Are Our Protected Areas Surviving COVID-19?

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For Protected Areas, lockdowns mean fewer tourism impacts, but fewer funds


The lockdowns spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people to stay home. The world’s Protected Areas (PAs), which have been trying to manage ever-growing throngs of tourists, were certainly granted a reprieve – but after two years, the lack of visitors is having a telling effect.

The United Nations Development Fund’s Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) Project, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently staged a three-part webinar series entitled Ecotourism in Protected Areas: Towards Green Recovery on September 17, 24 and October 1, 2021.

Hosted by Alpabeto Ng Kalikasan author Anya Santos-Uy, the first session tackled the impacts of the global pandemic on ecotourism, particularly for Protected Areas (PAs). Speakers included DENR Undersecretary for Protected Areas and Special Concerns Edilberto Leonardo, International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Dr. Anna Spenceley, Mt. Pulag National Park Superintendent (PASu) Emerita Albas and Apo Reef Natural Park PASu Krystal Dayne Villanada.

Leave No Trace Principles are paramount in keeping the country’s PAs in good condition. (Center for Outdoor Ethics)

Ecotourism in Protected Areas: Towards Green Recovery was a three-part webinar series which tackled the impacts of the global pandemic on ecotourism, particularly on PAs. Recordings of the three sessions can be viewed on BIOFIN’s Facebook Page. 

“Ecotourism, one of the lifelines of biodiversity conservation, is struggling to recover,” shared Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Protected Areas and Special Concerns Edilberto Leonardo during a digital session on PAs. “PAs have been closed to visitors for over a year. A few reopened, but only for a limited number of visitors in consideration of safety protocols. The flow of income to our PAs dipped. Even more disheartening is the impact on the livelihoods of local communities, especially our rangers and patrollers who are largely dependent on the very PAs they protect.”

PASu Emerita Albas agreed. “Though vegetation regenerated because of fewer hikers, we have less funds for operations.” One of the most popular trekking destinations in the country, Mt. Pulag National Park hosts the tallest peak in Luzon. In 2019, 43,229 hikers entered the park, contributing PHP8,974,760 to its coffers. The lockdowns cut visits by 98%. From January to August 2021, just 778 people visited, contributing a paltry PHP28,935.

The second session discussed post-pandemic ecotourism recovery strategies. Speakers included Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center PASu Melody Ann Malano, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes PASu Moreno Tagra, the Department of Tourism’s Ramon Tiongco, Jr., DENR National Parks Division’s Gabriel Anthony Ferrer, plus the IUCN’s Dr. Anna Spenceley.

“We’re developing and refining tomorrow’s best practices to help our PAs recover faster. We’re embracing technology to facilitate everything from no-contact, cashless payments to offering the public unique digital experiences via social media, which can be offered even after the pandemic is over,” shared PASu Melody Ann Malano.

The third session on the other hand, encouraged the audience to be responsible travelers. Speakers included DENR-BMB Assistant Director Amelita DJ Ortiz, DOT Promotions Board’s Cesar Villanueva, DENR-BMB’s Pola Geneva Bumanglag, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary Assistant PASu Clint Michael Cleofe and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park PASu Angelique Songco.

Hikers trek through the sprawling grasslands of Mt. Pulag National Park, which straddles the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. The Philippines currently has 124 Protected Areas or PAs. “Even before the pandemic, the conservation community has suffered from a chronic dearth of resources,” shares BIOFIN Project Manager Anabelle Plantilla. “The lockdowns drastically reduced funding for our already cash-strapped PAs.”

Steely-eyed park rangers patrol the world-famous Tubbataha Reefs off the coast of Palawan. DENR and BIOFIN are staging the Virtual Travels to Protected Areas video contest, which offers all-expense paid trips to selected PAs in the country. The contest is open until 15 November. Interested participants can learn more HERE

Known as the Tubbataha Reefs’ ‘Mama Ranger’, PASu Angelique Songco said the renowned offshore park modified existing policies to curb negative tourism impacts during and after the pandemic. “We’ve banned single-use plastics within the park and mandated divers to turn each dive into a cleanup dive. We’ve disallowed drones which can disturb the rookeries or breeding colonies of both seabirds and marine turtles. We want our visitors to set a good example for other travelers.”

With the global pandemic’s second year ending, the world’s national parks and PAs are hoping to welcome the public with better experiences.

