MODULE 6: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN

THE WORLD

1. Global Code of Ethics 1999

As a fundamental frame of reference for responsible and

sustainable tourism, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
(GCET) is a comprehensive set of principles designed to
guide key-players in tourism development. Addressed to
governments, the travel industry, communities and
tourists alike, it aims to help maximize the sector’s benefits
while minimizing its potentially negative impact on the
environment, cultural heritage and societies across the
globe.
Goal 1: No poverty
Adopted in 1999 by the General Assembly of the World
"End poverty in all its forms everywhere.“
Tourism Organization, its acknowledgement by the United
Nations two years later expressly encouraged UNWTO to Goal 2: Zero hunger
promote the effective follow-up of its provisions. Although
not legally binding, the Code features a voluntary "End hunger, achieve food security and improved
implementation mechanism through its recognition of the nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture."
role of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), to Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people
which stakeholders may refer matters concerning the
application and interpretation of the document. "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all
ages."
The Code’s 10 principles amply cover the economic, social,
cultural and environmental components of travel and Goal 4: Quality education
tourism.
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
 Article 1 – Tourism’s contribution to mutual promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."
understanding and respect between peoples and
Goal 5: Gender equality
societies
 Article 2 – Tourism as a vehicle for individual and "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and
collective fulfilment girls.“
 Article 3 – Tourism, a factor of sustainable
development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
 Article 4 – Tourism, a user of the cultural heritage of "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water
mankind and a contributor to its enhancement. and sanitation for all."
 Article 5 – Tourism, a beneficial activity for host
countries and communities Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
 Article 6 – Obligations of stakeholders in tourism
"Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and
development
modern energy for all."
 Article 7 – Right to tourism
 Article 8 – Liberty of tourist movements Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
 Article 9 – Rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in
the tourism industry "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic
 Article 10 – Implementation of the principles of the growth, full and productive employment and decent work
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism for all."

2. U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to
achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They
address the global challenges we face, including those
related to poverty, inequality, climate change,
environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17
Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one
behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030.
"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and
sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation."
Goal 10: Reducing inequalities
"Reduce income inequality within and among countries."
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe,
resilient, and sustainable."
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
"Ensure sustainable consumption and production
patterns."
Goal 13: Climate action
"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its
impacts by regulating emissions and promoting
developments in renewable energy."
Goal 14: Life below water
"Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine
resources for sustainable development."
Goal 15: Life on land
"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat
desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and
halt biodiversity loss."
Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
"Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all
levels."
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
"Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize
the global partnership for sustainable development.“
Paris Agreement on Climate Change 2016
The Paris Agreement requires all countries—developed
and developing—to make significant commitments to
address climate change. Countries responsible for 97
percent of global emissions have already pledged their
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for how they
will address climate change. Countries will revisit their
current pledges by 2020 and, ideally, strengthen their
emissions reduction targets for 2030. The Paris Agreement
includes a stronger transparency and accountability
system for all countries—requiring reporting on
greenhouse gas inventories and projections that are
subject to a technical expert review and a multilateral
examination.
Countries will continue to provide climate finance to help
the most vulnerable adapt to climate change and build
low-carbon economies. While the Paris Agreement does
not “solve” climate change, it allows us to start the next
wave of global climate actions, creating a virtuous cycle for
more aggressive action in the decades to come.
Biodiversity Conservation in Asia
This article examines terrestrial biodiversity and its
conservation in Asia, reviewing its state, threats and
potential policy responses.
The Indo‐Malay region, encompassing all of Southeast Asia,
India and southern China is the primary focus, although
the Himalayan Region, Tibetan Plateau and Northern and
Western China, Japan, Korea and Siberia are also included,
and Western Asia—the Middle East—is excluded. The seas,
coastal zones and inland waterways are excluded.
The five principal pressures directly driving biodiversity
loss:
 Habitat change,
 Overexploitation,
 Pollution,
 Invasive alien species, and
 Climate change
All five are either constant or increasing in intensity.
