Socio-Cultural, Economic and Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism in Birilarosa Protected Landscape and Seascape (BLPLS)

Abstract

Ecotourism is a melting pot of cultures and people. It is said that national and local pride can be created through the cultural appreciation of ecotourists, and local knowledge and the standard of living can be enhanced. The folklore or story about “Berbenota” the enchanted lady of Rock Formations have resulted to the protection and conservation who is believed to be the protector of the area. These activities provide special opportunities to understand the history and traditions of the community and to witness their cultural practices and daily living, including traditional rituals, rites and dances. For the positive side of ecotourism, it can generate environmental rehabilitation and natural or local tourism development by promoting environmental protection and the improvement of a specific tourist destination. The greatest contribution of ecotourism is the protection of biodiversity and a sustainable development plan is necessary. In terms of the negative side, when ecotourism is improperly managed, environmental degradation follows. These invasions often include deforestation, disruption of ecological lifestyle systems and various styles of pollutants, all of which make a contribution to environmental degradation. It is important to note that majority of the respondents were farmers which at the same time fishermen. It is also interesting that many of the employed people were also patronizing the local tourist’s destination. It seems that common people were benefitted so much of the booming local ecotourism industry in the BLPLS areas as represented by the various stakeholders and key players in the tourism industry. At least One hundred respondents were interviewed using the systematic sampling approach. The results indicate that both the mainland and island communities benefits ecotourism in various ways but not to their level of satisfaction. Members of the community are allowed access to resources such as fish, food crops, firewood and water. Additionally, a range of job opportunities includes tour guiding; rendering service mobility vehicles for the tourists, and accommodations. Another key tourism related benefits include interaction with the tourists, sale of local crafts, fish processing, food vending and opportunities to profile cultural activities. However, there remains the need to improve beneficiation given the high poverty and unemployment rates in the locality.