Freediving ambassador urges promotion of ecotourism, ocean preservation

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines needs to boost its ecotourism and ocean preservation initiatives in line with positioning it as Asia’s freediving capital, the country’s freediving ambassador said.

“One of the big challenges for the Philippines to become a worldwide top freediving destination is to promote ocean preservation. People need to realize that the oceans are endangered and we need to protect them,” Philippine freediving ambassador Guillaume Néry said.

Néry, a supporter of Campagne des Ecos Gestes and Antinea Foundation which specializes in ocean conservation, stressed the importance of developing a sustainable way of doing tourism, specifically ecotourism.

“It’s not just about consuming the place. It’s also about having an experience, protecting and respecting every place we go,” Néry said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it is closely working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and National Economic and Development Authority among other government agencies in the full implementation of the National Ecotourism Strategy 2013–2022.

“We at the department are conscious of the need for sustainable practices and programs as we develop the freediving segment. Our own masterplan cites the need for the preservation of the environment and promotion of climate change adaptation,” Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. said.

“Under the National Ecotourism Strategy, we are developing ecotourism sites including marine sanctuaries accessible to divers and freedivers for low-density tourism activities,” Bengzon added.

Moreover, as part of showing his support for ecotourism and ocean preservation, Nery joined the coral reef restoration efforts at Pangatalan Island and graced the grand opening of Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, a non-profit organization which aims to establish more sustainable projects in Palawan.

This was part of Nery’s month-long Philippine freediving expedition.

Last July, the DOT named Nery as the Philippine ambassador of freediving.

Néry explained the role of education in supporting ocean conservation at the same time promoting freediving in the country.

“If the young generation is aware about the dangers and the problem; it will change the way we are interacting with nature. That’s why I’m here, that’s why I’m gonna go to many places and that is what I’m trying to teach also when I’m here and I do freediving workshops,” Néry explained.