef building corals, which is followed by a dive on a nearby patch of damaged
reef. Together with the guides and sometimes joined by their Rangers, guests
collect small bits of naturally disturbed hard corals and affix them to a stable
substrate.

(2) Social

The Misool Eco Resort (MER) believes that the conservation of this
delicate ecosystem is critical for many reasons, including the survival and well-
being of its human inhabitants. The conservation of this ecosystem is absolutely
vital to the economic and cultural survival of Raja Ampat's indigenous people.

Some of their projects and programs for the community include:

Kindergarten Project, Fafanlap: In late 2010, they expanded their No-

Take Zone (NTZ) to include the Daram Islands. As part of the lease agreement
with the local community and in partnership with Seacology and WildAid, they
agreed to build a kindergarten in their village of Fafanlap. Construction started
in late 2011, and the kindergarten is now functional.

Dive Guide Training Program: MER have created a training program,

which offers Open Water diving certificates to interested staff from all

58
departments. From those certified divers, those who have shown particular
interest and enthusiasm have now moved full-time into our Dive Guide Training
Program.

School Library Project: MER currently

support libraries in the local schools. The head
of their Ranger Patrol, Razak Tamher, had a
great idea to create a mobile library, bringing
books from village to village. This program has
become so popular that ultimately they established permanent libraries in 2
different schools. They have donated furnishings like book shelves, colorful
beanbag chairs, wall-sized maps, and of course books to the libraries.

School Teacher Sponsorship: The local villages lack the resources to

pay the wages of school teachers. MER currently pay for the monthly wages of
six teachers in three villages.

(3) Economic

From the very beginning the local community was keen to bring tourism
into the area. In fact, the resort was of much greater interest to them than the
NTZ. Whereas the NTZ required that they give up some of their traditional
fishing areas, they saw the resort as offering the prospect of long-term
employment and income for the villagers. For MER, the two go absolutely hand-
in-hand.

The identified owners of the area is the village of Yellu, they also benefit
in a number of ways from the whole arrangement. The MER pays a lease fee
to the community every five years. Under the terms of their agreement, MER
has agreed to give preference to local communities in the village of Yellu and
surrounding area when recruiting nonskilled staff, including for construction,
maintenance, resort services, dive services and NTZ rangers. MER currently
employs 75 staff, with 45 coming from Yellu, and all are paid above the wage
rate set by government. Three senior managers, the Community Liaison Officer

59
and Ranger, the Head of Security and Ranger, and the Community Coordinator
for the Ranger Patrol, come from Yellu.

(4) Utilities and Infrastructure

Building:

 The resort was built from

100% reclaimed tropical
hardwoods. The resort’s own
team has milled over 600
cubits of wood in their own
portable sawmill. They have
managed to build a beautiful resort without cutting down a single tree
 All reclaimed wood used by the Eco Resort has been purchased
directly from local people rather than logging conglomerates
 Most of the fine carpentry and furniture has been crafted on-site by
their team using our own eco-lumber.
 The jetty found in the Eco Resort is constructed from salvaged 22-
inch metal pipes
 MER have engineered their structures to achieve optimum balance
between energy efficiency and comfort.
 Whenever possible, they use natural, environmentally sound
materials.
 Roofs are made of natural 'alang alang' grass thatch. It's a locally
made product, and an excellent insulator against the heat
 The cottages have deep verandas and low roof lines, decreasing the
amount of solar heat which enters the building
 The steeply pitched roofs and open eaves create a natural
ventilation system.
 The cavity walls are insulated with coconut fibers and treated with
borax, a natural termite deterrent.
 Whenever possible, they use natural finishing products such as teak
oil rather than varnishes and chemical sealants

60
Energy:

 MER tries to minimize their consumption of fossil fuels. Whenever

possible they have chosen low-energy appliances like air
conditioners, fans, and lights
 MER is currently experimenting with a wind turbine and solar panels.
They hope to shift much of the burden away from diesel generators
and back to renewable power sources
 MER’s plantation is still in its early stages, but they hope to provide
more and more of their own produce, diminishing the reliance on
goods shipped in from Sorong

Water:

 The water is very scarce at Misool Eco Resort, and so they ask their
guests and staff to do their part in minimizing its consumption.
 They also collect rainwater. For back up, they also have a
desalination unit.
 MER uses water-saving shower heads and taps
 Rather than washing linens and towels daily, MER wash them upon
request
 They also use natural cleaning products like borax, vinegar,
bicarbonate of soda, and elbow grease.

