SAVING MARINE TURTLES:

A STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY-BASED

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
IN THE WEST COAST OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

A Case Study
Presented to the Faculty of the College of Business and Accountancy
Palawan State University

In Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Major in Marketing Management

By:

CORAZON M. LIWANAG
February 2017

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles that spend most of their time swimming in the sea.

They have four paddle-like flippers that can propel them at the speed of 50 km/hr. Marine turtles

can stay as long as five hours submerged in water. They are highly migratory species and found

predominantly in the tropical reefs of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. There are seven

species of sea turtles found around the world and five of these can be found in the Philippines.

Sea turtle populations around the world are now threatened with extinction.

Sea turtles are an important component of our ecosystem. They help maintain a balanced

marine ecosystem. Sea turtles distribute nutrients and food for fishes and they also maintain the

food web balanced. They serve as predator to some species such as jelly fish which feed on fish

larvae. A lot of threats to their existence are encountered by these sea turtles: by-catch,

poaching, habitat destruction, slaughtering for food, collection of eggs by humans, pollution, and

global warming.

In the Philippines, there are already steps being done to protect these endangered and

threatened species. On June 26, 1979, the Task Force Pawikan (TFP), also known as the

Pawikan Conservation Project (PCP) was created through Executive Order No. 542. The PCP

has three components: 1) Resource Management and Protection; 2) Research and Investigation;

and 3) Information, Education and Extension Services.

The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 or the Philippine

Wildlife Act (Republic Act No. 9417) protects all marine turtles in the Philippines and states that

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killing, destroying nests, gathering of eggs, inflicting injury, hunting, possessing, trading,

transporting or any endangered or threatened wildlife, including marine turtles, their by-products

and derivatives are punishable with a fine of Php 100,000.00 to Php1,000,000.00 and/or

imprisonment of 6 to 12 years. (http://www.gov.ph/2001/07/30/republic-act-no-9417/).

However, even with this law, these prohibited activities still threaten the marine turtles in the

country.

In the communities of the West Coasts of Puerto Princesa City, aside from animal

predation, poaching of sea turtles for meat and collection of its eggs for human consumption has

been a practice of the locals and according to them sea turtles has been part of their traditional

diet. Despite of the laws protecting these creatures, these practices still continues and if not

arrested, the future generations may not encounter a single sea turtle nesting on their beaches.

This was the reason why the Candis3Marketing Cooperative (C3MC) initiated its

ongoing marine turtle conservation project. Supported by the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID) through the Phil-Am Fund, the project started in 2014 and

in a span of eight months from November 2015 to August 2016, a total of 4343 sea turtle

hatchlings were imprinted and released to their natural habitat in the coasts of Barangays

Napsan, Bagong Bayan, Simpokan and Bacungan through community conservation efforts.

Through the project and the active participation of the Barangay Local Government Units

including the community members, data was established on nesting incidence of sea turtles in

Tagkawayan in Barangay Bacungan, Barangay Simpokan, Barangay Bagong Bayan and

Barangay Napsan. (C3MC Hatchery Monitoring Data. 2016)

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 Due to the efforts of this organization, the hatching rates of sea turtles were improved

through the establishment and maintenance of in-situ and ex-situ hatcheries. Poaching of sea

turtle and its eggs was minimized through Information and Education Campaigns and has trained

and installed a functional Bantay Pawikan Team. The project has also changed local perceptions

and attitude by instilling the importance of sea turtles in the global ecosystem.

C3MC has also forged a Memorandum of Agreement with the Palawan Council for

Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) under the Adopt a Wildlife Species Program to further

advance the conservation endeavor. Side-by-side with this is the building of a private-public

partnership involving the community, Barangay Local Government Unit, Resort owners and

other concerned entities to sustain the conservation of sea turtles in these areas. According to

C3MC, forging partnerships with different organizations and empowering the community are the

keys to saving the dwindling population of marine turtles.

In addition, Puerto Princesa City is very rich in both flora and fauna. Mangroves are

found mostly in the outskirts of the city, and lush foliage can be seen in rainforests and

mountains. Different species of fishes are abundant in the reefs surrounding the island, while a

variety of bird species, both local and migratory, can be seen in some places. Nature has chosen

for Puerto Princesa the road for economic development and coupled with such an auspicious

reputation as the “Last Frontier” in this part of the globe, it has already attracted the world’s

travel planners to include it in the itinerary of trans-ocean luxury vessels. Ecotourism is

undoubtedly the key to the city’s sustainable development. (City Tourism Department, 2015)

The above cited literature motivated the researcher to study how sea turtle conservation

in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City can be pursued and sustained in the light of the present

threats and the upcoming development of the beaches into tourist destinations in the near future.

