Empowering Local Communities to Finance Conservation Through Ecotourism in the Philippines

In Antique, Western Visayas, thrives a 6,700-hectare protected landscape that spans across 18 barangays— the Sibalom Natural Park.

Legislated as a protected area under the Republic Act No. 11038 in 2018, it shelters five flagship species, including the critically endangered Rafflesia species. Among its unique natural wonders is the Mau-it River, also known as the “Rainbow River” for its colorful semi-precious stones.

While legally protected, the park faced a familiar challenge, as with most of the country’s protected areas: limited and unstable financing. In 2023, its Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF), a trust fund for protected areas used to finance operations and management, had only PHP 36,560 (US$ 656.67). Visitor numbers reached 2,905, but structured ecotourism products were not yet fully developed.

Through UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Philippines, the Year of the Protected Areas (YOPA) campaign was initiated as a finance solution to develop an investment program for protected areas in the country. The campaign sought to build awareness on protected areas and increase their revenue. In Sibalom, YOPA focused on developing ecotourism as a sustainable income stream for the park and its local partners.

Photo: Women members of the Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association (IBGA) strike a pose with ecotourism consultant and expert, Mr. Joselito "Boboi" Costas, during the launch of IBGA's five (5) ecotourism products.

At the foothills of the park, residents of Barangay Imparayan organized themselves into the Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association (IBGA), a group of volunteer bantay gubat or forest guards composed of 76 members (22 women and 54 men). Their income opportunities were irregular and dependent on the occasional visitor. With only their knowledge of the land guiding them in their tourism activities, they had limited experience in formal tour guiding, planning, financial management, and the overall packaging of their services.

From 2022 to 2024, BIOFIN provided technical assistance to help IBGA develop their ecotourism products. A series of workshops covered ecotourism orientation, interpretative planning, product development and costing, script writing, food safety, menu preparation, financial management, branding, and marketing. A benchmarking visit to the award-winning Bojo River ecotourism site in Aloguinsan, Cebu gave them practical insights on managing community-led tourism. It inspired them to reflect on their own capabilities and confidence.

Photo: Women and men of the Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association (IBGA) worked side by side in preparing for the launch of their ecotourism initiatives. Aside from their forest protection duties as bantay gubat, members of the association continue to take active roles in community-led ecotourism efforts. In every step of preparation, the community’s shared dedication and equal participation are apparent.

By the definitions of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2013-19, which establishes the guidelines for ecotourism development in the Philippines:

"Ecotourism is a responsible and sustainable tourism that conserves the environment, protects cultural heritage, and caters to the well-being of communities. It educates and interprets, surfacing the link between biodiversity and culture."

Photo: A scenic trail winds along Sibalom Natural Park, long traversed by communities living around the protected landscape. Today, the same path welcomes visitors seeking to experience the rich biodiversity.

Photo: Members of the community, guests, and partners gather to celebrate the launch of the Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association’s ecotourism products.

In May 2024, five ecotourism products were launched: 1) A Walk in the Woods; 2) A Glimpse of the Forest; 3) Forest Feast for the Senses; 4) Flower Power Trek (with rafflesia viewing); and 5) Rainbow River Tour (with river trekking). Each package combined guided tours, site access, and meals with clear pricing.

The finance results followed.

Ecotourism revenues reached nearly $1,500 between 2024 and 2025, while IPAF collections increased steadily from $655 (2023) to $770 (2024) and $847 (2025). Visitor numbers also rose by 48 percent, and association members report more stable income and diversified services.

For 62-year-old IBGA Board member Tito Paduganao, the change is collective. “It made such a difference because that’s when people started coming together. Before, many practiced slash-and-burn farming. If we hadn’t gotten organized, there’d still be all that slash-and-burn happening. But when people understood, it stopped. Now? Our area is peaceful.” On a personal level, he added, “I used to be shy, but after the training, I became confident."

Meanwhile, Imelda Galate, IBGA’s Treasurer and 10-year member, pointed out financial management as particularly impactful. For me, the financial training was invaluable. I learned that you’re not supposed to spend everything you earn. You need to save. And I didn’t just use this lesson for forest guarding work, I started applying it in my personal life.”

Photo: Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association President, Mr. Rowelo Esponilla, joyfully guides visitors through the forests of Sibalom Natural Park, sharing stories about the protected landscape and the community’s conservation efforts.

“The change is significant. It shows that protected areas can finance part of their own management and improve local livelihoods, while supporting national priorities on biodiversity conservation,” he says.

Beyond increased revenues and visitor numbers, the initiative strengthened community confidence and improved livelihoods.

For members of the Imparayan Bantay Gubat Association, conservation is both a responsibility and a source of dignity, pride, and opportunity. This collective stewardship keeps the wonders of Sibalom Natural Park alive.