Waste:

 Grey and black water is treated through natural waste water

gardens. The naturally occurring bacteria on the roots break down
the waste into safe components.
 MER compost all their kitchen scraps, which makes great fertilizer
for their organic kitchen gardens and it keeps the monitor lizards fed
 MER avoids using pesticides and herbicides. Instead, they spritz
their plants and trees with an unsavoury mix of tobacco and water
which the bugs find it abhorrent.

61
  Inorganic matter is returned to Sorong for proper recycling and
disposal
 MER tries to minimize the amount of toxins and preservatives
released into their system by supplying their guests and staff with
biodegradable soaps and shampoos
 Their island is free of disposable plastic water bottles.
 They ask theirr guests to think carefully when they're packing and
leave disposable plastic lighters, plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc, at
home
 They also ask their guests to please bring home all used batteries
because Indonesia does not offer proper battery recycling facilities

(5) Governance and Management

The Misool Eco Resort has their own Ranger Patrol that take care of
their 828 sq.km No-Take Zone. It is made up by a team of 10 local Rangers.
Using 2 dedicated boats, the Rangers enforce the regulations of the area, which
include a complete ban on fishing, netting, shark finning, harvesting of turtles
or their eggs, bombing, use of cyanide or potassium borate, etc. Thanks to
diligent and relentless patrolling, the incidence of infractions is now extremely
low.

In 2010, the Rangers and the local community created a punitive system
for offenders. Any fishing boats found inside their No Take Zone are escorted
by our Rangers back to the local village. Usually these boats are not from the
local community but from other parts of Indonesia. The boats are then
impounded and any catch is confiscated. The community leaders assemble a
traditional Papuan court and levy a steep fine. The fine is quite steep, usually
several months' wages per vessel. This fine then enters the community coffers.
The incidence of infractions in their No-Take Zone is now extremely low, and
the local support remains high. In this way, they also support the traditional
power structures of a Papuan village. (Misool Eco Resort, 2015)

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 2.6.1.3 Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center

Figure 2.6.1-5 Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center

Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center (EMCC) is located at The

Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve. Named after
Dr. Erwin J. Ernst, the Center has been an important part of WMHO for more
than 50 years.

Dr. Ernst’s intensive six-week summer course began at the Marine

Conservations Center in 1965 at West Meadow Creek. However at that time
the Town of Brookhaven was making plans to carve out a marina in the
wetlands. Dr. Ernst convinced Mr. Melville to save the wetlands from being
developed and Mr. Melville began to purchase parcels of land from
individuals. He then designated the entire 88-acres as a Wetlands
Preserve. Mr. Melville subsequently deeded the preserve to WMHO. It
continues to be one of the most pristine wetlands on Long Island and the
Eastern Seaboard.

The Marine Conservation Center houses two classrooms, a learning lab,

microscopes, touch tank and video conferencing equipment. The on-site
program allows students to explore the salt marsh ecosystem and learn the
importance of salt marshes and food web interactions. The hands-on program
enables students to identify plants, animals, shells, rocks and marsh grasses.

63
 Realizing how important it is for students all across the country to learn
about a salt marsh, WMHO developed a distance learning program “Electronic
Explorations – The Salt Marsh Ecosystem.” Wearing a specially equipped pair
of eyeglasses the naturalist teaches right from the water’s edge. Now, students
from all over the United States, who may never have the opportunity to see a
salt marsh, can explore the plants and animals native to a salt marsh, see live
specimens, and converse with the naturalist in real time. WMHO won an
International Award for this unique program.