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 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The researcher’s purposes in conducting this case are presented below:

1. Determine the factors contributing to the decline in sea turtle population in the west coast of

Puerto Princesa City particularly in Barangays Napsan, Bagong Bayan, Simpokanand

Bacungan which are identified to be the nesting sites of three species of marine turtles.

2. Present the current practices and experiences in the communities on sea turtle conservation.

3. Identify the possible course of action to transform sea turtle conservation efforts as a strategy

for community-based sustainable tourism in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City.

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 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are either defined theoretically and operationally.

Arribada.A large aggregation of female sea turtles coming ashore together to nest at the

same time in the same place.(SEATURTLE.ORG. Sea Turtle Glossary. Retrieved from

http://www.seaturtle.org/glossary/index.shtml?term=arribada)

Conservation. In this study it refers to the protection of animals, plants and natural

resources and the careful use of natural resources to prevent them from being lost or wasted.

Endangered species.a species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.

(https://www.google.com.ph/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-

8#q=endangered+species)

Nest.A container or shelter in which birds, reptiles, fish, insects, or other animals deposit

eggs or keep their young.(SEATURTLE.ORG. Sea Turtle Glossary. Retrieved

fromhttp://www.seaturtle.org/glossary/?term=Nest)

Threatened Species.This is a case of having uncertain chance of continued survival; a

species likely to become an endangered species. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/threatened-

species)

Vulnerable. In this study means when sea turtles can be easily hurt or harmed due to

several threats on their existence.

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 CHAPTER II

THE PROBLEM

The sustainability of flora and fauna has been a perennial problem around the world.

Biodiversity is being lost at 1,000 times the natural rate. (http://www.fauna-flora.org/about/ )

This goes with the sea turtle conservation in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City considering

the present threats and the fast development brought about by tourism industry. There are many

programs and projects spearheaded by the government, Non-governmental Organizations

(NGOs) and community to protect this endangered species, but will these be sustainable if the

people within the community are impoverished?

CASE ANALYSIS

Conservation and protection of sea turtles is a challenging work. These animals

encounter many different threats to their existence and the DENR is not alone in this endeavor.

All over the country, there are many organizations and individuals who are actively pursuing

conservations efforts, and one of these organizations is in Puerto Princesa City.

In 2001-2002, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had recorded

nesting incidence in SitioTagminatay in the west coasts. Record shows that most of sea turtle

species found in Palawan is the green turtle and hawksbill turtles but in 2016, through the marine

turtle conservation component of the project of the Candis 3 Marketing Cooperative(C3MC)

entitled “Biodiversity Conservation in Puerto Princesa’s Northwest Area and it Attached

Interconnected Ecosystems,” the DENR was able to identify nesters and hatchlings as hawksbill

sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate), olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelysolivacea) and green

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sea turtles (Chelonian mydas). They have confirmed that these three species of sea turtles are

actually nesting in the beaches of the West Coast of Puerto Princesa City. (C3MC Quarterly

Progress Report, July 2016-Sept 2016)

Hawksbills, specifically found by the Bantay Pawikan in the beaches of Barangay

Napsan, are considered critically endangered around the world by the IUCN Red List and are

listed as endangered in the U.S. They feed on sponges and can reach into cracks and crevices of

coral reefs looking for food. Because sponges contain toxic chemicals which can accumulate in

the turtle’s tissues, their flesh is harmful to humans. Their meat may cause serious illness and

even death if eaten by humans. However, by consuming sponges, they help corals in their

growth. One turtle can consume over 1,000 pounds of sponges in a year. Without them, sponges

can crowd corals and suffocate reefs.

The green sea turtles which were found nesting in the coasts of Barangay BagongBayan,

are listed as Endangered in the U.S. and around the world by the IUCN Red List. It can weigh up

to 225 kilograms and reach 1.2 meters in length. Their name comes from the color of their fat.

They eat sea grasses, seaweeds, algae and other forms of marine plant life. Their diet improves

the health of seagrass beds. They only take off the leaf blades and avoid the roots helping the

seagrass grow healthier and faster.

