The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) IX has officially turned over the chairmanship of the Regional Ecotourism Committee to the Department of Tourism (DOT) IX during the Regional Ecotourism Committee Meeting held at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City last October 8, 2024. This transition marks a significant step towards enhancing collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in the region.
The turnover ceremony was attended by members of the Regional Ecotourism Committee from various government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations, all committed to fostering ecotourism as a means of environmental conservation and economic development. The event highlighted the importance of integrating ecological integrity into ecotourism initiatives to protect the region’s rich biodiversity.
In his message, ARD for Technical Services Christopher B. Babaran who represented the Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts made under DENR’s leadership and emphasized the need for continued partnership with DOT and other stakeholders. “As we transition the chairmanship to DOT-IX, I am confident that the committee will continue to thrive under their leadership. DOT-IX brings a wealth of experience and expertise in tourism promotion and development, which will undoubtedly contribute to the further growth and success of our ecotourism initiatives,” he stated.
DOT IX Regional Director, Dara May L. Cataluña, accepted the chairmanship, expressing commitment to promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities while preserving natural resources. “It is both an honor and privilege as we accept the chairmanship of the Regional Ecotourism Committee. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to DENR IX for their exceptional leadership and dedication during their term as chairman of this committee,” she said.
RD Cataluña encouraged the members of the committee to work hand in hand to foster a vibrant ecotourism sector that not only attracts visitors but also enhances the well-being of the local communities and preserves the natural resources for the generations to come.
The meeting also featured presentation and discussions on the Ecotourism Development Management Plan (EDMP) of the Protected Areas with ecotourism activities in the region and ongoing and future ecotourism projects from the Local Government Units (LGUs) from the different municipalities, sharing of best practices, and the development of action plans to address challenges faced by the sector. Participants emphasized the importance of community involvement in ecotourism to ensure that local cultures and ecosystems are valued and preserved.
(Source: DENR Zamboanga Peninsula Facebook page)