Programs

 The Coastal Ecology Program at The Ernst Marine Conservation Center

 Get up-close and personal with

the crabs, mussels and plants in
an 88-acre salt marsh preserve.
 Level: Programs can be
customized to meet students’
student needs and levels.
 Duration: 1.5 Hours
Figure 2.6.1-6 The Coastal
 Fee: $8.00 per student, $5.00 per Ecology Program at The Ernst Marine
Conservation Center
chaperone, teacher free
(minimum $105.00)

 Summer Programs at The Ernst Marine Conservation Center, West

Meadow Creek

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 Figure 2.6.1-7 Summer Programs at The Ernst Marine Conservation
Center, West Meadow Creek

 Salt Marsh Explorers

In the heart of an 88-acre wetland preserve, students

explore the creek looking for animals, plants, and birds, which
they identify and document in their nature journals. The five-day
program consists of a different level of the salt marsh ecosystem
each day through hands-on activities, special guests, and marsh
exploration. Students are shown how to “live off the land”
showing respect and intelligence by making flutes out of
Japanese knotweed.

 Salt Marsh Detectives

In the summer of 2012, WMHO introduced its newest Dr.

Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center program, “Salt Marsh
Detectives” (grades 4-6) to great success. As marsh detectives,
students search for the many forms of life comprising the intricate
marsh ecosystem, and then bring their “evidence” inside the lab
for further observation. Among their many observations included

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 the invasive species, Japanese knotweed, which they used to
make a flute in the tradition of Native Americans.

( The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 2013)

2.6.2 Local Case Studies

A. El Nido Resorts

Figure 2.6.2-1 Pangulasian Island

El Nido Resorts is committed to provide leisurely, engaging, and

educational experiences and services to guests in a manner that has the least
impact on the environment and promotes respect for El Nido’s local people and
culture. El Nido Resorts Objectives are:

Enjoining our staff and guests to uphold our five Be G.R.E.E.N.

tenets

Linking with local communities through employment and

purchases

Nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship

Initiating opportunities for guests to experience nature and the

local culture

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 Discovering and molding sustainability champions among the
staff

Outdoing ourselves every year by building new sustainability

programs on the success of previous ones

Sustainable Operations

1. Waste Management
 Sewage Treatment Plant
 El Nido Resorts operates a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant
(STP) combined with native reed bed filters. This ensures that no raw
sewage and grey water are discharged into sea. Treated water is
utilized in flushing toilets, watering the plants, and supplying fire
hydrants. This directly reduces consumption of water, which
otherwise have to be produced through energy-intensive desalination
processes or sourced in the region’s water sources.
 Materials Recovery Facility
 Solid wastes go through strict segregation before reaching the
resort’s full cycle materials recovery facility (MRF). The MRF
receives recyclable and organic wastes from the resorts and is
looked after by the Garden Department. After segregation, the
recyclable waste is stored in holding bins for pick-up by a local
junk shop dealer for recycling, while the organic waste is
composted onsite and later packed for use in the resort gardens
or organic farms in El Nido mainland. Recognizing the negative
impact of using non-recyclable wastes, El Nido Resorts
implemented a refillable drinking water system in 2008 to try to
eliminate the purchase of bottled waters during activities.

2. Water Conservation

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 El Nido Resorts operates a rainwater catchment system to capture, filter,
and store rainwater for use in the guest rooms and staff quarters. Water
saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets are
also in place.

Desalination Plant

There is a very limited supply of fresh water in island resorts. El Nido

Resorts operates a desalination plant to convert salt water into fresh water
suitable for human consumption. The desalination plant enables us to avoid
depleting mainland water sources and competing with local communities for
water supply.

3. Energy Conservation

All bulbs were replaced with Compact Flourescent Light (CFL)

in 2008. Guest rooms were also fitted with energy efficient water
heater, and designed in such a way to optimize natural lighting. Solar
panels are installed at the Deluxe Water Cottages of Miniloc Island
Resort, and at Entalula Beach Club and Dibuluan Beach Club in El
Nido, both operated by El Nido Resorts.

 Low Impact and Sustainable Guest Experiences

El Nido and Taytay are areas of undoubtedly high biodiversity.