Olive Ridleys were monitored nesting in all of the west coast barangays covered by the

C3MC project. These sea turtles are relatively abundant in comparison to other sea turtles.

However, their numbers have decreased by about 50% since the 1960’s. It is considered

Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and is listed Threatened in the U.S. (IUCN SSC Marine Turtle

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Specialist Group. 2015. About Marine Turtles. Retrieved from https://iucn-mtsg.org/about-

turtles/)

In 1996, it was estimated that more than 60,000 sea turtles, mainly olive ridleys, were

caught and drowned in shrimp trawl nets each year in Central America. In 2002, it was reported

that over 10,000 dead turtles have been washed ashore on India’s beaches each year since 1999,

attributed to drowning in shrimp trawl nets. Also in India, many of the nesting beaches of the

olive ridley sea turtles where arribadas occur are being destroyed by coastal development and

erosion. Other threats include poaching of turtles and eggs for human consumption and

incidental capture of turtles in commercial fishing gear. And because they congregate in large

numbers off of nesting areas, they are prone to mass mortality. (https://www.seeturtles.org/ )

A lot of threats face sea turtles in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City which could

continuously decrease their population that future generations may no longer see one single turtle

nesting in their beaches. Sea turtles have traditionally provided a source of food for the locals

and are continuously harvested for consumption. Although there are existing laws protecting

marine turtles and conservation efforts being done in the communities, there are still turtle

hunters who comb the beaches at night looking for nesters. Members of the BantayPawikan

could not monitor the beaches all at the same time and some poachers are still able to take both

the eggs and catch the nesters for their meat.

There are also some sea turtles that are accidentally captured in fish cages and nets.

Some nesters are trapped inside fish cages probably when swimming to the beach to nest. These

turtles will not be able to lay their eggs which can also cause their death.

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 In Tagkawayan, sea turtle nesting beaches have been affected by the establishment of sea

walls to prevent soil erosion in the area around the City Beach. These structures have reduced

sea turtles nesting habitat and have displaced sea turtles to look for other nearby nesting areas.

Some have actually nested on the narrow beach and in some instances their eggs have been

washed out to the sea during high tides and strong currents. The members of the BantayPawikan

in the area who are monitoring nesters have managed to transfer the eggs they found to a

hatchery located in a higher and safer ground.

Sea turtles, eggs and hatchlings are also victims to domesticated dogs and cats that roam

the beaches looking for food. There were many instances when members of the BantayPawikan

have found nests dug and eggs already eaten by dogs. Natural predators like monitor lizards,

crabs, birds, fish, and sharks are all part of their natural food chain.

There were also incidents when sick sea turtles have been found on the beaches, some

were injured, some were sick and there are also some that were found dead.

The effects of climate change are also likely to impact on sea turtles. Higher

temperatures can adversely affect the sea turtle eggs. It was observed that during the hot summer

months, almost all of the eggs were damaged and did not hatch. The sea turtle gender ratio is also

affected by higher temperature which could result in more female than male turtles.

Developing the beaches which are nesting sites of sea turtles can actually bring additional

threats to sea turtles if not properly considered in the planning process by the concerned agencies

and organizations. Take for example the artificial lightings at the beaches discourage female sea

turtles from nesting which can drive them into other less favorable nesting spot which can affect

the success of hatchling emergence. Also, lights near the shore can cause sea turtle hatchlings to

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become disoriented and instead of going to the beach they will wander inland where they often

die of dehydration, predation etc.

Human activities on the beach during night time can also prevent sea turtles from going

on the beach or even cause female sea turtles to stop nesting and return to the sea. Beach

furniture, beach driving and other recreational equipment can also negatively impact sea turtles.

Given the various threats to the sea turtle population, the communities, through the

project initiated by C3MC in coordination with the DENR, PCSD and the Barangay Local

Government Units of Napsan, Bagong Bayan, Simpokan and Bacungan, the communities have

done various activities towards the protection and conservation of sea turtles. The barangay has

identified sea turtle nesting sites and have recommended these areas for monitoring.

A BantayPawikan Team was organized in each barangay to patrol and monitor the

nesting beaches. The members of the BantayPawikan Teams were identified by the BLGU and

were known to be sea turtle and sea turtle eggs poachers. They were invited to attend meetings

and seminars on sea turtle conservation and in time they volunteered themselves to be members

of the BantayPawikan Team in their respective communities. As previous poachers, they know

the nesting sites, knows how to identify sea turtle flipper marks and where nests are possibly

located. Because of these knowledge and skills enhanced with the formal and proper training,

combined with their new conviction to help conserve the species, they became effective

patrollers.