During the webinar on responsible traveling to PAs, several topics were touched on, including ethics and behavior in PAs with regards to policies and laws governing wildlife in PAs, plus noise, waste, light pollution, the proper use of technology and ‘Leave No Trace’ or LNT principles. BIOFIN and its allies encourage travelers to educate themselves on these when visiting PAs.

“For those who are at home, you can devote your extra time to learn better ways to become responsible travelers,” said DOT’s Cesar Villanueva. “Share what you learn through social media and don’t forget to engage people and organizations which help protect our environment.”

DENR-BMB, BIOFIN, DOT and DILG is pushing for a proposed Presidential Proclamation to herald 2022 as the Year of the Protected Areas (YoPA) and June of each year as the Month of Protected Areas. YoPA aims to increase awareness on the value of PAs, promote visits and in turn, increase park revenues from visitors.

In addition, DENR and BIOFIN are staging the Virtual Travels to Protected Areas video contest, which offers all-expense paid trips to selected PAs in the country. The contest is open until 15 November and interested participants can learn more HERE.

With the imposed travel restrictions, much of the world is contending itself with virtual ‘Sofa Safaris’ enjoyed by tourists from the comfort of their own homes. Soon however, PAs like Mt. Pulag, the Tubbataha Reefs and other top hiking and diving destinations might be ready to take in more visitors.

“We hope to welcome many good tourists when the lockdowns lift,” concludes Songco. “For now and until our PAs get through COVID-19, we must learn to be physically distanced but socially engaged.”

Cover photo: Tamaraw rangers and civilian observers scan the grassy ridges of the Iglit-Baco Mountain Range for critically endangered tamaraw. “We need to build back better to ensure that COVID-19 leaves our PAs in a better state than before the pandemic,” says BIOFIN’s Anabelle Plantilla

Design, Art, Culture: The Opposite House’s Dramatic Renovation Makes It A Place to Appreciate from Every Angle

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

With Gallery-Like Spaces, a Collection of New Restaurants and Redesigned Guest Rooms, The House Collective’s “House of Art” Offers A Journey of Rediscovery 

The Opposite House, recently named #1 The Top 5 Hotels in China, #1 The Top 15 Asia City Hotels and #3 in Top Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure, is making its relaunch after the completion of an extensive renovation of its public spaces, restaurants and guest rooms. The first hotel under The House Collective brand by Swire Hotels, located in Beijing’s hippest neighbourhood of Sanlitun, has drawn inspiration from the city’s electric creative energy for its renovations that encompass design, art and culture. With a collection of new restaurants and social spaces, the redesign makes The House Collective’s “House of Art” into a dynamic and inspiring destination that tastemakers will appreciate from every angle.

Design

Imagined as a contemporary art gallery, The Opposite House was originally designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma in 2008. Its now-iconic emerald green glass exterior reflects the hotel’s setting in Taikoo Li Sanlitun and inside, the airy atrium presents its signature rotating art exhibitions under monumental drapes that create a screen of light.

The House’s new experience begins with Kengo Kuma’s “Origami” installation, which serves as the lobby’s new reception wall. Kengo applied Tyvek, a translucent synthetic textile resembling hand-made paper, to create a screen of light with organic texture and shades.

In the refreshed guest rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows open onto lush views of the leafy surrounds and neighbouring Taikoo Li complex. Transparent partitions maximise space while lending a modern touch to the rooms for a contemporary feel. Beijing-inspired décor complete the artistic ambiance.

"We are very excited about the relaunch of our House," said Olivier Dumonceaux, General Manager of The Opposite House. “As a space where art comes to life, The Opposite House has always been driven by the fusion of design, creativity and culture. With the art installations and pop-ups alongside new restaurant and bar concepts, we believe that our House is a true lifestyle destination with unique experiences for every guest."

Art

At The Opposite House, you can immerse yourself in art everywhere. Whether it’s the House’s collaboration with contemporary artists, to its curation of works, or even simply a cocktail, art can be appreciated from every angle. Each season, The Opposite House presents a different series of artworks, offering guests fresh cultural insights into the world of contemporary art.

The House Collective’s biennial art programme in 2019, ‘Encounters Across Cultures: Seeds of Life’, featured multidisciplinary artist Katja Loher, who collaborated with local artists and choreographers to create ‘Videoplanets’ of the Five Elements for a floating installation in the Atrium. This year, ‘Encounters Across Cultures’ returns, where contemporary dancer Yu Jinying and Li Xinmeng have joined forces to create an interactive art installation across space and time that explores The Opposite House’s architecture.

