Ecotourism points the way 2

One cultural community suggested providing a cultural fence,

building an artificial settlement where tourists can experience

some of the indigenous community's life. This keeps the original

settlement out of tourist reach and protects the authentic

traditions and culture from possible degradation.

There are other issues involved however: Are we enclosing the

cultural community into a ''reservation''? Are we encapsulating

the culture into tourist-oriented performances? Are we

mummifying the original village by hiding it away from outside

view?

Those issues show that the host community must participate in

the planning and implementation of tourism programs, while

being aware of the positive and negative effects of tourism and

making sure for themselves that they receive the economic

benefits of tourism.

One example of a community-organized eco-cultural tourism

program is the Loboc River cruise that rafts off beside Loboc

Church, one of the most majestic Spanish colonial churches in

Bohol. The clean river flows languidly through the lushest of

green tropical vegetation. A modest lunch is served as the raft

silently glides down the river to a waterfall while a local guitarist

serenades visitors with a repertoire of traditional Boholano

songs. The simple, folksy ride establishes in the tourist an

instant connection with the Lobocanon and Bohol culture.

The Loboc example of community-based tourism is

down-to-earth, simple and memorable because it is sincere: it

shares a tradition with utmost dignity. Experiences like this

opens local doors a bit, allowing visitors to learn about their

host's culture. But it is up to the host whether the opening it

makes to strangers will eventually erode its lifestyle.

It is hoped the National Ecotourism Congress has answered

some of the issues about ecotourism and set the direction for

the bridging of nature and culture.