RP volcanoes may be tapped for eco-tourism

By TJ Burgonio
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–While little is known about them, Mt. Iraya in Batanes and other volcanoes rich in biodiversity can be turned into “eco-tourism zones” that could benefit local communities, environment officials said Friday.

There are 16 volcanoes across the country, including those active, potentially active and inactive, which have been designated protected areas by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Aside from their natural features, these volcanoes offer other attractions such as endemic flora and fauna to climbers, adventurers and ordinary tourists, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) officials said.

“The volcano doesn’t erupt every day. Therefore we promote these as tourist attractions. And biodiversity is part of the attraction,” PAWB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said at a forum on volcano eco-tourism.

Of the protected areas, Mt. Iraya in Batanes, Mayon Volcano in Albay, Taal Volcano in Batangas, Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island, Matutum Volcano in South Cotabato, Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon, Mt. Hibok-Hibok on Camiguin island are active.

Mounts Apo in Davao, Isarog in Camarines Sur and Kalatungan in Bukidnon are potentially active. Mounts Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Malindang in Misamis Occidental, Inayawan in Lanao del Norte, and two others are inactive.

Endemic flora and fauna thrive around most of these volcanoes like the freshwater snake in Taal Volcano, the Waling-Waling orchid on Mt. Apo; the hornbill and bleeding heart pigeon on Mt. Kanlaon; the cloud rat on Mt. Bulusan.

At the forum, Lim admitted that there was no government eco-tourism program yet for these volcanoes, but said any “development” would depend on each volcano and its unique topography.

She said that some parts of these protected areas, except for the “strict protection zone,” could be developed into eco-tourism zones, but this had to be cleared with the management board of each protected area.

A protected area is divided into sustainable use, restoration, habitat management, multiple use, culture, special use zones, recreation and strict protection zones, among others, according to Lim.

“There are zones where we allow certain development except in strict protection zones. So if you want to build a tourism facility, it’s good to find out where the zones are, so you know where to locate,” she said.

“In Taal for example, we were asked about the spa and if it’s near the crater, it lies within strict protection zone,” she added, referring to the controversial spa project near Taal Volcano’s crater that was scuttled following protests from residents.

In her own presentation, Perla delos Reyes of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that any developer should consider volcanic hazards before developing any part of a volcano into a tourist spot.

“Make sure that there are no settlements in the permanent danger zone, or in areas identified as prone to volcanic eruptions and its hazards,” she said at the same forum.

“They are good for attractions but first, safety should always be considered,” she added. “The natural environment should be preserved, and the well-being of the communities should be improved.”

Francois Dominique de Larouziere, scientific director of Vulcania Park, said he was willing to share the concept of building the museum-cum-leisure park in France with Philippine officials.

“If the Philippines decides that this might be useful, it will be very good pleasure if I come back and help them elaborate the concept, and help them make something,” he said in an interview.

De Larouziere, however, said he would not advise Philippine officials to make a replica of the European Park of Volcanism, which cost a whopping €118 million, or $160 million.

“To make a clone of Vulcania, I don’t think it’s the best way. What’s important is first to speak of the volcanoes in the middle of volcanoes because people want to have a connection between the object and the reality,” he said.

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