In 2008, Asia and the Pacific recorded the world's highest
number of threatened species (UNEP 2010). The sharp
decline in tropical species populations indicated in the
Living Planet Index mirrors widespread habitat loss in
those regions.
Among the world's tropical regions, Southeast Asia has the
highest rate of habitat loss, almost the entire area is
considered a biodiversity hotspot because of the high
number of threatened endemic species, and future land
use changes with economic growth are expected to cause
extinctions across a wide range of species (Sodhi et al.
2010). Out of 47,915 species assessed, 2,517 are
threatened due to deforestation, wildlife hunting for food,
as pets and for medicinal use, climate change, pollution
population growth and other causes (ASEAN Centre for
Biodiversity 2010).
Habitat conservation remains fundamental to biodiversity
conservation but is only one piece. It requires extending
from natural to multiple uses and finding sustainable
financing sources plus solutions to weak property rights
and the conflicts between local communities and
plantations and biodiversity conservation. Greater
attention to management of biodiversity in human‐
dominated landscapes will be increasingly important as
pristine habitats erode and fragment and climate changes.
The next major steps forward are:
 selective command–control policies,
 notably protected areas,
 better regulation of pesticides,
 species protection and land use;
 improved agricultural and agroforestry
productivity;
  increased economic policies that complement and
reinforce habitat conservation, eliminate perverse
incentives and creating positive ones; and
 strengthened monitoring and enforcement.
MODULE 7: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act
(NIPAS) of 1992, Republic Act No. 7586
Section 2: Declaration of Policy
Cognizant of the profound impact of man’s activities on all
components of the natural environment particularly the
effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and
industrial advancement and recognizing the critical
importance of protecting and maintaining the natural
biological and physical diversities of the environment
notably on areas with biologically unique features to
sustain human life and development, as well as plant and
animal life, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
secure for the Filipino people of present and future
generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and
animals through the establishment of a comprehensive
system of integrated protected areas within the
classification of national park as provided for in the
Constitution.
It is hereby recognized that these areas, although distinct
in features, possess common ecological values that may be
incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our
natural heritage; that effective administration of these
areas is possible only through cooperation among national
government, local government and concerned private
organizations; that the use and enjoyment of these
protected areas must be consistent with the principles of
biological diversity and sustainable development.
To this end, there is hereby established a National
Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which shall
encompass outstanding remarkable areas and biologically
important public lands that are habitats of rare and
endangered species of plants and animals, biogeographic
zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland
or marine, all of which shall be designated as protected
areas.
National park is a forest reservation, essentially of natural
wilderness character, which has been withdrawn from
settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in
conformity with an approved management plan, and set
aside as such to conserve the area, or preserve the scenery,
natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants
therein, and to provide enjoyment of these features in such
areas.
Protected area is an identified portion of land and water
set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological
significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and
protected against destructive human exploitation.
Section 3: Categories
The following categories of protected areas are hereby
established:
a) Strict nature reserve - an area possessing some
outstanding ecosystems, features, and species of flora
and fauna of national scientific importance,
established to protect nature and natural processes
and maintain ecologically representative examples of
the natural environment for scientific study,
environmental monitoring, and education.
b) Natural park - a relatively large area not materially
altered by human activity, where extractive resource
uses are not allowed and which is maintained to
protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of
national or international significance for scientific,
educational and recreational use.
c) Natural monument - a relatively small area focused on
the protection of nationally significant natural features
on account of their special interest or unique
characteristics.
d) Wildlife sanctuary - an area that assures the natural
conditions necessary to protect nationally significant
species, groups of species, biotic communities or
physical features of the environment, where these may
require specific human manipulation for perpetuation.
e) Protected landscapes and seascapes - areas of national
significance that provide opportunities for public
enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the
normal lifestyle and economic activity of the resident
community.
f) Resource reserve - an extensive and relatively isolated
and uninhabited area normally with difficult access
designated as such to protect the natural resources for
future use, and prevent or control development that
could affect the resource pending the establishment of
objectives based upon appropriate knowledge and
planning.
g) Natural biotic areas - areas set aside to allow the way
of life of societies living in harmony with the
environment to adapt to modern technology at their
pace. These societies include the;
Indigenous cultural community, a group of people
sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions
and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, since
time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized a
territory.
