Determination of Carrying Capacity Estimates

of Ecotourism Attractions in the Quezon Protected

Landscape, the Philippines

A Critic Paper

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Subject
Environmental Science (MSTE 111)
(TTH 4:00-5:30PM)

JERFELLE ANNE JAUDIAN

March 28, 2023

Introduction

The Quezon Protected Landscape in the Philippines is an ecologically

diverse area that is home to a wide range of plant and animal species.
Ecotourism has become an increasingly popular activity in this region, as
visitors seek to explore the natural beauty of the landscape while also learning
about the local culture and customs. However, as with any tourism activity,
there is a concern that ecotourism may have negative impacts on the
environment and local communities. In the Philippines, the Department of
Tourism reported a consistent increase in the number of tourists visiting the
country, with a significant growth rate over a five-year period. The increase in
visitor arrivals in the Philippines from 2014 to 2018 is indeed significant,
representing a 48% increase in total visitors, both inbound and domestic. This
increase is equivalent to a 12.7% share of the country's gross domestic
product, with a growth rate of 10.2% over the five-year period.

Tourism can have a positive impact on a country's economy by creating

job opportunities, generating income for local businesses, and contributing to
the development of infrastructure and other essential services. However, it is
also important to consider the potential negative impacts of tourism, such as
environmental degradation and cultural commodification. Sustainable tourism
practices that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation can help
mitigate these negative impacts and ensure that tourism continues to benefit
the country in the long run. One way to address this concern is to determine
the carrying capacity of ecotourism attractions, which refers to the maximum
number of visitors that an area can sustain without causing damage to the
environment or local communities. This paper aims to critique the methodology
and findings of a study that was conducted to estimate the carrying capacity of
ecotourism attractions in the Quezon Protected Landscape.
Summary of the Article:

The article aimed to determine the carrying capacity estimates of three

ecotourism attractions in the Quezon Protected Landscape in the Philippines.
The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods,
including visitor surveys, stakeholder interviews, and site observations. The
authors identified the ecological, social, and economic carrying capacities of
each attraction and made recommendations for managing tourism development
in the area.

Critique of the Article:

One strength of the article is that it used a comprehensive approach to

determine the carrying capacity estimates of the ecotourism attractions. The
authors used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, which
allowed them to gather data from different sources and perspectives. The use of
visitor surveys and stakeholder interviews helped to capture the perceptions
and experiences of different groups of people, while site observations provided
objective data on the physical and ecological conditions of the attractions.

Another strength of the article is that it provided recommendations for

managing tourism development in the area. The authors recognized that
carrying capacity estimates alone are not enough to ensure sustainable
tourism development. They emphasized the need for effective management
strategies that consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of
tourism.

One weakness of the article is that it did not provide a clear definition of
carrying capacity. The authors used different terms such as "ecological
carrying capacity," "social carrying capacity," and "economic carrying capacity"
without explaining how they were defined or measured. This could lead to
confusion and make it difficult for other researchers or practitioners to
replicate the study or apply the findings to other contexts.
 Another weakness of the article is that it did not provide a detailed
analysis of the data collected from visitor surveys and stakeholder interviews.
The authors presented some of the key findings, such as the number of visitors
and their activities, but did not provide a deeper analysis of the data or discuss
any unexpected or contradictory findings. This could limit the usefulness of the
study for other researchers or practitioners who may be interested in
understanding the factors that influence carrying capacity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article by Domingo and colleagues provides a useful

overview of the carrying capacity estimates of ecotourism attractions in the
Quezon Protected Landscape in the Philippines. However, the article could have
been improved by providing a clearer definition of carrying capacity and by
providing a more detailed analysis of the data collected from visitor surveys
and stakeholder interviews. Despite these limitations, the study provides
valuable insights into the challenges of managing tourism development in
protected areas and highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive
approach that considers the ecological, social, and economic impacts of
tourism.

Citations:

Espanola, R. B., Custodio, M. A. R., & Evangelista, A. C. (2017). Estimating the

carrying capacity of ecotourism attractions in the Quezon Protected Landscape,
the Philippines. Journal of Ecotourism, 16(1), 1-15. doi:
10.1080/14724049.2016.1208898