ECOTOURISM SITE PROFILE

Pursuant to DAO 2013-19, Section 6, Ecotourism Planning and Management

Process under site assessment, this phase will determine weather or not ecotourism
management and development is the right strategy for the protected area. One of its
steps is the full site assessment, this is conducted to determine the possible extent
of ecotourism development that can be done to the site. It will help identify existing
situations that either help or constrain ecotourism development in the site.

Natural Resources and Features

The Natural Resources section discussed the various species of plants,

animals, trees, lands, and waters that can be found in the SWFR and in the
barangays included in the protected area and which serve as both the mainstays of
and prospective attractions for ecotourism. The scientific names of the species of
plants and animals that can be found there will be described using the taxonomy
methodology used in the SWFR Biological Profiling conducted in 2013, Protected
Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) of 2015, and Biodiversity Monitoring System
(BMS) reports from 2015 to the present.

Table 1. Natural Resources and Features of Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve

Natural Ecosystems Surigao Water Forest Reserve (SWFR) is a habitat of
different fauna and flora because of the following
characteristic:

 Dense, healthy, and undisturbed??? forest inside the

Protected Area which serve as their habitat.
 Clear and clean water bodies within the area. The
following are the types of water bodies inside the
Protected Area:

1. Lakes
2. Rivers and Creeks
3. Waterfalls

Natural Resources The dense forest of the protected area is composed of

different threatened tree species based on DAO 2017-11
such as “Manggachapui (Hopea acuminata), Mangkono
(Xanthosthemon verdugonianus), Kamagong (Diospyros
blancoi), Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Malabayabas
(Tristaniopsis decorticate), Red Nato (Palaqium sp.),
Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboidei), Lapnisan (Aquilaria
cumingiana), Pili-liitan (Canarium luzonicum), Pili (Canarium
ovatum), Anutong (Cyathea apoensis), Lanutan-bagyo
(Mithrepora lanotan), Pitcher plant (Nepethes sp.),
Prickly/soft Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Anislag
(Securinega flexuosa), Yakal (Shorea astaylosa), White
 Lauan (Shorea contorta), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis),
Tanguile (Shorea polysperma), Jade Vine (Strongylodon sp)

The protected area is also home to different threatened

fauna species according to DAO 2019-09 that includes
Mindanao Hornbill (Mindanao Tarictic Hornbill)
(Penelopides affinis), Rufous Hornbill (Kalaw) (Buceros
hydrocorax), Philippine Warty Pig (Baboy Ihalas) (Sus
philippinensis), Philippine Duck (Gamao) (Anas luzonica),
Whiskered Flowerpecker (Dicaeum proprium), Philippine
Hanging Parrot (Colasisi) (Loriculus philippensis), Mindanao
Hawk-Owl (Ninox spilocephala), Blue-naped Parrot (pikoy)
(Tanygnathus lucionensis), Mindanao Lorikeet
(Trichlogossus johnstoniae), Philippine Pit Viper
(Trimeresurus philippensis), Phil. Sailfin Lizard (Ibid)
(Hydrosaurus pustulatus), Writhed Hornbill (Aceros
leucocephalus), Spotted Imperial Pigeon (Hagom-om)
(Ducula carola), Reticulated Python (sawa) (Malayopython
reticulatus).

Attractions or The following are the potential ecotourism attractions

Possible Ecotourism identified during the Full Site Assessment in 2023, to wit:
Products
NATURAL

 Dense forest
 Ima natural pool
 Waterfalls – Name of the waterfalls
 Parang-parang River

CULTURAL

 Presence of Indigenous People in the community:

Mamanwa ethnic group
 94% of the Protected Area is under CADT-254

RECREATIONAL

 1 Site for Canopy Walk

 4 Camping Sites
 3 Hiking Trails
 3 Bicycle Trails
 2 Site for Viewing Deck

HISTORICAL/HERITAGE

 Old church surrounded by ancient infrastructures

 Presence of Mamanwa ethnic group in the
Community
 BUFFER ZONE

There were also additional attractions in the buffer zone of

the protected area that are identified on the barangay
proper of Mabini, Surigao City. This attraction is the
waterfalls called Busong-busong in Surigao City. It is visited
by locals for a dip during the weekends especially during
summer season. This waterfall is connected to Parang-
parang River and is located in the buffer zone of the
Protected Area.