El Nido Resorts is committed to promoting nature-based activities
that showcase yet protect the richness of this biodiversity. Only low
impact activities are offered to guests. There are no jet-skis and other
motorized marine sports equipment. Marine sports guides
accompany guests to supervise the activities, provide nature
interpretation, and ensure guests don’t disturb or damage the
environment. The resorts also started using eco-friendly boat
engines in 2006 and are continuously upgrading engine maintenance
systems to help minimize the negative effects brought about by

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 carbon monoxide emission. El Nido Resorts only serves sustainable
menus. The resorts no longer purchase grouper, as there has been
an observable decline in their local population. Locally and
organically produced vegetables comprise 60% of total kitchen
purchases, while locally reared livestock comprise 90% of total
kitchen purchases. Women from several barangays (villages) in El
Nido have also been trained in weaving to produce native bags and
slippers that are purchased by the resort. These local bags and
slippers are given complimentary to guests as part of the El Nido
Resorts experience.

Nature Conservation and Protection

El Nido Resorts embraces its leadership role in nature conservation,

being the largest employer in the municipality and operating in small islands
within the Protected Area. We work closely with the community and local
government in areas requiring much support, such as in the prevention of
illegal fishing, coral and reef fish assessments, environmental education
campaigns, and more.

1. Monitoring Wildlife

Figure 2.6.2-2 Wildlife Monitoring at El Nido Resorts

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 El Nido Resorts launched El Nido Biodiversity Online, a database of
El Nido’s flora and fauna, in 2008. The database contains datasheets and
photos of the plants and animals found in El Nido, where they are seen, and
when.

Aside from the participation of guests and staff in monitoring wildlife,

the academe is also involved. El Nido Resorts supports scientific studies on
the flora and fauna of El Nido by providing board and lodging, boats,
equipment (e.g. dive gear), and personnel to visiting researchers. Examples
of studies conducted are the reef fish surveys by Dr. Gerry Allen and Dr.
Mark Erdmann and carrying capacity of dive sites by Dr. Lyndon de Vantier
and Mr. Emre Turak.

2. Marine Ecosystems Preservation and Protection

Marine Turtle Conservation Program

Figure 2.6.2-3 Marine Turtle Conservation Program at El Nido Resorts

All marine turtles found in the waters of El Nido and Taytay are
endangered. At least five species of turtles are known to nest in some of El
Nido’s beaches. El Nido Resorts supports the conservation of endangered
sea turtles, with tag-and-release programs in cooperation with the Protected
Area Office, and hatchling releases from nests safeguarded by resort staff.

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 To further educate guests, El Nido Resorts offers a Turtle Tracking
Tour during the hatching season. This tour provides guests with the
opportunity to track the gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat, participate
in turtle releases, and learn about turtle biology and our hatchery program.

Coastal Cleanups

Lagen Island Resort has consistently supported and participates in

eco-events such as International Coastal Clean-up Day, World Ocean Day,
and Earth Day and has chosen to make coastal clean-up a regular activity,
clearing beaches of marine debris twice monthly.

Installation of Eco-reefs at Tres Marias

In April 2006, El Nido Resorts partnered

with the local community and El Nido
Foundation, Inc. (ENF) in the installation of
EcoReef artificial reef modules in Tres Marias,
a former dive site devastated by illegal fishing,
coral bleaching, and typhoons. El Nido is only Figure 2.6.2-4 Eco-reefs at
Tres Marias
the 2nd in the world to receive the ceramic modules, after Bunaken National
Park in Indonesia.

Installation of Mooring Buoys

To prevent anchor damage on coral reefs,

El Nido Resorts’ Dive Team installed (and
maintains) mooring buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit
Bay. These are especially important in high-traffic
areas such as the Small Lagoon and South Miniloc.
Figure 2.6.2-5 El
Nido Resorts Mooring Buoys
Protection of Giant Clams

El Nido Resorts transplanted giant clams to the front reef of Miniloc

Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort from different parts of Bacuit Bay,
where these endangered species are harvested indiscriminately.

