Introduction: An opinion on Water
Humans act to pain and pleasure, Filipinos in particular are reactive to pain rather than preventive. A shift from a reactionary behavior to a preventative behavior is a key part of moving towards sustainable tourism.
Recently, Philippines tourism has been in headlines for more than just its beautiful landscapes. The move to shut down establishments, create coastal easements and finally enforce regulation for the sake of an environmental recovery finally come but with a mix of emotions from its stakeholders. On the side of the private sector it seems that there would be more discussion at the root of the problems rather than a lashing of the whip from the government sector. With the on-going headlines of tourism destination closures in Boracay and the same threat to other destinations a reexamination of what sustainability looks like is needed.
And instead of looking simply at sustainable tourism we should cast a wider net and include our need for climate resiliency. In a worse case scenario where tourism collapses and the economic activity from it is no longer received our level of preparation for self-sufficiency will be exposed. This particular issue focuses on our water needs and an imbalance in the equation of our water utilization. (Read: El Nido’s: Water Hole) When we’re all left high and dry it might not matter who’s at fault.
El Nido’s Water a Gift and a Curse
Living in an archipelago we are surrounded by water. This is our gift and our curse. The attraction of our waters and picture perfect postcards is putting pressure on our ability to provide for ourselves and for others. The carrying capacity of El Nido seems like it’s reaching its peak but given our mentality to exploit short-term opportunities it may be too late before we realize the mess we’ve created. What is seen is used and the equation of water management is tipped one way.
As I write this more holes are being drilled up in the ground in search of water sources. Many businesses that years ago would have sourced their own water at 30-40 feet are now going further down over 70 feet in anticipation of wells and water tables drying up. At the same time this is happening, a number of locals and tourists are getting sick with most having diarrhea and food poisoning symptoms. (Read: Tourism Water)
A Plea for Water Management
There is an interesting relationship between being both victims and contributors to the impact of climate based on our current consumptive lifestyles and behaviors. Our plea is that as tourist you are truly responsible global citizens in your water footprint. For those of us hosting, whether local government officials, individual citizens, or business owners, we ask that you become part of the education process. While hosting we ask that you campaign for better utilization of water and increased awareness of our dire situations. Understanding and committing to better water management practices can have lasting effects to the way our water situation can improve. We have global examples and local ones based on previous summers. What we do with those experiences and that education is up to us.
Originally published in ESTEL Magazine Issue 3 circulated May 2018. Updated June 2018