As the “House of Art”, The Opposite House is a destination for the capital’s culture makers.

Blending fashion and art, The House features buzzed-about happenings from fashionable high tea that takes inspiration from the designers’ creation to pop-up stores featuring sought-after luxury brands. And almost as though an haute couture runway, Superfly, Union and the lobby’s Atrium inspire photos from The House’s worldly guests.

“Whether collaborating with artists to bring the ‘Encounters Across Cultures’ art programme or hosting special events with fashion brands, it’s always exciting to partner with artists and brands to create more unique experiences for our guests,” said Ami Tsou, Director of Communications & Marketing of The Opposite House.

Culture

The Opposite House is set in the bustling Sanlitun, drawing on the area’s creative energy and melange of cultures. At Superfly, vintage vibes, Chinese pop culture and Sichuan’s street culture collide; at Michelin-starred Jing Yaa Tang, Chef Li Dong explores the parallels and juxtapositions of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine; Union takes inspiration from the ancient Silk Road for an array of flavours from China to the Mediterranean; and Frasca celebrates traditional Mediterranean cuisine and the authentic flavours of Italy, rounding out the House’s global culinary offerings. “Jing Yaa Tang, Superfly, Frasca and Union are each our tribute to the past and the present, and cultures within and outside of China,” said Will Gao, Manager of Union. “Besides focusing on creative experiments on classic cocktail recipes, we also love to infuse fresh ideas which is why we often invite renowned bartenders from different cities as guest bartenders at Union.

The Opposite House Experience

In the heart of Sanlitun, stepping off Beijing’s bustling city streets and into The Opposite

House is like setting foot in an urban oasis. A space designed for peaceful moments inspired by nature, you can brush your hands against bamboo trees, swim under the “stars” and

discover your inner self at poolside yoga. Every step of the stay, from check-in to check-out, the House’s attentive team assure guests enjoy quality and personalised experience.

As Guest

Experience team leader Jessica Ju explains: “Our team always strives to provide guests with

personalised and high-quality services. We hope to offer new experiences to every guest for a true sense of leisure and relaxation.”

To celebrate the recent honour by Travel + Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards as #3 in Top Hotels in the World and #1 in The Top City Hotel in Asia, The Opposite House is launching “Appreciate From Every Angle”, a special offer for guests to experience the House themselves.

Just need to top up RMB 600++ to the daily rate to enjoy a stay at Studio 70, daily breakfast for two at Frasca and a choice of two from the four dining experiences:

• Michelin Menu for two at Jing Yaa Tang

• Silk Road cocktails at Union

• Custom menu for two at Frasca

• Special menu for two at Superfly

Chooks-to-Go to Give Away P2.5M in Christmas Raffle Promo

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Two and a half million pesos are at stake as Chooks-to-Go, the Philippines' largest roasted chicken chain, launches its Christmas raffle promo.

Dubbed "A Merrier Chooksmas," the promo runs until December 23, with 66 winners of various cash prizes to be drawn on January 14, 2022.

The luckiest winner will receive one million pesos; five winners will get P100,000 each; 10 winners, P50,000 each; and 50 winners, P10,000 each.

"This is our Christmas gift to all our loyal customers who support us through thick and thin," said Ronald Mascariñas, president of Chooks-to-Go's parent company Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI).

"Ito ang aming munting pasasalamat sa milyon-milyong Pilipino na tumatangkilik sa Chooks-to-Go. Nang dahil sa kanila, patuloy ring nakapaglilingkod ang Chooks-to-Go sa ating mga kababayang apektado ng pandemya."

To join the promo, customers need only to keep their Chooks-to-Go purchases' receipts and send entries through the promo registration webpage, bit.ly/aMerrierChooksmas. The page may also be accessed through the QR code posted at participating Chooks-to-Go stores.

For the full promo mechanics, visit the same link above or go to Chooks-to-Go's Facebook page [http://facebook.com/chookstogo].

Chooks-to-Go is the country's number-one rotisserie chicken brand, with almost 2,000 outlets nationwide. In 2008, it pioneered the no-sauce-required roast chicken formulation and now serves zero-antibiotics chicken.

Per DTI Fare Trade Permit No. FTEB 128746 Series of 2021.