Green tourism on the move

NFEFI's Tam Sarad (left) briefing NITI tour guiding students on the many rare and threatened animals and bids at the NFEFI Center.  

Eco-tourism is growing in importance in the Philippines backed by a firm commitment from the Department of Tourism (DOT) to develop and promote it.

The Philippines offers diverse tourism activities and destinations for environmentally-minded visitors. Green tourism also generates revenues by providing jobs for local residents.

The leading local organization for environmental protection is the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation (NFEFI) in Bacolod City.

A NITI tour guiding student makes a point to NEFFI's Tam Sarad (left) during the tour of NFEFI's Center by the Provincial Lagoon

On Saturday, students taking the Negros Island Tourism (NITI) Tour Guiding Course were treated to a comprehensive outing of the NFEFI Center by the Provincial Lagoon where they saw its many rare and threatened animals and birds.

They also had an opportunity to hear first hand from NFEFI officials about the fragile state of the environment in Negros and steps being taken to protect and conserve local wildlife.

For many students this was their first time to see so much wildlife in one place in Negros. Said one participant "Gaining first hand experience of these marvellous animals will not only help us promote Bacolod and Negros, but also help to create wider awareness among visitors of environmental issues and the many projects to help protect our wildlife."

Issued by the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation (NFEFI). For further information, please contact NFEFI trustee Robert Harland on 433 2036 or 0916 343 7048.