- Tenured migrant communities, those that have actually
and continuously occupied a protected area for five years
and who are solely dependent therein for subsistence.
h) Other categories established by law, conventions or
international agreements which the Philippine
Government is a signatory.
Philippine National Ecotourism Strategy & Action Plan
2013-2022
The overall goal of the NES is to develop and manage
globally competitive ecotourism sites, products and
markets that will contribute to inclusive growth. This is to
be achieved by way of the eight (8) strategies as discussed
later.
Strategy 1: Developing and marketing diversified and
competitive ecotourism products
Strategy 2: Creating conducive environment for
ecotourism investments
Strategy 3: Maximizing economic benefits for the host
communities
Strategy 4: Promoting and developing a culture of
ecotourism
Strategy 5: Strengthening institutional capacity
Strategy 6: Developing and strengthening partnerships
Strategy 7: Establishing mechanisms for sustainable
financing
Strategy 8: Monitoring outcomes and impacts
A.O. 2013-19 Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and
Management in Protected Areas
The general objectives of this Administrative Order is to
recognize and operationalize ecotourism for the
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in
protected areas. It shall have the following specific
objectives:
 To institutionalize ecotourism planning and
management process in protected area management;
 To promote advocacy on the concept and principles of
ecotourism;
 To introduce businesses in protected areas both as a
conservation strategy and an economic development
option through viable business partnerships with the
local government units or the private sector.
 To promote inclusive equity of socio-economic
benefits to the local community and indigenous
cultural communities and encourage community
participation; and
 To ensure the participation of both women and men in
the ecotourism planning and management and that
gender-related issues are addressed in the ecotourism
management plan.
Ecotourism Planning and Management Process
The Ecotourism Planning and Management Process is
divided into four (4) phases, namely:
1. Site Assessment
This phase will determine whether or not ecotourism
management and development is the right strategy for the
protected area.
This consists of the following steps:
Preliminary Site Evaluation - This involves answering
basic questions in a checklist in order to determine
whether a particular site is appropriate for ecotourism
development, and therefore needs to continue with the
planning process for ecotourism development in the
protected area.
Full Site Assessment - This is conducted to determine the
possible extent of ecotourism development that can be
done in the site. It will help identify existing situations that
either help or constrain ecotourism development in the
site. In this phase, sex disaggregated data and gender-
related information should also be collected.
2. Ecotourism Planning
This involves the formulation of the Ecotourism
Management Plan (EMP). The data collected in the Site
Assessment phase and the corresponding
recommendations shall be the inputs to the formulation of
the Plan. The Plan should be consistent with the existing
Protected Area Management Plan.
The PASU shall initiate the preparation of the Ecotourism
Management Plan and shall involve concerned
stakeholders such as, but not limited to, LGUs, other
agencies concerned (e.g. Department of Tourism, NEDA);
local communities including women’s groups, indigenous
cultural communities; and the private sector (e.g. tour
operators and investors).
The process involves preparing the vision, goals,
objectives, strategies, programs and projects including
identification of possible ecotourism
enterprises/businesses that may be developed in the area.
These will serve as the bases in the actual physical and
program development of ecotourism in the area.
Based on the approved Ecotourism Management Plan,
business plans shall be formulated in partnership with the
LGU or private sector. The business plan is a more detailed
review of the specific activity, attraction or service that
will be developed. It deals with marketing, operations and
management of ecotourism enterprises/businesses.
