Sustainable & Responsible Travel: El Nido

Protected Areas

Bacuit Bay and its surrounding islands are part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area.

Waste Management

Waste disposal and recycling infrastructure are developing. Minimize your waste by using reusable items.

Water Conservation

Freshwater resources on the islands can be limited. Be mindful of your water usage.

More Environmental Points

Further environmental choices for travelers.

Carbon Offset Options

Mitigate the environmental footprint of air travel.

Flight Impact

While not specific to El Nido, travelers can look into global carbon offsetting programs.
This helps lessen the environmental influence of air travel.
Supports environmental projects through providers like Terrapass.
The mandatory ₱200 Eco-Tourism Development Fee directly funds conservation.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Choose stays with strong environmental practices.

Green Stays

Many resorts, like the El Nido Resorts group, implement strict environmental policies.
These include water recycling and solar power.
Marine conservation programs are often in place.
Consider booking through platforms like Ecobnb for eco-friendly stays.

Responsible Tour Operators

Select operators emphasizing ethical practices.

Ethical Choices

Choose tour operators that stress responsible practices.
This includes proper waste disposal on boats.
No feeding of fish.
Strict adherence to protected area rules.

Personal Responsibility

Simple actions contribute to local efforts.

Your Role

Minimizing your waste. Use reusable items like water bottles.
Carry reusable Shopping bags from places like Package Free Shop.
Take all trash with you from tours.
Properly dispose of waste in designated bins.

Funding Conservation

Eco-Tourism Fee

The mandatory ₱200 fee collected from visitors is allocated to environmental projects.

Conservation Efforts

This directly funds waste management and conservation efforts in the protected area.

Green Travel

Your actions contribute to El Nido's environmental well-being.

Cultural Sensitivity

Your choices influence the local community.

Cultural Preservation

Support local artisans and traditions.

Community Support

Supporting local artisans (if you find them) makes a good contribution.
Showing respect for local traditions makes a difference.

Respectful Interactions

Polite conduct goes a long way.

Social Manners

Always ask for permission before photographing locals, especially children.
Be mindful of noise levels in residential areas, especially at night.
Dress respectfully when outside beach areas. Modest clothing is right for towns.
If visiting a local church, dress modestly, remove hats, and be quiet.

Ethical Shopping

Your purchases can directly benefit the community.

Local Products

Look for products that directly support local communities.

Avoid Exploitation

Do not purchase items made from endangered species or exploiting natural resources.

Artisan Support

Seek out and purchase local artisan goods.

Cultural Awareness

Travel with awareness and respect for local culture.

Economic Impact

Your spending choices directly influence the local economy. Support practices benefiting the community.

Community-Based Tourism

Local Businesses

Seek out local businesses for tours, accommodation, and dining.

Local Dining

Dine at local Carinderias and buy souvenirs from small independent shops.

Local Transport

Use local tricycle drivers. This makes sure money directly benefits the community.

Avoid engaging in activities that exploit animals (e.g., feeding fish on tours if not part of a controlled conservation effort).
Avoid buying products from endangered species.
Do not give money directly to begging children. This can foster begging.
This also might discourage school attendance.
If you wish to help, donate to reputable local charities or schools.
Ethical tour operators like G Adventures promote responsible travel.

Appropriate Charitable Giving

If you wish to donate, research local non-profits or community projects.
This includes environmental groups or schools.
This makes sure sustainable and impactful support.
It avoids short-term aid that can disrupt local dynamics.
Organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood) help with conservation efforts.
Your donations can make a true difference.

Economic Takeaways

Direct Benefit

Choosing local services puts money into the hands of residents.

Conscious Choices

Your consumer choices play a role in fair practices and community well-being.

Financial Responsibility

Choose a budget plan that matches your travel style for a rewarding El Nido trip.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel