DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has sought the cooperation and support from the community and stakeholders to sustain the rich biodiversity in Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (AIPLS) and promote responsible ecotourism.

DENR, under its social marketing division, has focused on behavior change for the community, pump boat operators, and snorkelers and tourists to maintain the island’s ecology and economy.

According to AIPLS Administrative Officer Severino Partosa, 80% of the community is still using plastic materials,10% throws the plastic irresponsibly, while only 10% practices proper waste disposal. 

Irresponsible garbage disposal has caused a concern on waste management or pollution now affecting the area.

DENR Environmental Management Specialist Theresa Quijano said the source of plastic waste does not only come from the residents of Apo Island but also from the waste of neighboring islands of Cebu, Siquijor, and mainland Negros Oriental.  

“What we wanted to change is that the behavior of the population in Apo to really observe proper waste disposal even in eradication of single-use plastic materials,” Quijano said.

Apo Island is one of the top diving sites in the world, and its environment is at risk due to irresponsible human activities.

DENR called on snorkelers or divers to stop from touching or stepping on the corals, turtles, and other marine life that may damage the ecosystem and natural habitats.

Apo Island has thriving sea turtles, diversity of soft and hard corals, and abundance of Jack fish or “Mamsa” in its dive sites.

 “Unknown to communities and stakeholders, these species or turtles, if touched, has a tendency to leave the area. Because of this lack of knowledge, if not poor appreciation of their importance, we may lose them, such that it is prohibited to touch them,” Partosa said.

Some pump boat operators also drop anchors or moor in the designated buoys but throw their used oil into the seawater that damage the marine life, especially the turtles.

“We want to change their behavior that this tourism related damages will be minimized if not controlled for us to be able to sustain the protection and conservation of our ecosystem or tourism activity," Quijano said. 

DENR has been conducting information, education and communication campaigns to increase awareness and generate commitments that are intended to save threatened species from extinction.

Part of the drive is to conduct a focus group discussion in the eight puroks/groups in the area to carry out the communication plan for behavioral change.

Partosa is expecting that after this pandemic, when Apo Island opens for tourists and visitors, the island residents will improve in practicing proper waste management and disposal.

Before the pandemic, the island receives 500 visitors or tourists daily, earning P1M to P1.5M per month.

This would go higher in the months of Chinese New Year’s season of January and February, as the influx of Chinese visitors have doubled before. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)