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 El Nido Marine Monitoring Task Force

The waters of El Nido are constantly under threat from various illegal
activities. El Nido Resorts patrols the waters of Bacuit Bay and coordinates
with local authorities in apprehending violators. Participation in the Marine
Monitoring Task Force means extending more assistance in terms of
logistics, drafting ordinances and lobbying for penal provisions both in the
Protected Area Management Board and the Municipal Legislative Body.

(El Nido Resorts, 2015)

B. Ocean-Action Resource Center (ORC)

ORC is the only Filipino nonprofit organization initiated by local

schoolteachers and staffed by professionals with international training and
experience. They are a homegrown initiative that gives a global voice to
grassroots issues and vice versa. ORC also has a multidisciplinary team of
professionals from the fields of marine science, anthropology, communication
and community development. They pursue a holistic, multi-stakeholder
response to conservation. They are located in Silago, a rural coastal town in
eastern Philippines that bears the brunt of typhoons and the yearly northeast
monsoon.

Projects

1. Education and Outreach

 EDGE Coral Camp

EDGE Coral Camp is an after-

school program (weekend class) for
elementary students to improve their
proficiency in Science, Math and
English. It offers engaging, activity-
based lessons about marine
Figure 2.6.2-6 Edge Coral
biodiversity that focus on the Camp

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 importance of EDGE corals and coral reefs in general. It is an outdoor
activity mixing interactive classroom activities and presentations with
real ocean exploration. Over the months, more than one hundred
local children have been taught to explore their beautiful underwater
backyards, some of them for the first time. Support from the
Zoological Society of London was instrumental in getting the camp
off to a running start.

 MPA Module for Teachers

MPA for Teachers is a

resource for school teachers in
coastal areas designed to make
environmental science fun and
easy to learn, developed by Grace
Quiton-Domingo in partnership
Figure 2.6.2-7 Seminar/
with School of the SEA. It offers Workshop at ORC
creative yet practical ways to
illustrate basic ecological principles using marine protected areas as
a teaching tool and venue for discovery and learning. The module
contains easy-to-do activities, collaborative exercises and games
that can quickly engage students within and outside the classroom.

2. Conservation and Research

 Research and Data Gathering

Coastal Resource Assessments

With the resident marine biologist of ORC and an internationally-

trained diving team, ORC conducts underwater assessments that
provide marine resource managers with the information they need to do
their jobs.

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 ORC biophysical surveys include:

 Coral health assessment

 Reef fish and invertebrates density assessment
 Zoning assessment
 Tourism potential assessment
 Fish catch monitoring

Social Resource Assessments of Coastal Municipalities and Barangays

In addition to the research diving program, ORC collects and

analyzes sociological data on the local communities at the heart of
marine resource use in the Philippines.

ORC social surveys include:

 Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey of local

communities
 Impact Assessment of MPA Management and other programs

 Research Presentation and Interpretation, Workshops and IEC

for Various Stakeholders

Empowering Decision-Makers and Stakeholders with Relevant

Information

A report on a desk is not enough, hence ORC makes sure that

people get the time and explanation they need to make sense of the
facts; through the use of creative and interactive presentations,
workshops, and outdoor activities, the data becomes more
understandable for the stakeholders they affect.

ORC workshops for decision-makers in the government:

74
 Protecting Vulnerable Coastal Communities through Natural
Barriers: A workshop for the Municipal Disaster Risk
Management Council
 MPA Workshop for Barangay Leaders and MPA
Wardens(including guided snorkeling)
 Status of Your MPAs and Their Effects to the Communities
 Discover Scuba Diving and Ecotourism 101 for Local Officials and
Conservation Managers
 Developing Socio-economic Resiliency in Vulnerable
Communities through Community-managed Savings and Credit
Association (ComSCA): The Balikat-ORC Experience

ORC workshops for various stakeholders:

 Climate Change: What It Really is and Why It Matters to You

 The Logic behind Conservation: Making Sense of Basic
Ecological Principles
 Snorkeling and Exploration of Beach Forest and Intertidal Zones
for Kids and Adults
 Ridge-to-Reef: Why Forests and Oceans are One
 Conservation CONNECT Series: Conservation and DRRM,
Conservation and Your Home, Conservation and Corporate
Social Responsibility, Conservation and Your Health,
Conservation and Tourism
 Youth in Ocean-action: The Role of Youth in Local Conservation
 Teachers in Ocean-action: The Role of Teachers in Local
Conservation
 MPA for Teachers and Facilitators: A Fun Activity Guide that
Illustrates the Science behind MPAs
 Outdoor Camping and Nature Exposure for Schools (Silago and
Hinunangan, So. Leyte as field sites)

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 Trainings and Capacity Building

Multi-stakeholder, Holistic Response to Conservation

In addition to providing relevant science-based information, ORC

also enhances skills and connects people to resources and expertise
through trainings tailored to their needs and situation.