Through this, the hatching rate of sea turtles was improved with the establishment and

maintenance of in-situ and ex-situ hatcheries. In-situ hatcheries are natural nests made by the sea

turtle where it laid its eggs. These nests were marked and protected with plastic screen fencing

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to prevent predators from destroying the nest and the eggs. Sometimes, natural nests are reached

by tides and strong currents and are sometimes located in a not so safe location. These eggs are

excavated and transferred to ex-situ hatcheries. Ex-situ hatcheries are artificial nests located at a

higher ground.

When sick and weak sea turtles were stranded and left by the tide on the beaches,

concerned community members report the incidents to the BantayPawikan Team. The members

of the team were issued with handheld radios so that they are able to report the incidents to the

office of the C3MC located in the city proper. These incidents are then coordinated with the

DENRand PCSD so that necessary actions could be taken. Stranding and tagging reports are

then made and submitted to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR.

The project has also changed local perceptions and attitude by instilling the importance of

sea turtles in the global ecosystem. Poaching of sea turtle and its eggs was minimized through

the conducts of Information and Education Campaigns in the communities.

However, a lot have still to be done. According to some of the members of the

BantayPawikan in the west coast, there are still community members who continue hunting for

sea turtles and collect eggs for consumption. They cannot do patrolling every night because they

also have to attend to their livelihood activities. There are still many residents who should be

educated on the importance of marine turtle conservation and protection.

On the other hand, the City Government has identified the Southwest coast of Puerto

Princesa as Tourism Circuit 5 as a Beach Destination Circuit (see Annex. Figure 2) which

includes the beaches of Talaudyong, Nagtabon, Tagkawayan, Simpokan, Bagong Bayan, and

Napsan (Labit, Rebecca. (2013). Puerto Princesa Tourism Situationer.Retrieved from

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https://www.scribd.com/document/.../ICRM-Plan-of-Puerto-Princesa-City-Palawan). These

coasts are identified and proven to be nesting sites of three species marine turtles and

development of tourism in these areas could aggravate the danger to the population of these

animals, add to the problems of animal predation, poaching of sea turtles for meat and collection

of its eggs for human consumption.

Although these threats to sea turtles seem almost too big to overcome, there are many

things within human control that can be changed. One of these is contained in Puerto Princesa

CityEcotourism Strategic Plan with the intention of “empowering the community through

Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) projects, protecting its natural and cultural

resources for future generation, and to uplifting the dignity and improving the quality of life”

(Labit, Rebecca. (2013). Puerto Princesa Tourism Situationer.Retrieved

fromhttps://www.scribd.com/document/.../ICRM-Plan-of-Puerto-Princesa-City-Palawan). CBST

considers broader community development and participatory planning which also advocates for

greater community control of processes at the local level.

One example is the Bantay Pawikan Inc which established a community-based marine

turtle conservation program Pawikan Conservation Center in Bataan in 1999 which was assisted

by the UNDP-GEF-SGP-PRRM and the Provincial Government of Bataan. Most of the members

of Bantay Pawikan Inc are farmers and fishermen who were former poachers before they got

involved with sea turtle conservation. At present, the Pawikan Conservation Center is one of

the tourist destinations in Bataan where foreign and local tourists come to see marine turtles

nesting in their beaches and experience imprinting and releasing of hatchlings to the sea. The

center is also a venue for educational trips of students and different organizations. Fees collected

by the center now provides for their conservation activities while members of the organization

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and other members of the community earn their income through selling food, souvenir items and

providing other services for the tourists.

The Pawikan Conservation experience in Morong, Bataan could be replicated in the west

coast of Puerto Princesa City. Conservation efforts that have been started and continuously

being done in the communities could be also be further strengthened and developed into a CBST

endeavor. This must be properly supported and closely assisted by the local government and the

concerned agencies and organizations. Combining sea turtle protection and conservation with

ecotourism would be a good approach not only to sustainable conservation which requires

financing, but also as an economic opportunity for the communities.

Ecotourism has the potential of being an important tool for conservation of nature, a

venue for education, and community building. The Barangay Local Government Units may also

pass legislations that could support and strengthen sea turtle conservation. They could also

access technical support for marketing and promotion and capacity building from the City

Government and other agencies and organizations.

