Community-based Tourism in Donsol, Sorsogon

Community-based Tourism in Donsol, Sorsogon Carlos M. Libosada Jr. Assistant Professor University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism

Donsol • Located in the province of Sorsogon • A 4th class municipality • High level of unemployment • Fishing and farming as main economic activities • Zero tourism

Before Tourism • The whale sharks were not bothered with by the people • Whale sharks were already being hunted in some parts of the Philippines • Whale sharks were killed for the fins and exported. Locals dried the meat as. • Later, the shark’s fin market adapted to the new delicacy called whale shark tofu

When whale sharks were “discovered” in Donsol • Three whale sharks were killed in two weeks • A single whale shark could enrich a fisherman by as much as 100,000 pesos • If there were 50 whale sharks, local fishermen could earn a total of 5 million pesos

But at what price?

Potential Effects of Whale Shark Harvesting • Short-term riches to some fishermen • Entire whale shark population may be wiped out in a single year • Lost long-term economic opportunity • Donsol will remain in the same state before the whale sharks were “discovered” • Area-wide poverty will remain in the area

Tourism • Ecotourism was deemed as a practical alternative over fishing • The whale sharks will be saved • The people will benefit on a long term against fishing

Realities • The people were not prepared for the sudden influx of tourism in the area • There was a distinct lack of tourist facilities and services in the area • There was a danger of tourism introducing anarchy instead of opportunity • There was the possibility of outside investors getting most of the opportunities resulting in massive leakage and lost economic benefits for the people of Donsol

Programs • Community preparation and stakeholder organization • Identification of opportunities and constraints • Management planning and workshops

Objectives • To ensure that the whale sharks are saved from unsustainable and harmful fishing activities and provide a more sustainable form of resource utilization • To ensure that the local communities of Donsol would directly benefit from the whale shark tourism program • To provide jobs and economic opportunities

Organized Stakeholders • Butanding Interaction Officers • Boatmen Association • Homestay Association • Tricycle Drivers Association • Van Drivers and operators • Paddleboat Association (2004)

At 10 boats per day, the income to the people of Donsol was almost 100,000 pesos per day Boat Hire – 25,000 Accomm (@ 300/pax) – 18,000 Meals (150/meal X 3) - 27,000 Shopping (200/pax) - 12,000 Local Transport - 12,000 TOTAL - Php 94,000

Economic Benefits • Jobs • Revenue • Investments • Added liquidity

Major Present Challenge • How to increase the tourism season in Donsol • January – May, open season for whale shark interaction

New Major Product • Firefly Watching • Benefits • Organization of paddleboat operators • Increased use of present and future tourist facilities • Jobs will be more stable • More investments

THANK YOU

Community-based Tourism in Donsol, Sorsogon