TM-B Ecotourism

Olango Island
Wildlife Sanctuary

BSTM 1_2
 Brief Description

The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary supports the

largest concentration of migratory birds
found so far in the Philippines. There are 97
species of birds in Olango Wildlife Sanctuary,
48 of which are migratory species, while the
rest are resident birds of the island.
1. Are there significant potential natural
and/or cultural attractions in the area?

The area consists of potential natural attractions such as

beaches, mangrove forests, coral reefs, etc. where
visitors can enjoy a range of activities (swimming,
snorkeling, island hopping) that allow them to fully
experience the beauty of the island. The variety of
attractions the area has to offer is sure to please any
visitor.
2. Can visitor access to the attractions be
easily established?

The sanctuary is easily accessible via a short boat

ride from Mactan Island and many tour operators
offer guided tours to the island. Additionally, there
are numerous public transportation options
available, making it easy to access the attractions
on the site.
 3. Can the attractions be
protected at an acceptable level
from the impacts of visitation?

The communities together with some local

governments and other administrative authorities
have implemented policies that they carried out
properly on the site such as limiting the number of
visitors and providing adequate resources for the
maintenance and upkeep of the attractions.
4. Is the area free of security problems and or
natural hazards that cannot be effectively
controlled by the management of the area or
local authorities?

The area is free of security problems and natural hazards as

the environmental conservation, monitoring, and protection of
the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the
Department of Natural Resources (DENR). The area is
thoroughly checked and examined by professionals to avoid
accidents that may happen while visiting the place.
5. Does the protected area have sufficient
management and administrative authority to
effectively manage implementation and
monitoring of an ecotourism program at site
level?

The site is managed by an administrative authority which is the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that
is committed to preserving the sanctuary’s natural resources and
educating visitors about the importance of conservation. The
DENR offers various programs that aim to promote awareness
and understanding of the sanctuary’s ecosystem and the
importance of conservation efforts.
6. Is there a reasonable expectation
that initial funding needed to develop
ecotourism will be available?

The city government in partnership with the DENR and

other key stakeholders of the site provides funds to
boost the ecotourism in the area as it is one of the most
critical areas in the country for significant number of
migratory waterbirds for wintering, staging, and
roosting.
7. Are the protected area managers, tour operators and
communities willing to conform to ecotourism guidelines, i.e.
low impact. small groups, impact monitoring, working with and
actively involving communities?

As based on the preliminary investigation about the location,

they are willing and have been in contact with the LGUs in the
jurisdiction of the protected area, as well as have formed a
sense of partnership and agreement. They will also abide by
the ecotourism guidelines for the protection and conservation
of the site and the improvement of the community.
8. Will visitation improve biodiversity health or reduce
threats to conservation targets?

Visitation, when done responsibly has positive impacts on the

site as it can raise awareness by informing the public about
the need to conserve the wildlife sanctuary, as well as help
generate funds for protecting endangered/vulnerable species
and the development of the area by giving local people a
source of income within their community.
THANK YOU
Members:
Montilla, Donna Shana
Alforque, Althea Mae
Enriquez, Shere Niles
Sano, Jasmine Shame
Postrano, Julian
Arellano, Barbie
Servande, Sunshine