MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- The establishment of the P1.4-million Taguines lagoon aqua-sports and recreational facility here is seen as an alternative approach in the protection and preservation of coastal resources in the province.
The local government unit (LGU) through its Mahinog Business Development Office (MBDO) targets to lessen local folks’ reliance on fishing by providing tourism livelihood services to partner fisher folk association.
Apart from the existing three-lane zip line crossing the lagoon, operating separately in the area, this new facility likewise offers low-impact water-based recreational activities like kayaking, guided pedal and paddle boating activities, as well as refreshment services.
It likewise banned the usage of motorboats in order not to disturb the aquatic life and biological diversity in the area.
The MBDO cited that this new tourism enterprise is an offshoot of the successes gained from the development of the Mantigue island as an ecotourism destination, and together with the municipality’s Queobe Ecopark in Barangay Benoni, it completed Mahinog’s ‘eco-tourism triangle.’
The Taguines lagoon aqua-sports and recreational facility was conceptualized by the LGU with the assistance of the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CCRMP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office.
CCRMP is funded by the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) to institutionalize an integrated coastal resource management program.
It is now on its second phase of implementation in the province and aims to further strengthen local governance and capability in coastal resource management, and the promotion of conservation-based economic development that is compatible with coastal resource management efforts.
CCRMP funded 83 percent of the lagoon eco-tourism enterprise, while the remaining balance was also shouldered by the Mahinog LGU and DENR.
To date, the MBDO is continuously assessing the enterprise operational system and procedures through documentation of feedback from tourists and implementers, tests run, and simulation of packaged water activities for improvement.
It likewise placed careful consideration on possible environmental risks and mitigation strategies to include waste generation, activity area carrying capacity, emergency response, and influx of tourist activities that may affect the life cycle of existing organisms by conducting vulnerability assessment.
Meanwhile, the Benoni Fisherfolks Association (BFA) will get 20 percent share from the expected aqua-sports service. Latest baseline information of the beneficiaries bares a monthly income level of P3,400. (PR)