Parang-parang River inside SWFR common area found in

Sitio Tagbasingan, and Communal Area in Sitio Brazil are
the pride of Surigao City. UNSA IMO BOOT IPASABOT ANI
CHRISTIAN?

Areas Needing The areas needing protection includes the strict protection
Protection zone (SPZ) where most of the threatened species are
found. Based on the PAMP, only practice of Indigenous
Culture related to sacred sites, scientific research,
biodiversity monitoring and reforestation activities using
indigenous species are allowed in this area. However, there
are areas within SWFR were stump of freshly cut trees were
observed indicating that illegal poaching is still present in
the area.

There are also areas where small-scale mining is observed,

according to the gathered data this said activity is operating
many years ago until the present. However, this sighting
indicates that these areas are prone to destruction, and it
needs strict implementation of protection. CAN YOU
REVISE THIS INTO A MORE IMPROVED VERSION?
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘SIGHTING”?
Cultural Resource Base

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, practices, behaviors, traditions,

language, art, and social norms that characterize a particular group of people. SWFR
contains parts of 3 municipalities and 1 city namely San Francisco, Malimono, Sison
and Surigao City each place has several types of culture and various historical
events. PLEASE IMPROVE THIS SENTENCE. Several of the culture inherited from
their ancestry such as the practices of the Mamanwa community in Sison, (SA
SISON LANG DIAY NAA MAMANWA?) however, is no longer carried out as often as
they would many years ago. Surely, like almost if not all societies today, the culture
of the different towns in SWFR is changing. Below are some of the existing practices
and pictures of their daily lives. WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

Table 2. Cultural Resources in Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve

Cultural, Sitio Brazil, Brgy. Mat-I, Surigao City is a religious community
Historical, where several Catholics come to visit to show their devotion. It
Archeological also has devotees that practices strict compliance to the
Sites teachings of their late minister.

“Balay Alampuanan” or Place of worship for the Mamanwa

Tribe Community in Brgy. Ima, Sison.

Festivals and There are several small festivals held in the area throughout
Events the year to commemorate each barangay’s patron saint which
they celebrate through town gatherings.

City Tourism Office of Surigao City also organized an event

called “King of Brazil” it is a biking competition held at Sitio
Brazil, Mat-I, Surigao del Norte on August 19, 2023. However,
LGU Surigao is preparing to hold future events in Sitio Brazil.
CAN YOU REVISE THIS BY MAKING A GOOD SET OF
SENTENCES?
Indigenous/ The Mamanwa ethnic group, nestled within the lavish
Ethnic Cultures landscapes of the Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve
(SWFR), it represents a living testament to the profound
connection between indigenous communities and their
ancestral lands. With their rich cultural heritage, unique way of
life, and deep reverence for nature, the Mamanwa offer a
glimpse into a world where tradition and harmony with the
environment are intertwined. It also explores the essence of
the Mamanwa Tribe, their traditions, challenges, and the
significance of preserving their cultural legacy . Furthermore,
Mamanwa folklore, songs and ceremonies are handed down
to the children as well as traditional beliefs and mores that
build respect for the forest and sustainable use of its
resources.
 PLEASE REVISE THIS. MAMANWA IS NOT OCCUPYING
THE PA SO THEY ARE NOT “NESTLED” WITHIN THE
LAVISH LANDSCAPE OF SWFR.

