The Philippines has suffered as a developing country throughout the previous century.

Poverty, a lack of education and health care, and rampant corruption all contributed to the
deterioration of Philippine society. To rebuild the economy and improve the welfare of the local
people, ecotourism became a nationwide effort (Olsen,n.d.). Increased understanding of
ecotourism's potential as an alternative economic development approach has pushed local
government leaders to promote and support related activities among their constituencies.

At the moment, the tourist industry in the Philippines can be divided into three (3)
categories: ecotourism, agri-tourism, and science tourism, with ecotourism receiving the most
attention. Ecotourism is an idea that emerged when the paths of conservation and travel industry
crossed each other. It actually had its beginnings from awareness of our threatened environment
which greatly increased in the early 90’s (Libosada 1997). Ecotourism is quickly becoming such
a watchword for both domestic and international tourists, nature enthusiasts, and others who see
nature and nature-based tourism as instructive, enjoyable, and a source of relaxation. Over the
last 20 years, ecotourism has evolved as conservation of a community. It has brought the promise
of achieving conservation goals, improving the well-being of local communities, and generating
new businesses (PCAARRD, 2013). With the current Department of Tourism (DOT) tagline "It's
more fun in the Philippines!” Given the numerous good comments to it, the national government
anticipates a significant increase in the country's tourism business.

Ecotourism is described as "responsible travel to natural regions that conserves the

environment, preserves the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and
education”, according to The International Ecotourism Society. Its fundamental ideals revolve
mostly upon increasing tourism while safeguarding the environment. The ethics of ecotourism
encompass minimizing physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts; increasing
environmental and cultural awareness and respect; providing positive experiences for both
travelers and locals; and facilitating direct financial benefits to locals, private industry, and
preservation of natural resources. Ecotourism is significant because it contributes to the
preservation of natural habitats and the environment. It enables communities to develop their
economy without negatively impacting the environment.

The Philippines is a popular tourist destination for beach enthusiasts, and those looking
for adventure, including over 7,000 islands to discover. Ecotourism destinations allow visitors to
experience the nation's natural surroundings while protecting them, helping to conserve its natural
beauty. Ecotourism is the favored dynamic capability among many civil society organizations
because doing so promises long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. It is a newly
industrializing sector that has the potential to significantly increase tourism revenue for nations
with relatively prosperous natural settings. One of the Ecotourism Park in the country is the
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is magnificent diversity of
marine life.

Tubbataha Reefs is a home to an abundance of aquatic species. Over than 1,200 marine
species inhabit there, including sea grasses and algae, reefs, sharks, rays, fishes, sea turtles,
seabirds, and marine mammals. The reef's environment facilitates 360 coral species (almost 90%
of all reef species in the Philippines) and an estimated 600 fish species. Among the prominent
species living here are whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a vital home for marine animals that are globally
threatened or endangered. The reefs host 360 coral species, accounting for about 90% of all coral
species in the country. It also home to eleven species of cetaceans, eleven species of sharks,
and an estimated 700 kinds of fish, including the iconic and endangered Napoleon wrasse. The
property has the world's largest density of population of white tip reef sharks. Pelagic species
such as jacks, tuna, barracuda, manta rays, whale sharks, and other sharks are also abundant.
The property serves as a vital nesting, resting, and juvenile development sanctuary for two
endangered marine turtle species: green turtles and hawksbill turtles.

It is a popular tourist destination for professionally trained sport divers. After the shallow
reef walls, it offers tremendous depths. It is undoubtedly the Philippines' most biologically diverse
scuba diving site. During its dive season, which ranges from mid-March to mid-June, the waters
are perfectly flat, the weather is clear, and the water visibility ranges from 30 to 45 meters.

The Philippines is a Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world's most biologically diverse
countries - but also one of the most endangered. Tubbataha reefs are one of the world's most
vulnerable ecosystems. Human-caused climate change is the single greatest threat to
Tubbataha's future. Due to rising water temperatures and ocean acidification, corals may eject
their zooxanthellae, resulting in a lighter or entirely white look, known as 'bleaching.' Major
bleaching outbreaks occurred in the Philippines in 1998 and 2010, with the latter impacting 95%
of corals. Both were triggered by the El Nio weather phenomena, which raised temperatures in
the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waterways. Tubbataha reported an 18% decrease in coral
cover in 1998.
 Climate change has been one of the reasons why ecotourism in the Philippines is
threatened. It also has an impact on other features of the ecosystem that are necessary for
inhabiting species. It is a problem that definitely will take a long time to address.

At a basic level, illegal fishing, commercialization, and maritime impacts are all dangers to
the reef. Solid waste and water contamination continue to be major concerns. Pollution and
marine debris provide additional risks. Plastic rubbish that animals may confuse for food, causing
injury or harm. Abandoned fishing lines can become wrapped around the necks of birds, killing
them.

The World Heritage site, Tubbataha Reef, is effectively managed, and current concerns
are mostly addressed and minimized. Because of effective management, the Park's values are
being preserved and enhanced. The site's planning, outreach, enforcement, and implementation
capabilities are quite effective.

Ecotourism is extremely essential to the Philippines because this is a critical component

of the country's economy. Because of direction and supervision from the DOT (the Philippines
Department of Tourism), which declared ecotourism a priority a few years ago, the face of tourism
is rapidly changing. The Department of Tourism managed to develop a well-established network
that connects, incorporate, and implement ecotourism in various Philippine areas.
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