The Ecological Resort: A sustainable development project for Santiago Island in Bolinao,

Pangasinan

Description of the site

Pangasinan is the third largest province in the Philippines, and it is known for its rich and
fine salt beds, from which the province derives its name. The province is well-known for its
abundant natural resources and bountiful harvests from its vast landscape and seemingly endless
seas, as well as for its diverse traditional industries and colorful culture and history. Pangasinan
has stretches of white, sandy beaches, waterfalls, caves, verdant hills, scenic terrains, ancient
Hispanic churches, miraculous destinations for devotees, and a vast coastline for fishing, water
sports, or leisurely walking along the Lingayen beach, where one can see the world-famous
Philippine sunset.
Bolinao is one of North Luzon's best-kept secrets. Its beaches have fine, white sand,
stunning rock formations, and historical sites, making it the ideal weekend getaway spot for
those looking to get away from the city's noise. It is not as well-known as Boracay or San Juan,
but it provides the same relaxing atmosphere and even better sunsets.
Giant clams are found in nine different species. The Philippines has seven of these, four
of which house the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI)-Bolinao
Marine Laboratory (BML). These massive clams are being raised in both an onshore hatchery
and an ocean nursery.
When passing through the waters of Silaqui Island in Bolinao, Pangasinan, it is
impossible to miss those electric colors—shifting from olive green to brown or dark green to
violet; shining in brilliant shades of blue and green; or freckling in mixed colors of yellow,
green, and brown; and especially those looking regal in mottled patterns of yellow-brown, green,
or gray. Their luminescence is matched by their enormous size, making them the beloved giants
of the North.

Tourism Product
An eco-friendly resort strives to reduce its environmental impact by implementing long-
term best practices in maintenance, services, and supply chains. Reduced energy and water
consumption, zero waste generation, and the use of environmentally friendly products are
examples of possible measures.
Over time, design concepts for sustainable products have significantly broadened their
scope and focus. Starting with relatively modest intervention strategies such as the selection of
environmentally sustainable resources, which were featured in Green Design, ideas have
gradually adopted aspects of the entire product life cycle, services, and crucially, product
environments and contexts.
Sustainable development entails more than just eco-friendly resort amenities; it also
entails establishing a sustainable center in your community by making full use of local goods and
products.
Local farmers in the area would benefit greatly from eco-friendly resorts' use of locally
grown goods. It would also save other energy resources that would otherwise be used for food
transportation. As a result, carbon emissions will be reduced.
Reduce food miles and pesticides by focusing on locally sourced, seasonal, organic
produce. The food will be healthier and fresher, and guests will enjoy it. If there is enough space,
having a kitchen garden is also recommended.
Use on-site local crafts, toiletries, furnishings, and so on for the accommodation, and
have items for sale at reception or in the gift shop.
Eco-friendly products
 Eco-friendly accommodation

Eco-friendly furnishings

Utilizing rainwater or greywater collection systems to repurpose wastewater for non-

potable purposes such as toilet flushing, etc. Obtaining greywater heat recovery systems, which
capture and reuse the energy lost when hot water drains.

Other Recommendation
Other strategies that a landowner could employ for project development include:

Prioritize key stakeholder relationships. Each stakeholder group will expect to be kept
in the loop in different ways. Some stakeholders will require highly specific information,
whereas others may prefer to provide high-level insights while displaying clear results.
 Waste Reduction and Recycling. We are all aware that waste management is an
important component of sustainable practices. Recycling bins for items like newspapers and
beverage containers are becoming more common. Aside from recycling, hotels are looking for
ways to reduce their use of paper and other disposables. Organic toiletries, soap, and shampoo
should be used in eco-friendly resorts, and they should be packaged in biodegradable containers.
Plastic cups should be replaced with reusable glasses.

Water Conservation. Operating a rainwater collection system to collect, filter, and store
rainwater for use in guest rooms and staff quarters Low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets
can also be used to save water.

Developing mutually beneficial partnerships with key stakeholders; promoting responsible

tourism fundamentals in community and provincial tourism planning; obtaining community
support and high staff morale; and providing guests with memorable cultural experiences with
local staff in a beautiful setting are also recommended.

Contribution to the SDGs

Choosing eco-friendly lodging means making the right decision for ourselves and the
planet, as well as supporting those who have decided to make a difference. The use of
environmentally friendly furnishings and paints cleans the air in green accommodations,
removing the presence of harmful volatile organic compounds. An environment free of
pollutants improves the quality of life and, with careful use of lights and windows, could indeed
reduce stress and improve mood and productivity. While staying in an eco-friendly hotel, guests
can learn about the products of local farms, admire and use the furnishings of local artisans, and
learn about cultural projects that aim to preserve local traditions.
The use of eco-friendly resort amenities has a significant impact on natural resource
preservation. Ecotourism, in turn, has become one of the world's fastest growing markets. People
are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally friendly housing. It teaches people to
appreciate and respect nature and its beauty. It also instills a sense of responsibility for the
preservation of our planet.
 Purchasing from local farmers would be extremely beneficial to the community. It would
fulfill a lot from the 17 SGD goals such as, no poverty, affordable and clean energy, decent work
and economic growth, sustainable cities, and communities, as well as the partnerships for the
goals.
True sustainable and responsible tourism should improve the quality of life in places
where people live as well as visit. Furthermore, by improving the quality of life and wellbeing of
local communities, ensuring they have access to resources and are not disrespected or exploited
in the name of tourism, this will greatly benefit the community's wellbeing. It will also improve
employment quality by increasing the number of local jobs created in the tourism industry and
ensuring that pay and working conditions are fair, safe, and available to all workers without
discrimination.