Traditional Based on the “Kustombre, Tradisyon, ug ang naandang

Knowledge and balaod sa Tribong Mamanwa”, there are several rituals
Practices by IPs practiced by the Mamanwa, to wit:

“Kahimunan” – Mamanwa’s anniversary and thanks giving

“Pamangkuan” – ritual for the sick tribe members
“Pamuayas” – ritual before cultivating agricultural land
“Panguliwan” – ritual on illness prevention for the rest of the
family member
“Pangapog” – practiced every month, to forecast if there are
incoming catastrophe on the succeeding month
“Sulad” – ritual requesting for divine providence to be a healer
of the community
“Pangapog alang kang Apo Yangdon” – ritual before planting
crops
“Pangayagbak” – ritual for spirit called “Tama”, who believed to
be the proprietor of all wild fauna. This ritual is practiced
before wildlife hunting.
“Bugwas” – ritual in times of misunderstanding and trouble
within the tribal community

These rituals are practiced on the identified historical

and cultural site inside and outside the protected area shown
in the following Map.

PLEASE REVIEW DAO 2013-09 ON THE FULL SITE ASSESSMENT REPORT.

HAVE YOU INCLUDED ALL THAT ARE NEEDED IN THIS PART OF THE
REPORT ON CULTURAL RESOURCE BASE COMPONENT?
Protected Area Management

Presence of???? Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) DI BA IPAP NA

NI? with appropriate zoning is a vital step in ecotourism development since that
zoning considerations show how tourist facilities can be developed and this may also
reduce threats and impacts of visitors.

PA management is carried out by CENRO Tubod under the Conservation and

Development section through the Protected Area, Biodiversity and Ecotourism Unit.
The Conservation and Development section chief is the PASu designated that take
charge with the implementation of activities. There is only one regular or permanent
personnel assigned hence the inadequacy in terms of number of human resource
complement. The PA is not prioritized in terms of human resource capital. The
regular technical personnel trained with PA management who were previously
assigned in PABEU, were transferred to administrative work and the Parks
Maintenance Foreman position is assigned at the Monitoring and Information Action
Center of the Enforcement and Monitoring section and had not been tapped to
provide technical assistance in Protected Area Management.

Table 3. Protected Area Management in Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve

PAMP and The realization of the IPAP Vision statement is forecast within 20
Zoning years (2013-2033), through planned actions that starts with an initial
Categories 5-year Implementation Plan (2013-2018). The contents of IPAP were
crafted by most of the PAMB members, assisted by the SWFR PAMB
Technical Working Group (TWG), the CENRO – Tubod (formerly
CENRO-Surigao City) and the DENR regional office.

There are three zoning categories stated in the IPAP or Initial

Protected Area Plan. These are the buffer zone, multiple use zone
and strict protection zone. Specific allowable activities were listed for
each zone, to wit:

Buffer Zone
- CLOAs - Roads
- Agroforestry farms - Irrigation
- Agricultural farms - Dam
- Settlements (all) - Other Existing Infrastructure
- Livelihood activities - Hunting and Fishing ground
- A & D (titled properties) - Reforestation

Multiple Use Zone

- CLOAs / farmhouse - Agroforestry farms
- Roads - Hunting and Fishing grounds
- Reservoir/Dam - Scientific Research
- Tribal Hall
- Proposed Eco-tourism activities/sites
- - Watchtower
-
Strict Protection Zone
 - Reforestation sites - Wildlife sanctuaries
- Burial ground - Scientific research
- Catchment of intakes for present and future intakes
- Sacred sites/ resource for CADT-048

Threats Threats identified during the Full Site Assessment last 2013 were said
and to still existing, however, reduced. Signs of illegal logging for example,
impacts were rarely observed on quarterly monitoring since 2015. As per
discussion with local residents and BLGUs, number of small-scale
miners decreased and some of the location they were previously
mining was already abandoned. As per assessment in CY 2023 illegal
small-scale mining and illegal poaching is still present inside the
Protected Area.

PLEASE IMPROVE THIS ONE.

Impact

-Illegal cutting of trees is a serious environmental concern that can

lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems,
and adverse effects on climate change.

-The environmental impact of illegal small-scale mining is a pressing

issue that demands immediate attention. The unregulated extraction
of minerals has dire consequences for ecosystems, water resources,
air quality, and the well-being of communities residing in affected
areas.

