EDITORIAL - Migratory wildlife

Eco-tourism, which includes riding boats to watch whale sharks or butanding, has raised public awareness of nature and the importance of protecting the environment. But it has also raised concern that tourists might scare away or endanger butanding and other creatures from their natural habitats.

Wildlife conservation and environmental protection are never simple. One well-meaning act to protect the environment can endanger certain species. These issues are on the agenda as some 900 delegates from 124 countries gather in Manila this week for the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species.

The Philippines, with its rich biodiversity, also attracts a large number of migratory wildlife. During the conference, the country will push for greater international protection for the whale shark and four other migratory species: the Christmas frigatebird, white-spotted or bottlenose wedgefish, the black noddy seabird and yellow bunting passerine bird.

In the past decades, there has been increasing awareness of the need to protect endangered species and the environment. There is an internationally recognized wetland of global importance right inside Metro Manila – the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area – which is home to a large number of migratory birds and serves as a marine breeding ground.

Around the country, communities are reaping the benefits of eco-tourism. Like any good thing, however, there is the danger of abuse, which could compromise the environment and pose further risks to endangered species. Communities need further training on sustainability as well as additional resources for environmental protection. Natural migration patterns can be endangered by attempts, for example, to lure whale sharks with food so they can be present for longer periods.

With cooperation present even at the grassroots, wildlife protection is easier. But the effort can use fine-tuning and more resources, particularly in developing countries where tourism is a major livelihood source.