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Flow of Activities in Sea Turtle Conservation Done in the West Coast

information,
Coordination identification of identification,
education Monitoring of
with the sea turtle training and
campaign done nesting
concerned nesting installation of
in the beaches
agencies/ lgus beaches Bantay Pawikan
community

Data are
Hatchlings
recorded Eggs are Eggs found
are
and monitored are either
imprinted Nesters
maintained until maintained
and released found are
& reported hatchlings in-situ or in
to their tagged
to DENR and emerge (45- ex-situ
natural
funding 70 days) hatcheries
habitat
agency

Bantay
Pawikan
Reported to incident is Sea turtles
C3MC is makes
DENR/PCSD reported to the are found
informed of stranding
for proper Bantay stranded on
the incident report
action Pawikan/BLGU the beach
/turtle is
tagged

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 CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

Barangays Napsan, Bagong Bayan, Simpokan and Bacungan, all in west coast of Puerto

Princesa City are identified nesting sites of three species of marine turtles, green turtle, olive

ridley and hawksbill turtle. Population of these species continue to decline due to the following:

a) there are community members who continue hunting for sea turtles and collect eggs for

consumption; b) animal predators like dogs, cats, monitor lizards, crabs, birds and fish; c)

degradation of nesting habitats due to the construction of sea walls to prevent beach soil erosion;

d) entrapment of sea turtles in fishing gears; e) tourism development; and f) lack of law

enforcement by the government.

However, sea turtle conservation efforts in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City have

already gained momentum and have generated a wide support from different stakeholders. As a

result of the different activities in the area including the conduct of a comprehensive Information

and Education Campaign (IEC) and formation and installation of Bantay Pawikan in the

communities by the C3MC project in collaboration with the BLGUs, and forging of partnerships

with other stakeholders. There have been a lot changes in attitudes and behaviors of the

community members towards sea turtles which used to be part of their traditional diet and

additional source of income. Previous poachers are now active in the protection and

conservation of sea turtles. These conservation efforts in the communities have contributed to

increased hatchlings emergence in the nesting beaches which will eventually contribute to

increased sea turtle population in these coasts.

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 These efforts if not sustained will all go to waste. Education and information

dissemination must be a continuing activity in the communities to reach its young and old

population and instill the importance of sea turtle conservation. The members of the Bantay

Pawikan need to be supported for them to be able to continue with their monitoring and

patrolling activities including hatchery establishment and maintenance. And all of these need

financing to be carried out.

Given the threats that continue to endanger the lives of sea turtles and the development of

the west coast for tourism, it is necessary for the stakeholders to be proactive and make

necessary plans to ensure that conservation efforts are not sacrificed. The presence of sea turtles

in these sites is appealing to tourists but they can also bring additional pressure and threat to sea

turtles. Ecotourism development would mean increased human activities particularly in their

nesting habitats. On the other hand tourism could also bring more support to further advance

conservation activities in the areas.

The communities must consider undertaking and managing the development of the

nesting beaches into ecotourism destinations. This will not only protect the marine turtles but

will provide them with livelihood opportunities and enable them to undertake conservation

activities.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Protecting sea turtles and their habitats is a big challenge due to the many different

threats to these animals. A community-based sustainable tourism is recommended as a

means to lessen the impact of tourism development in the area at the same time as a tool

to sustainable management of the resources including sea turtles and their habitats. The

experience of the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan may be considered.

2. The communities that were identified as nesting sites of sea turtles should be assisted by

the concerned agencies to be able to establish their CBST.

3. Technical support should be provided to legally declare the nesting sites as critical

habitats of marine turtles which will strengthen conservation activities in the areas.

4. Preservation of the nesting beaches by using beach nourishment or sand replenishment.

This entails the creation of erosion-prevention hedges to trap sand and create sand dunes

which will make the sand less prone to erosion and allowing plants to flourish.

5. Because of the nature of sea turtles, first priority should be given to generate greater

public awareness and support for sea turtle conservation. This could be done through a

continuous and thorough education and information campaign to heighten community

awareness on sea turtle conservation and protection to minimize incidence of slaughter,

poaching and other forms of human predation. Community appreciation should be

heightened which will generate a wider range of participation on conservation activities.