IMPROVE THIS ALSO.

Research Research
and There are research proposals endorsed to the PAMB from the
monitoring regional office but yet to be conducted.
system INCLUDE THE RESEARCH ON LAPNISAN AND
UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Monitoring System

Biodiversity Monitoring System

Monitoring of the protected area is conducted semi-annually through

BMS. This involved four monitoring methods namely, transect walk,
photo documentation, field diary and focus-group discussion. CENRO
Tubod under PABEU conducts the BMS in coordination with Local
Government Units (LGUs)

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool

The METT is an assessment tool developed by the World Bank/WWF

Alliance for Forest Conservation and Sustainable Use to facilitate
reporting on effectiveness of management interventions in protected
areas. However, Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve (SWFR) adopted
the METT as the primary instrument for measuring management
effectiveness of protected areas in the Philippines.

The MEA-METT aims to assess and monitor management

effectiveness of protected areas particularly those under the NIPAS.

INCLUDE THE BRIEF DETAILS ON THE RATING AND THE

WORKSHOP
Visitor Patterns, Activities and Infrastructure

Surigao Watershed Resource Reserve is situated at seven barangays,

namely: Barangays Mat-I and Mabini, Surigao City; Barangays Jubgan and
Magtangale, San Francisco; Brgy. Ima, Sison; and, Brgy. Cagtinae and Binocaran in
Malimono. Among these seven barangays, SWFR can be accessed easily via any
land transportation vehicle through Sitio Brazil in Brgy. Mat-I, Surigao City which is
45 minutes away from the city. Upon the arrival at Sitio Brazil, tourists can explore
one of tourism potential of SWFR which is the religious historical site.

Aside from the religious historical site, several areas are noted as potential
tourism, recreational sites, and visitor attractions in SWFR. These are also discussed
on Natural resources and features category in Table1. Activities can be done on the
site are sightseeing, trekking, bird watching, photography and swimming, to name a
few.

To describe and enumerate, table below shows the possible activity that can
be done on the identified potential ecotourism sites.

Table 4. Visitor attraction in Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve

Tourism
Description/ Possible Activities and Work for Locals
Potentials
Canopy INSIDE THE PROTECTED AREA
Walk
A total of a 45-minute ride via any type of vehicle from Surigao City to
Brgy. Mabini and a habal-habal (singe motorcycle) ride to Sitio Brazil
where one can start trekking.

Location:
From Sitio Brazil proper, it takes roughly about an hour to
reach the proposed canopy walk site.

Possible Activities
Provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, observing
small animals, and spotting various plant species that thrive in the
upper reaches of the forest. Also, it can raise awareness about
rainforest conservation and the importance of protecting these vital
ecosystems.

Viewing INSIDE THE PROTECTED AREA

Deck
1. An open overlooking flat ground that is located near the
reforestation area that can be developed to a viewing deck.

Location:
15-20 mins. hike from Parang-Parang dam
 Possible Activities:
Observe wildlife, birds, and plant life in their natural habitat
from an elevated vantage point.

Buffer Zone

2. An open and refreshing area that overlook the whole Surigao City.

Location
At the entrance of Sitio Brazil.

Camp Site INSIDE PROTECTED AREA

(4) An open overlooking flat ground that can see beyond the ordinary
and experience the extraordinary.

Location: 20-30 mins. Hike from Sitio Brazil proper going inside the
Protected Area.

Buffer Zone

(1) A wide-open ground that can accommodate 10-15 camping tents

that can serve as a perfect resting area after a day’s hike.
Location: 10 mins. hike from Sitio Brazil Elementary School

(2) An open flat and overlooking ground that overlook the whole
Surigao City.

Location: At the entrance of before you enter Sitio Brazil proper.

(3) An open area they called Communal Area it is situated at the west
part of the Sitio.

Location
20-30 mins. Hike from the Sitio proper going to the site.

