is a valuable tool in biodiversity conservation as it increases the knowledge and awareness of both visitors and the local community, thus promoting stewardship. The Environment Department also provides training in the identification of El Nido’s flora and fauna, basic ecology, and nature interpretation to the Resorts’ guides. Because of this training, the guides are better able to connect resort guests to El Nido’s unique biodiversity. This leads to increased appreciation, better visitor management, and greater participation among guests in biodiversity conservation activities. Members of the department also attend conferences such as the National Association for Interpretation International Conference in order to meet, share experiences with, and learn from colleagues from all over the world. This enables them to develop new interpretive programmes for the guests and to further improve the level of nature interpretation provided by the guides. Working with the Community on Conservation Efforts In April 2006, El Nido Resorts partnered with the local community and El Nido Foundation, Inc. in the installation of artificial reef modules (EcoReefs) in Tres Marias, a former dive site devastated by illegal fishing, coral bleaching, and typhoons. El Nido Resorts provided logistical and manpower assistance during the installation. Up to now, El Nido Resorts conducts regular inspection of the artificial reefs. Also in 2006, El Nido Resorts supported the first-ever Philippine Cockatoo Translocation Project, an initiative of the Katala Foundation, Inc. which aimed to re-introduce previously captive, extremely endangered Philippine Cockatoos to the wild, in the hope of re-stocking their population. El Nido Resorts-Lagen Island continues to monitor the birds that were released in November 2006. El Nido Resorts also champions the conservation of endangered sea turtles, with tag-and- release programmes in cooperation with the Protected Area Office, and hatchling releases from nests safeguarded by resort staff. The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Clean-up is another key activity that sparked several identical efforts from various groups in the local communities during the prolonged period of infestation from 2009 to 2011. Figure 2. Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Clean-up. Protecting Coral Reefs through Mooring Buoys To prevent anchor damage on coral reefs, El Nido Resorts’ Dive Team installed and maintains mooring buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit Bay. These are especially important in high-traffic areas such as the Small Lagoon and South Miniloc. Boat and dive operators from other resorts, as well as fishermen, are all enjoined to use these buoys. Communicating Conservation El Nido Resorts is able to share its advocacy of sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation both locally and internationally through the various print and online media. “Enchanting El Nido”, a nature show on YouTube produced, written, filmed, and hosted by the Environmental Officers showcases the flora, fauna, and geological features that may be found in El Nido. The message of the videos is always one of hope – that even though these species are endangered, they can still be saved through collective action on our part. The department also regularly contributes articles such as “Ecofriend of the Month” and “Ask Mariglo” to E-scape, El ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 81
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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