6. Collaboration and partnership among different stakeholders such as the Barangay Local

Government Unit, the City government, civil society organizations, church, academe and

other sectors should be strengthened not only for sea turtles but for environmental

conservation as a whole.

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7. A sound marketing strategy supported by the government will make conservation efforts

sustainable being able to provide for itself while bringing additional livelihood

opportunities to the communities like handicraft making, souvenir shops, lodging, tour

guiding, boat rentals, transportation and food services, which are also important to make

their CBST successful.

8. Further monitoring of the hatchlings that were released to their natural habitat to

determine survival rate of the hatchlings released.

9. Desired or favorable sex ratio for sea turtles must be studied.

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 CHAPTER 1V
PLAN OF ACTION

Objectives of the CBST project

1. Generate additional income for the community members and funds to sustain sea turtle

conservation in the West Coast of Puerto Princesa City.

2. Strengthen the capacities of the community members in managing ecotourism project.

3. Increase the level of awareness of the community and the general public on the

importance of sea turtle and biodiversity conservation.

Project Components

1. Establishment of the Physical Site (Hatchery sites, cottages, restrooms, picnic and

camping sites, potable water facilities, canteens, souvenir shops, etc.)

2. Information and Education Campaign (development, reproduction and distribution of

leaflets and other project information materials)

3. Hatchery establishment, operation and maintenance.

4. Promotion and Marketing of the CBST destination.

Project Management and Implementation

The BLGU will initiate consultations with the residents of the barangay regarding the

establishment of the project. A CBST organization will have to be formalized and registered

with the appropriate government agencies. This organization will be the one to manage the

project. However, the community may decide to designate an existing organization, where they

can be members, as the project holder and manage the project.

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 Staff and personnel will be hired from the community to provide employment to the

locals. They will be properly trained on sea turtle and biodiversity conservation, project and

finance management and other technical skills training needed for the project.

Interested community members will be trained in handicraft and other enterprises that

they can engage in and will be given the opportunity to sell their products in the site. There will

be designated areas where they can sell souvenir items, food, etc.

Physical site development will be done after the project management is in place and lay-

out of the site is finalized. Structures will be made from locally available materials and locals

will be hired for the construction.

Information and Education Campaigns and Promotion and Marketing are to be conducted

simultaneously with the development of the site. This will prepare the whole community for the

project and will provide the public with information about the CBST to attract potential guests

and bookings for the opening of the site. Rules for guests will be posted in strategic locations at

the site. These rules are important to protect the sea turtles and their nesting habitat.

Promotion and Marketing of the Project

The Province of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City has a lot of ecotourism sites but the

west coast of Puerto Princesa has one feature not found in many ecotourism sites in the city and

in the province. These sites have beaches that are marine turtle nesting sites.

The peak season for foreign tourist is October to March while domestic tourists peak on

the months of March to June. There are few foreign tourists from June to September and

domestic tourists are few from July to September. (City Tourism Office. (2013, 2014, 2015,

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2016). Monthly Tourist Arrival Reports from Accommodation Establishments in Puerto Princesa

City). Peak months of tourist arrivals should be targeted by the CBST since these months are

also the nesting season of sea turtles in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City. To ensure the

success of the CBST, the project will access the Tourism Office of Puerto Princesa City and the

Provincial Government for technical and marketing support.

Today, bookings to different destinations could be done online. The project will develop

a website and will also be linked with tourism networks and travel websites at the local, national

and international levels. Tarpaulins will be posted in strategic places, brochures and leaflets will

be distributed to local tourism establishments, and commissions may be considered for referrals

from partner organizations and individuals.

The CBST site will also be advertised using different mediums which will include

television advertisements, radio and travel magazines. Participation to tourism events like the

Puerto Princesa City’s Balayong Festival, the Provincial Government’s Baragatan, and the likes

are also important activities where the project can be promoted.

Potential Activities in the CBST destination

1. Educational film viewing on biodiversity and sea turtles

2. Exposure to the sea turtle hatchery sites.

3. Group night walks to monitor sea turtle nesters

4. Viewing of emergence of sea turtle hatchlings, imprinting and releasing of hatchlings to

the sea. (Adopt a sea turtle hatchling)

5. Snorkeling at the Marine Protected Area.

6. Camping and Swimming at the beach.

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Packaged tours

Guests can book a complete tour package which will include one night accommodation,

transportation services from the city proper to the CBST site and back, tour guide, and 3 meals.