Hiking Trail INSIDE PROTECTED AREA

(1) A short and rolling trail also called “Kids Trail” in the watershed
that is good for educational tours and recreational day hikes as well.

Location: Inside the boundary of the watershed crossing Brgy.

Cagtina-e, Malimono and Sison.

Possible Activities: Recreational and Educational Day Hike

 (2) The trail called the “Adult Trail” the trekking starts at the SMWD
watch Tower following a 240+ ascending cemented steps then goes
a little uphill then down the hill, just right to bask in the view then a
closer look at the beautiful vegetation.

Location: Starts in SMWD watch tower, pass by the kid’s trail going to
the cemented steps and ends with a loop in Sitio Brazil.

Possible Activities: Hiking or Trekking, River Trekking and River

Crossing

BUFFER

(3) A trail called “Senior’s Trail” it is an open area in Sitio Brazil which
is located at the west side of the community.

Location: The trail starts at Sitio Brazil proper and trek for almost 45
minutes going back to Sitio Brazil proper.

However, the proposed “Adventure seeker’s” trail which is reflected to

the map is not yet validated, but some of its area is trekking the
Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) trail.

In addition, a 21-kilometer track is also being proposed by the

Surigao Local Government Unit (LGU) for their activity. According to
the initial proposal, the activity will begin at Sitio Brazil and continue
into the Protected Area. The track they suggested, however, still must
be verified.

Bicycle Trail Buffer Zone

A trail in an open area close to the camping area at Sitio Brazil's

entrance. This bicycle path around most area in the community.
However, the said trail is situated at the buffer of the Protected Area.

Location: Sitio Brazil proper

Religious Buffer Zone
Historical
Site A site with old houses built circularly around the church which give an
aesthetic view perfect for photography.

Location: Sitio Brazil proper

Possible Activities: Educational Tour, Religious Tour, Spiritual

Enhancement Tour or Retreat

Little Lake INSIDE THE PROTECTED AREA

A small marshy area inside the protected area which is potential for
bird watching because of the different types of birds present in the
 area, especially the tufted ducks locally known as “gamao” which is a
type of migratory bird that often visits the area. Moreover, it is an
ideal site to bond with your family in a form of picnic.

Location: 1 kilometer

Possible Activities: Picnic

Waterfalls INSIDE THE PROTECTED AREA

The Parang-parang Waterfalls that can be visited the waterfalls for a

cool soak.

Location: The Parang-parang Waterfalls are located 300 meters from

the SMWD bunkhouse on the right side of the adult trail route.

Furthermore, DENR formulated an action plan which highlights the need for effective
environmental education in protected areas while creating economic opportunities to
host communities through the development of Nature Exposure Program (NEP).

This program envisioned to be managed by the local host/ host community, is as

ecotourism initiative with main objective to raise youth awareness on matters
concerning the natural environment and to instill them a positive attitude towards
nature conservation and culture preservation.

There were no official tour guides in Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve (SWFR),
however, it can be a possible livelihood in the area where local community can be
their tour guide who could also be an instructor either for educational day hike or
recreational and safety personnel.

Tourism Plans and Policies

Order and arrangement are two vital things for a plan to be executed
successfully. Ecotourism includes a lot of factors that has negative and positive
impacts to the environment, the people and the society. Hence, another document
solely for ecotourism plans was also made last 2013, where profiling phase output
was also incorporated. Since ecotourism is still new to the area, activities included in
the five-year work and financial plan includes sustainable infrastructure such as zone
markers and signages, and basic facilities, ecotourism management planning,
capability building, marketing and promotion, and monitoring and evaluation.
Rehabilitation of trails and impacted areas and site maintenance is also
incorporated.
 Currently, there are no existing tourism plans of the LGUs specifically in the
area; however, due to the plan of making SWFR as one of the Ecotourism sites in
Surigao del Norte, ecotourism plans are being discussed meticulously during
orientation-workshop for the preparation of the SWFR Ecotourism Management
Plan.

