Boracay: Candidate for destruction

We seem to have the propensity to destroy the environment, finding ways to mess up nature’s wonders by engaging in reckless plans or activities without considering the future impact on the natural ecosystem and ultimately, the people. A case in point is the P1-billion, 40-hectare reclamation project in Boracay and Caticlan. It had to take the Supreme Court to indefinitely stop Aklan’s local government and ironically, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as the Philippine Reclamation Authority from “reshaping” the island.

The group of resort owners that resisted the implementation of the controversial project said the reclamation could lead to the destruction of the top tourist destination since the construction of more commercial structures could lead to pollution, especially with the garbage that always comes whenever people inhabit a place. Worse, the project proponents did not properly consult the people who would be affected and even failed to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

While we all glory and rejoice at the recent news that Boracay was voted by top travel magazine Travel + Leisure as the “World’s Best Island” (edging out Indonesia’s Bali and Greece’s Santorini), not many are aware that its coral reefs are almost obliterated due to “unsustainable development” (or simply put, uncontrolled construction) compounded by the ever-increasing number of tourists that the island is having difficulty accommodating, all of them wanting to engage in water sports and other activities that can be damaging to the corals. Reefs have a vital contribution to the ecosystem since they provide food and shelter to fish and other marine species, not to mention that they also help protect coastlines from erosion. 

Another indicator that things are not going very well in Boracay is a report by a non-government organization that fruit bats — also known as flying foxes because they look like foxes with wings — are in danger of becoming extinct, with their number having dropped to 740 compared to 15,000 in 1988, then 2,000 in 2005 — a 95 percent decline. Aside from keeping insects such as mosquitoes from over-breeding, fruit bats are also essential in sustaining Boracay’s thinning forest covers and in propagating flora and fauna by helping with pollination and keeping the ground fertilized with their droppings. According to the group, the construction frenzy in the past several years plus the steady influx of tourists has led to the decline because apparently, the noise can be stressful to these nocturnal creatures — another example of stress-related death.

Fortunately, there are several groups that are working to preserve Boracay’s ecosystem, among them Sangkalikasan that initiated a “reef buds” project to revive the corals by planting small, hollow “pyramids” off the coasts of Boracay that would serve as breeding ground for fish and algae. Senator Loren Legarda, whose passion and advocacy for saving the environment continues unabated, has been tireless in bringing attention to the worsening state of marine ecosystems in many parts of the country, knowing that these could be detrimental not only to tourism but more importantly, to the livelihood of fishermen and ultimately, our food supply. Loren is encouraging collaboration between the academe, private resort owners and other stakeholders for the establishment of coral laboratories to produce young corals for the restoration of destroyed reefs, and I am told that she has also allocated P50 million for the deployment of the coral reef buds in Boracay.

Although we have a number of laws for the protection of the environment such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Pollution Control Law and so many others — plus the landmark Writ of Kalikasan that complements the “green courts” initiative of the Supreme Court to speed up the resolution of environment cases — it is evident that more teeth is needed. Perhaps it is just as well that Ombudsman Chit Carpio Morales has seen it fit to revive a team that would handle environmental protection cases or those that involve the violation of environment laws, because this will put everyone on notice that this government is serious in going after violators.

Perhaps we can learn from Hawaii where many resort owners and developers have taken it upon themselves to keep the rich natural heritage intact for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been quite successful in setting policy and direction that maximizes economic benefits while preserving natural resources, knowing that tourism can put a stress on the physical makeup, and that the presence of visitors can also have a negative impact on the culture and social framework of a place.

Several businesses in Hawaii such as resorts and hotels are also minimizing their carbon footprint by using electric cars, putting up charging stations for the convenience of visitors. Recycling, green initiatives and earth-friendly practices are also encouraged to show that establishments are responsible corporate citizens. Over the years, Hawaii’s reputation as a tropical paradise has not been diminished, and although tourism was affected at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, Hawaii has quickly recovered, registering new visitor records this April and May.

Boracay’s contribution to tourism is undisputed, but its preservation should not be sacrificed in the process. Even the most beautiful island can be ravaged by overpopulation and overdevelopment, which is why both government and resort owners must work together to develop sustainable tourism and as much as possible, sustain, if not enhance, an island’s natural geographic character.

Not a few environmentalists have noted that Boracay has a “very fragile” environment — and as Loren Legarda said, we must all act to ensure a sustainable future. Let’s do our share to save the “world’s best island” from destruction.

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