El Nido resorts up for inspection
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said they would check compliance with regulations on waste disposal and other environmental laws to mitigate the impact of tourism activities on the environment and livelihood of the people in El Nido. File
MANILA, Philippines — Amid concerns over pollution and congestion in Boracay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to inspect establishments in El Nido, Palawan.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said they would check compliance with regulations on waste disposal and other environmental laws to mitigate the impact of tourism activities on the environment and livelihood of the people in El Nido.
The DENR said it would also monitor air and water quality and validate tenurial instruments of businesses.
El Nido is reportedly experiencing deteriorating water quality, biodiversity loss, proliferation of informal settlers as well as business establishments and structures without permit, among other problems.
Tourist arrivals increased by more than 30 percent in the last three years, with almost 200,000 tourists in 2017, according to a report of the El Nido tourism office.
While increased tourist arrivals resulted in additional revenues, demand for fresh water, construction materials, fuel and consumer goods as well as activities in the resorts in El Nido have affected biodiversity on its islands.
The Protected Area Management Board of El Nido-Taytay had earlier passed a resolution limiting tourist entry and activities in three of the most visited places in El Nido.
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