Ecotourism in Mount Maculot as assessed by the Host Community: Basis for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper assesses the ecotourism in Mount Maculot, Philippines and outlines the directions for sustainable development. The study is descriptive in nature and uses a survey questionnaire for gathering data. A major result of the study is the general agreement of the age-, sex-, and education-disaggregated respondents on all items presented to them for assessment in relation to environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of ecotourism. Areas of immediate concern however, include the increasing number of tourists, the conservation of the mountain, the sluggish growth of local businesses, and the revitalization of local ethnic and cultural identity.

The paper suggests that the national and local governments, as well as all other stakeholders, consider the following guidelines or directions for sustainable ecotourism in Mount Maculot: adherence to internationally accepted principles on ecotourism; development of long-term plans and policies; environmental education and consciousness and community cooperation for the protection of environment and preservation of local culture; empowerment of the community through involvement in planning and decision making; and designation of Mount Maculot as a reserve or protected area.