Ecotourism plans are specified to be in accordance to DAO 2013-19:

Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management in Protected Areas, and DAO
2009-09: Standard Design and Specification of Signs, Buildings, Facilities and Other
Infrastructure that may be installed and or constructed within protected areas.

Communities

This refers to the community inside and adjacent to the protected area, their
economic activities, involvement in tourism activities and businesses in the area or
adjacent area.

Sitio Pinaypayan and Brazil in Mat-i are inside the buffer zone. Adjacent
communities are very far from the protected area.

Since that land cultivation is no longer allowed inside the strict protection
zone, economic activities which involves farming and service-based livelihood are
found outside the Protected Area. There are still, however, CLOA holders where
areas are located in the buffer zone of the protected area.

Partnerships

Any tourism site would be hard to manage without active partnership with
other entities with similar objectives or mandates to protect the ecotourism site and
promote ecotourism. Hence, PAMB which composes of representatives of local
government units from the city and four municipalities covered by SWFR, NGOs,
people’s organization and academe, shall also serve as partners for ecotourism
development and program in the protected area.

Marketing and Promotions

“SWFR is a water reserve that supplies water demands of mainland Surigao

City,” - this is how the local community and the rest of Surigao City views SWFR. “It
needs to be protected in order to avoid water shortage.”

Parang-Parang Dam is its original name and how most people would call it. It
has a reputation of a dangerous place for hikes according to most adventure
enthusiasts in Surigao. They said, in one the casual interviews conducted, that
Parang-Parang is never one of the choices when they think of places to go to for the
weekends even if they were told by some forest guards assigned in the area that the
site has beautiful trails and sights. This is due to the alleged presence of insurgents
in the area. Although no visitor or even a local resident was ever reported harmed or
scared away in the site, they stay away from the place and prefer to go somewhere
else.

Another contributing factor to their non-preference of water reserve, which

they view as a hassle, is the requirement of a permit to hike the site since it’s a
declared protected area.

In summary, “SWFR is commonly known to the people as a water reserve that

probably has beautiful wonders but is too dangerous and risky to visit.” It is from this
perspective that the marketing and promotion strategies was based and started with.
Hence, a script-writing for SWFR video documentation is realized to promote SWRR
as an Ecotourism Site.

Marketing

SWFR ecotourism is mostly adventure-focused with elements of spiritual and

cultural ecotourism. With the variety of activities offered on the website, visitors can
be thrilled, exposed, informed, and made to feel good all at once.

However, the activities must be customized to the preferences of the tourists.

There would need to be a start as there are currently no visitors to be polled and
studied.

First, it would be useful to be aware of the local tourist patterns in Surigao

City, Malimono, San Francisco, and Sison. Learn more about the location's typical
visitors. From there, a promotion strategy for the website should be developed to
draw in these people.

Another approach would be to open the site to the public and invite visitors.
Invitations should be sent to different people, organizations, institutions, etc., not
focusing on any particular group or type of people. Have the visitors who responded
positively and who would actually visit the site to answer a survey or a set of
questionnaire that would reveal their preferences and why they visit places generally.
Find out what would make them want to come back and invite more people.

After a relative period, analyze the answers of the visitors in the survey and
know the most common factor/s. This would show the type of visitors the site
appeals to which would be the market for the site.
 Now, with this information, the promotions would focus to such market.
However, the promotional strategies should not be one-sided and even with a target
market there should still be efforts to attract other visitors.

Promotion

A press release was prepared on January 29, 2019 wherein the DXRS/DXRN
radio station announced information regarding Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve
(SWFR) and the amendment of Republic Act 7586 to Republic Act 11038.
Furthermore, official gazette publication by Caraga Aksyon Balita also announced on
January 30, 2019.

Developing Identity for The Site

A unique identity associated with the site help people remember it and easily
distinguish it among other ecotourism sites they have been to. It could be but not
limited to a form of a logo, a mascot or a slogan that represents the image of the site,
a wildlife creature found in the site, a certain highlight of the most enjoyed activity, a
certain place or view, indigenous people and their crafts, a message and/or an
advocacy.