Other packaged options will also be available for guests. The cost of packaged tours will be

based on prevailing rates in the adjacent resorts but higher than other resorts not located in the

west coast of Puerto Princesa City. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Other income generating activities that the community can undertake:

o Selling of native delicacies and other food items
o Handicraft
o Souvenir t-shirts
o Tent rental
o Diving gears rental
o Boat rental
o Rafting

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Bagadion, B. and N. del Fierro-Juan. (2013). Transforming Protected Areas Into Effective
and Sustainable Ecotourism Destinations: Lessons from the Ground. Retrieved
September 20, 2016 from AIM Working Paper Series.
https://www.aim.edu/files/download/964

2. Blackstock, Kirsty. (2005). A critical look at community based tourism. RetrievedJanuary

19, 2017 from Community Development Journal Vol 40 No 1 © Oxford University Press
and Community Development Journal.
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al_look_at_community_based_tourism/links/00b49524052ccb8a2f000000.pdf

3. Cabrestante, Madrono Jr. (2014). Best Practices of Ecotourism and Local Product
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r%207.pdf

4. Candis 3 Marketing Cooperative. 2016. C3MC Hatchery Monitoring Data. August 2016

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Sept 2016

6. City Tourism Office. (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). Monthly Tourist Arrival Reports from
Accommodation Establishments in Puerto Princesa City

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January 19, 2017 from https://iucn-mtsg.org/about-turtles/

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from https://www.scribd.com/document/...ICRM-Plan-of-Puerto-Princesa-City-Palawan

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and Response Manual Series: Marine Turtles. Retrieved January 19, 2017 from
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Biodiversity: Pawikan Conservation Project. Retrieved January 19, 2017 from
http://www.chm.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199%3Apawikan-
conservation-project&catid=84&Itemid=92

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turtles-conservation-strategies/

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 APPENDICES

SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE CASE STUDY

NAME OF RESPONDENT: _____________________________

ADDRESS: _________________________

NAME OF ORGANIZATION: ___________________________

POSITION: _________________________

1. How long have you been residing in the barangay?

2. Can you describe the current situation of sea turtle nesting as compared to when you were
young?

3. In your observation, what are the threats facing sea turtles?

4. Are there any changes with regard to the situation of sea turtles in your community?

5. What measures can you suggest so that these threats could be lessen or eliminated?

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Figure 1. Sea Turtle Nesting Sites covered by C3MC project