3. Implementation
The implementation of the Ecotourism Management Plan
shall be in accordance with the timelines, implementation
arrangements and the proposed budget provided in the
Implementation Plan. The business plans shall be
implemented by the LGU or private sector partner.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
A Monitoring and Evaluation Plan shall be developed to
provide for the mechanism of monitoring and evaluating
the progress of the Ecotourism Management Plan
implementation, and the key indicators for impact
monitoring.
Palawan Attractions’ Best Practices
Common Denominator in Palawan Attractions’ Best
Practices
Multi-stakeholder partnership and/or community
empowerment in ecotourism site operation and
management.
We saw that various stakeholders are either involved in
multi-agency management of the Park (through its PAMB)
where the local communities get to participate and derive
benefit, or the local people themselves, like the indigenous
people of Coron, have developed and sustained the
ecotourism product which empowered them. In this
manner, the “human-and-ecosystem” components of
ecotourism develop sustainably, where economic
sustainability is gradually being attained. In here, the
society is able to absorb increasing tourist arrivals without
adversely affecting or damaging indigenous culture, and
that the economic growth of affected stakeholders is
sustained in the promotion of ecotourism66. The limits on
tourist acceptance within the site’s carrying capacity, or
the geographic limitation itself, promote greater flexibility
in meeting tourist satisfaction and conserve biological
diversity.
Collaborative ecosystem monitoring and conservation
Where the status of the natural environment and
ecotourism site is taken cared of. In the presentations, it
was shown that baseline condition of the coastal-marine
resource was established and being monitored, which
enhances science-based decisions on the conservation of
the site. This promotes environmental sustainability, since
the natural and built environment is being resilient and
capable of handling tourism without damage.
Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve wins several international awards
and recognition on conservation. Experience an intimate
encounter with nature amid massive limestone formations
and hundreds of plant and animal species. Masungi
Georeserve offers a friendly hike for beginners and a
rewarding day trip from manila. The Masungi Georeserve
is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in
the rainforests of Rizal with spider webs, hammocks,
viewing decks, bridges and rope courses floating above a
tropical rainforest canopy.
Masungi’s name is derived from the word “masungki”
which translates to “spiked” - an apt description for the
sprawling limestone landscape found within. The
georeserve is an area we have been protecting for over
fifteen years now. Having to deal with a myriad of illegal
loggers, quarries, and others, it has been a challenge, but
ultimately a meaningful and fulfilling one.
Georeserve Policies of Masungi
Our conservation policies revolve around the idea that the
georeserve is meant as a sanctuary and home for animal
and plant life in the Philippines. Appropriately, as visitors,
we must treat the area with respect and conscientiousness.
This applies for the entire area – the trail, the parking
zones, and all areas fronting and within the georeserve
from Kilometer 45 – 48.
As a model for conservation and sustainable tourism in the
Philippines, we kindly enjoin our guests to take part in our
way of conduct in the area. These are consistently
practiced across our management, our members, and our
guests.
 Visits must be requested and arranged ahead of time
via www.masungigeoreserve.com or any of our
accredited travel partners.
 Absolutely no littering of any kind allowed. ensure that
plastic packaging and all loose objects such as
cameras, sunglasses, etc. are secured and will not fall
off.
 The park is strictly a non-smoking zone due to the air
and health pollution that it causes.
 Noise is not permitted. These may post strain on the
area’s wildlife and be disruptive for other guests.
 Should you be fortunate to encounter wildlife, do not
feed or touch the animals. This may include monitor
lizards, snakes, civet cats, cloud rats, and monkeys,
among others. Picking up of flowers, rocks, and other
specimens are likewise prohibited. All of these are
here for everyone to enjoy. Ensure that permission is
sought from the management should this be necessary.
 Omit personal tipping. This ensures non-interference
of visits to priority conservation work, and encourages
consistency in experience among guest visits.
Providing of tips outside the communal bucket may
lead to the dismissal of staff involved.