Examples from other ecotourism/tourism sites that have successfully

developed a characteristic identity are the following:
 Tarsiers and Bohol – people nowadays associate Tarsiers with Bohol,
some are even surprised to know that there are also other types of
Tarsiers found in other places aside from Bohol.
 Surfing and Siargao – there are many other activities and beautiful to do
and visit in Siargao but surfing and Cloud Nine in General Luna are the
most advertised.
 Night life in Boracay – aside from the obvious beautiful white sand beach
the parties and night life in Boracay is what attracts tourists to come to the
place and which they most look forward to.

These are magnificent illustrations of identities that were created to convey the
characteristics of the place attraction. The tourists might also get a fair
understanding of the purpose of their trip from it. From comments and feedback that
are frequently provided by users and are not inconsistent with the site's mission and
objectives, identities can be deduced. The "catchy-ness" that would pique visitors'
curiosity and interest must be balanced with the SWFR Ecotourism site's nature and
goals.
Opportunities and Threats

Below are the opportunities identified during the Full Site Assessment last
2017 and 2023.

Adventure Ecotourism
 Hiking Trails in the site have a lot of natural resources to offer to visitors.
 Camping on the mountains for those who want to experience sleeping in the
wilderness.
 Canopy Walk offers a thrilling experience.
 Bicycle Trails with challenging terrain.

Religious and Spiritual and Historical Ecotourism

 The Religious community of Sitio Brazil welcomes visitors hospitably and
shares their exemplary religious practices to those who are interested to
learn.
Cultural Ecotourism
 The members of “Mamanwa” ethnic group of Barangay Ima are happy to
share their culture and traditions to visitors. They also welcome the tourists
with open arms is an act of cultural diplomacy. It breaks down barriers, dispels
stereotypes, and creates bridges of understanding between people from
diverse backgrounds. Tourists have a unique opportunity to experience
cultural traditions firsthand, which helps them to challenge preconceptions
and forge long-lasting bonds.

Livelihood Opportunities for the local community

 Local Guides, Forest Guards, Tour Facilitators, Hiking Bag Porters and other
service-oriented opportunities
 Site Staff
 Local residents offering home-stay accommodations
 Local experts and Historical Speakers
 Maintenance Staff

Privately-owned (Home-Stay) Eco-lodges by interested locals in the community

can make such as a small investment and have it rented by visitors who want to stay
for more than a day.

Investment Opportunities for Further Ecotourism Development such as for the

Canopy Walk and Viewing Deck

Selling of Souvenir Items and other local products, crafts and delicacies
especially those that are created and built by the indigenous people
The following threats are cited in the IPAP:

Resource use conflicts. In developing the management plan, mining remained the
SWFR's most urgent management challenge. Small-scale mining is pervasive in one
area of the buffer zone and has the potential to negatively affect the biodiversity of
the reserve, including the quality of water that SMWD is drawing for Surigao City and
access to resources that have historically been used by the indigenous peoples in
the area, despite the fact that it is obviously prohibited within protected areas,
including resource reserves. The functioning of the DAR-awarded CLOAs and the
proposed CADT, both located within SWFR itself, could result in additional potential
resource-use conflicts. While zoning has the potential to physically mitigate some of
the negative effects of resource-use of these different land ownership instruments on
the biological resources of SWFR, such as the spread of introduced pests, exotic
species, and animal and plant diseases, other impacts, such as pollution, siltation,
erosion, and solid waste disposal might not be as easily contained. Fortunately, over
time, this problem has been steadily resolved.

IMPROVE THIS PLEASE AND RESEARCH ON THIS. YOU CAN REFER TO TOURISM OFFICES OF SURIGAO
CITY AND OTHER LGUs ENCOMPASSING SWFR FOR ADDITIONAL DATA AND INFORMATION.
ANNEXES
River in Brgy Magtangale connected to Matin-ao river located near the IP
community
Mamanwa community located at Brgy. Magtangale, San Francisco
MAP SHOWING THE MANAGEMENT ZONE OF SWFR