Nesting Beaches

Page | 27
Table 1.Results of C3MC sea turtle hatchery operations in the west coast of Puerto Princesa City.
Location Date Found Hatchery Type Date Emerged # of hatchlings # of spoiled Sea Turtle Species
released eggs/dead
Simpokan Nov 11, 2016 Ex-situ Jan 8, 2016 67 10 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Nov 25, 2016 Ex-situ Jan 19, 2016 38 18 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Dec 6, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 3, 2016 39 59 Olive Ridley
Napsan Dec 7, 2015 In-situ Jan 1, 2016 107 9 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Sto Nino Dec 8, 2015 Ex-situ Jan 28, 2016 28 91 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Dec 8, 2015 Ex-situ Jan 26, 2016 105 8 Olive Ridley
Simpokan/Lalawigan Dec 8, 2015 Ex-situ Jan 26, 2016 112 41 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Dec 8, 2015 Ex-situ Jan 18, 2016 62 40 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Dec 13, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 3, 2016 88 17 Olive Ridley
Simpokan/Matinlo Dec 13, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 14, 2016 49 28 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Dec 13, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 14, 2016 90 38 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Dec 23, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 15, 2016 64 56 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Dec 24, 2015 Ex-situ Feb 15, 2016 103 25 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Jan 1, 2016 In-situ Feb 23, 2016 78 3 Olive Ridley
Simpokan/Lalawigan Jan 1, 2016 In-situ Washed out due to high tide
Bagong Bayan Jan 2, 2016 Ex-situ Feb 28, 2016 69 14 Olive Ridley
Simpokan/Matinlo Jan 3, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 11, 2016 42 21 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Jan 12, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 4, 2016 84 24 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Jan 20, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 20, 2016 114 1 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Jan 20, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 19, 2016 101 8 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Cabuyao Jan 21, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 18, 2016 7 104 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Jan 21, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 16, 2016 77 32 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Jan 22, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 24, 2016 110 1 Hawksbill
Napsan/Boracay Jan 22, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 4, 2016 77 37 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Jan 22, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 15, 2016 95 16 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Jan 23, 2016 In-situ Feb 23, 2016 65 2 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Jan 25, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 19, 2016 86 8 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Jan 27, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 23, 2016 79 2 Olive Ridley
Simpokan/Matinlo Jan 27, 2016 In-situ Mar 27, 2016 104 11 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Cabuyao Feb 1, 2016 Ex-situ 0 96 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Feb 5, 2016 Ex-situ Mar 17, 2016 55 40 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan Feb 9, 2016 In-situ Mar 30, 2016 30 19 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Feb 17, 2016 Ex-situ Apr 7, 2016 29 27 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Feb 18, 2016 Ex-situ Apr 8, 2016 26 40 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Feb 23, 2016 Ex-situ Apr 15, 2016 71 21 Olive Ridley
Simpokan Feb 27, 2016 Ex-situ Apr 18, 2016 106 21 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Mar 1, 2016 In-situ Apr 21, 2016 52 52 Hawksbill
Bagong Bayan Mar 5, 2016 In-situ Apr 23, 2016 55 35 Olive Ridley
Tagkawayan Mar 10, 2016 Ex-situ Apr 28, 2016 14 110 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Labtay Mar 29, 2016 Ex-situ May 15, 2016 46 41 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Boracay Apr 1, 2016 In-situ May 12, 2016 50 54 Hawksbill
Napsan/Boracay Apr 5, 2016 In-situ May 17, 2016 40 75 Hawksbill
Tagkawayan Apr 21, 2016 Ex-situ June 11, 2016 16 90 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan May 13, 2016 In-situ July 6, 2016 129 0 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan May 14, 2016 In-situ July 22, 2016 29 52 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan June 1, 2016 In-situ Aug 6, 2016 51 36 Olive Ridley
Simpokan June 8, 2016 Ex-situ 0 90 Olive Ridley
Napsan/Labtay June 10, 2016 Ex-situ 0 100 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan June 11, 2016 In-situ Aug 18, 2016 76 26 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan June 18, 2016 In-situ Aug 21, 2016 70 26 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan June 22, 2016 In-situ Aug 24, 2016 82 6 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan June 22, 2016 In-situ Aug 31, 2016 48 3 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan July 6, 2016 Ex-situ Sept 10, 2016 87 20 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan July 12, 2016 In-situ Sept 4, 2016 110 6 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan July 15, 2016 In-situ Sept 8, 2016 120 0 Olive Ridley
Bagong Bayan July 18, 2016 In-situ Sept 12, 2016 20 1 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan July 23, 2016 In-situ Sept 17, 2016 28 0 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan July 23, 2016 In-situ Sept 20, 2016 60 0 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan July 26, 2016 Ex-situ Sept 14, 2016 48 29 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan July 26, 2016 Ex-situ Sept 28, 2016 41 63 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 2, 2016 Ex-situ Sept 18, 2016 61 34 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 4, 2016 Ex-situ Sept 21, 2016 94 10 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 5, 2016 In-situ Sept 29, 2016 129 0 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 5, 2016 In-situ Sept 30, 2016 67 20 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 14, 2016 Ex-situ Oct 1, 2016 42 10 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 14, 2016 Ex-situ Oct 1, 2016 75 25 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 15, 2016 Ex-situ Oct 1, 2016 87 14 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 16, 2016 In-situ Oct 3, 2016 112 21 Green Turtle
Bagong Bayan Aug 16, 2016 In-situ Oct 3, 2016 87 14 Green Turtle
Total 4483 2051
(C3MC Hatchery Monitoring Data. August 2016)

Page | 28
Figure 2. Puerto Princesa City Tourism Development Images and Directions

Labit, Rebecca. (2013). Puerto Princesa Tourism Situationer. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/.../ICRM-Plan-of-Puerto-
Princesa-City-Palawan

Page | 29
Members of the BantayPawikan patrolling the beaches in the west coast . (Photo courtesy of C3MC)

Page | 30
Transfer of eggs to the ex-situ hatchery(Photo courtesy of C3MC)

(Photo courtesy of C3MC)

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Newly emerged sea turtle hatchlings.(Photo courtesy of C3MC)

Imprinting and releasing to the sea. (Photo courtesy of C3MC)

Page | 32
Building awareness in the community

(Photo courtesy of C3MC)

(Photo courtesy of C3MC)

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