Best known for its pristine beaches, rich protected marine biodiversity, and effective visitor management, Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental is a haven for those seeking a break from over-rated tourist destinations, while also helping locals earn a living.
But more than welcoming guests from across the globe and steering development for their community, Sipaway residents are committed to preserving and protecting their traditions and the island’s natural beauty.
For its effective visitor management and conservation protocols, Sipaway Island has captivated the attention of not only local but international partners in advancing its cause for sustainable tourism.
Recently, the UK Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, and UNDP-Philippines Resident Representative, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, experienced firsthand the charm of Sipaway, the warmth of its people, and the community-led biodiversity conservation efforts on the Island.
The foreign officials’ visit on February 10 intended to showcase the island’s ecological significance and the local community’s grassroots eco-tourism efforts led by the Sipaway Eco-tourism Workers Association (SETWA), a potential UNDP-funded project beneficiary.
Anchored on their cultural values and deep regard for the environment, SETWA is dedicated to promoting sustainable eco-tourism development in their island community, setting an example for the rest of the country and the world.
Recognizing SETWA’s initiatives and the San Carlos City Government’s pro-environment governance, the UK diplomat and ENDP executive’s visit centered on exploring the successes and further potential of the city government’s Biodiversity and Landscape Approach in Nature Conservation or Balance program.
The program, in which Sipaway Island is a part of, follows the Negros Island Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NIBSAP) 2018-2028, which is intended to help address climate change and promote biodiversity conservation.
Particularly for areas such as Sipaway Island that has immense potential in terms of ecotourism, conservationists and officials point out that Balance is vital in mainstreaming biodiversity initiatives in local government projects.
With the support of the UK government, the UNDP-Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PhilBio), and other stakeholders, advancing conservation efforts on Sipaway Island and other areas included in the Biodiversity and Landscape Approach in Nature Conservation or Balance program are within reach for the people of San Carlos City.
Mayor Renato Gustilo, in a social media post, said the foreign officials’ recognition and expression of support to the BALANCE program is a testament to San Carlos City’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
“Being chosen for this initiative inspires us to continue protecting our natural resources while empowering our people. I look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will bring for a greener, more sustainable San Carlos City,” Gustilo said in his post.
With the historic visit of Ambassador Beaufils and Dr. Ramachandran, San Carlos City and Negros Occidental mark a significant milestone in their efforts to take an active role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss – two critical global concerns in need of international cooperation.
But not only international organizations and governments should bear this task and responsibility, ordinary citizens too must acknowledge threats to the environment, join hands, and contribute – big or small – for its protection and conservation. (BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
