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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Please mind the marine wildlife, DOT reminds coastal tourists on World Environment Month

Please mind the marine wildlife, DOT reminds coastal tourists on World Environment Month

Published Jun 22, 2021 03:03 pm

In line with the celebration of World Environment Month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has reminded travelers to be responsible when interacting with marine wildlife to ensure their protection and sustainability.

Anilao, Batangas (Photo courtesy of Robert Yin / Department of Tourism)

"Observing marine wildlife in its natural habitat is incredibly fulfilling and quite an experience you cannot forget. However, irresponsible interaction with marine wildlife can cause severe long-term damage to them and their environment," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Tuesday, June 22.

According to Puyat, respecting the ocean and its inhabitants must be the "top priority" of every tourist who wants to connect with marine wildlife.

"Learning how to properly engage with these species is a small but crucial step in protecting and sustaining our marine biodiversity," she added.

To ensure sustainable interaction with marine wildlife, especially now with the popularity of coastal destinations among local tourists, Puyat said the DOT will conduct a series of awareness-focused seminars among tourism stakeholders this year.

Apo Island in Negros Oriental (Photo courtesy of Tommy Schultz / Department of Tourism)

The DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued last year a joint memorandum circular (JMC) on the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct of Marine Wildlife Tourism Interaction in the Philippines."

This was to ensure that tourism interactions do not adversely affect marine wildlife behavior and population, particularly large marine vertebrates, such as dugong, cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and porpoises), whale sharks, other sharks, manta rays, and marine turtles.

Under the guidelines, concerned agencies were directed to establish zones in marine tourist destinations such as No Approach Zones, Interaction Zones, and Waiting Zones; and to enforce specific regulations per type of marine activity, among others.

Other plans of the JMC also include identifying, accrediting, and recognizing marine wildlife tourism sites in the country that are dedicated and compliant with the regulations.

Related Tags

bernadette romulo-puyat marine biodiversity world environment month marine wildlife coastal destinations Department of Tourism (DOT) Travel
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