ORC trainings include:

 Scuba Diving Certification for Open Water, Advanced Open

Water, Rescue Diver and Divemaster
 Seaweed Farming for People’s Organizations (POs)
 Snorkeling and Conservation 101 for Snorkeling Guides, MPA
Wardens and Community Environment Managers
 Capacity Building Series for Youth: Introduction to Research
and Writing, Community Organizing and Development for
Students, Marine Conservation and Education, Leadership,
Personal Vision and Mission Setting
 Capacity Building Series for Teachers: Facilitating, Presenting
and Writing Skills Development, Marine Conservation and
Education, Leadership, Personal Vision and Mission Setting
 Capacity Building Series for People’s Organizations (POs) and
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Proposal Writing,
Community Organization and Development, Introduction to
Financial Literacy through CoMSCA, Integrating Conservation In
Community Programs, Leadership, Vision and Mission Setting

(Ocean-Action Resource Center, 2014)

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CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

The research gathered both qualitative and quantitative information that

concerns the current state of marine conservation and eco-resorts in the
Philippines, and various information on international and local projects and
cases about marine conservation centers and eco-resorts. The qualitative
research used the historical and descriptive methods of research.

The historical method is used to gain information from past conditions

and events regarding eco-resorts and marine conservation. This information
helped the researcher formulate solutions and response to the problems
experienced in the past. It also aided the researcher in predicting future problem
and/or possibilities. The data acquired also gave the researcher a background
of the thesis project’s target client and target market.

The descriptive method helped gather information through the

observation and examination of the existing situations and conditions which
may support the thesis project. The descriptive method is used to gather
information when it comes to the behavior, traits, lifestyle, habits of the
immediate community and the future users which is used as a response to the
proposed project. The acquired data helped the researcher to formulate design
solutions and recommendations according to appropriate and reliable basis that
are suitable to the present situation

Whereas, the quantitative research provided more validity to the facts

indicated in the research. Specifying statistical outputs concerning marine
conservation and sustainability of eco-resort in the research serves as a reliable
basis for the analysis and conclusion.

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3.2 Research Instruments
3.2.1 Case Studies

Case studies similar to the proposed project provided the researcher

necessary data that serve as basis to define the appropriate facilities that must
be supplied for the project. It served as a point of comparison of new and old
projects which helped improve the facilities according to the need of the current
situation. Also, by studying local and international projects, it helped support
the feasibility of the project.

3.2.2 Photo Documentation and Visual Resources

Photo documentation and visual resources provided visual information

for better evaluation and visual reference for the project. It was used in site
visits and community observation which provided insights for the existing
conditions around the site.

3.2.3 Observation

Observation was used to provide first-hand information of the users, the

site and community where the project is located through experience and by
participating with the site and its surrounding community

3.2.4 Personal Interviews

Personal interviews provided information gathered from interview,

seminars and survey. Interviews with various resource persons knowledgeable
of the topic was done to gather opinions and information on marine biodiversity,
marine conservation and tourism sustainability. It also provided the researcher
knowledge on various NGOs and individuals concerned about the welfare of

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marine biodiversity. It also showed how well people are informed about marine
conservation and sustainable tourism.

3.2.5 Questionnaire

Questionnaires provided information about the users’ knowledge and opinions

on the proposed project, which showed its feasibility and if it would indeed have
a positive impact on the environment. Answers gathered from the users and
ideas from the target market was used to develop a solution, in which, the
project goals and objectives can be satisfied.

(See Appendix for questionnaire)

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