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All about preserving and conserving the heritage sights in the Philippines
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Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila Muralla St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the subject Heritage Tourism Conservation and Visitor Management Plan For Chocolate Hills Submitted By: BALTAZAR, Charmaine Faith D. DAVID, Marie Concepcion E. ESTRERA, Paul Theodore P. MAGBANLAC, Jamela M. SOLEMA, Julie Pearl R. HT429ITTM Submitted to: Prof. Freddie Almazan
battle between two giants who spent days tossing stones at one other until they eventually gave up. Another theory holds that the hills are the tears of a giant who has lost his love for a mortal woman. After their battle, this formed a massive jumble of hills, which is now known as Chocolate Hills. The final mythology, however, is difficult for some to accept: these hills are said to be dried carabao feces. The Chocolate Hills have become a major tourist attraction in the Philippines, drawing visitors from around the world. They offer stunning panoramic views and are particularly breathtaking when viewed from the observation deck at Carmen, one of the towns in Bohol. These hills are not only known for their unique appearance but also for their ecological significance. They are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including endemic and rare ones. Efforts are being made to preserve and protect the natural habitat and biodiversity of the Chocolate Hills. In summary, the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines are a collection of cone-shaped hills formed from limestone and shaped by erosion. They get their name from their chocolate-like appearance during the dry season. These hills are a popular tourist destination and also hold ecological importance as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
B. Assessment of Heritage Merits ● ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY OR DESIGN SIGNIFICANCE The Chocolate Hills are a unique geologic formation composed of over 1, conical mounds ranging in height from 30 to 50 meters. The hills are built of limestone and covered in rich green flora, giving them their distinctive chocolate or brownish color. The Chocolate Hills formed millions of years ago, during the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene epoch when the island of Bohol was still submerged. Marine life and coral reefs flourished in the warm waters of the Bohol Sea during this time. The coral reefs were pushed upwards when the tectonic plates shifted and sea levels fluctuated, forming a limestone plateau. Rainwater and other forms of erosion began to erode the limestone over time, resulting in the peculiar karst landscape that we see today. The limestone of the Chocolate Hills is calcium carbonate, which makes it water-soluble. This means that the hills are prone to erosion and the slow dissolution of the limestone by precipitation over time, which is one of the reasons why the hills change shape so frequently. The Chocolate Hills' peculiar composition and formation make them a geological wonder that continues to intrigue geologists and visitors alike.
natural beauty. The location is now on the list of tourist destinations in the Philippines maintained by the Philippine Tourism Authority. It was a tourist destination even before the white sand beaches of Panglao became famous, and it is now featured in the provincial flag and seal of Bohol to represent the province's richness of natural attractions. C. Defining Issues / Situational Analysis (SWOT) STRENGTHS
S2: The surrounding area of the Chocolate Hills is rich in biodiversity, with numerous plant and animal species. This offers opportunities for eco-tourism and nature exploration. S3: The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and photography, which can attract adventure-seeking tourists. W1: The Chocolate Hills are primarily located in Bohol, an island in the Philippines, which can pose accessibility challenges for international tourists. Limited transportation options and infrastructure may hinder visitation. W2: The infrastructure surrounding the Chocolate Hills, such as visitor centers, restrooms, and accommodations, may be limited in some areas, which can negatively impact the overall tourist experience. W3: The increasing number of visitors may pose a threat to the fragile ecosystem around the Chocolate Hills. Poorly managed tourism can lead to erosion, pollution, and damage to the natural landscape. O1: There is an opportunity to further develop the tourism potential of the Chocolate Hills by improving infrastructure, transportation, and facilities. This could attract more visitors and generate economic benefits for the local community. O2: Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing sustainable tourism practices, such as promoting eco-friendly accommodations, waste management, and conservation efforts, can help preserve the natural beauty of the Chocolate Hills and its surroundings.
In short, the plan is essential because it aids in the protection and conservation of natural habitats such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected areas. It ensures that these areas are safe and sustainable for future generations to enjoy. The plan also addresses the environmental impact of human activities. It outlines how people can enjoy these locations ethically without harming the wildlife, ecosystems, or cultural sites within them. This will benefit individuals while promoting consciousness about the significance of cultural heritage conservation. Moreover, this paper will benefit the following:
It provides guidelines for sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that visitor activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. By managing visitor numbers, controlling access, and establishing visitor facilities, the plan helps maintain the attractiveness of the Chocolate Hills as a tourist destination.
C. Conservation and Visitor Management Framework (Conceptual) D. Strategies and Action Plan with Time Frame ● Research and Monitoring ○ Conduct scientific research to better understand the geological, ecological, and cultural aspects of the Chocolate Hills. ○ Implement a system for tracking to assess changes in the condition of the hills, such as flora, animals, erosion, and tourist impacts. ○ Time frame - Ongoing, with regular updates and assessments.
● Infrastructure and Facilities ○ For improved tourist comfort and security, improve infrastructure such as visitor centers, parking places, restrooms, and signage. ○ Create interpretive materials and exhibitions to teach visitors about the hills' geological, sustainable, and cultural value. ○ Time frame - Short term (1-2 years) for initial improvements, with continuous upgrades and maintenance. ● Visitor Management ○ Create a visitor management plan to control the number of visitors, reduce impacts, and maintain a positive tourist experience. ○ Create designated pathways and overlooks to help visitors navigate and safeguard sensitive locations. ○ Implement a system for permits or visitor fees to manage access and generate funds for conservation efforts. ○ Time frame - Short to medium term (1-3 years) for initial implementation, with ongoing review and adjustments. ● Community Engagement and Participation ○ Include local communities in decision-making and management initiatives. ○ Provide tourism services and conservation training and opportunities for career development. ○ To promote sustainable development, encourage community-led initiatives such as eco-tourism projects or cultural events.
E. Evaluation Strategies ● Visitor Surveys ○ Conduct visitor surveys to gather feedback on their experiences, levels of satisfaction, and perceptions of management practices. This can aid in identifying areas for improvement as well as understanding visitor behaviors and preferences. ● Monitoring Indicators ○ Create a set of indicators to track the state of the hills and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Changes in vegetation, wildlife populations, water quality, erosion rates, and visitor impacts may all be tracked. Regular monitoring can provide useful information for assessing the plan's outcomes. ● Visitor Counting and Tracking ○ Create a system for counting and tracking visitor numbers and patterns, including peak seasons and popular trails. This information can be used to evaluate the plan's effectiveness in managing visitor flows and identify areas where additional measures are needed. ● Compliance Monitoring ○ Monitor and enforce visitor guidelines and regulations on a regular basis. On-site observations, inspections, and audits may be required to ensure that visitors are following designated trails,
following waste management practices, and respecting sensitive areas. ● Economic Analysis ○ Conduct an economic analysis to determine the impact of the plan on the local economy. This can include assessing visitor fee revenue generation, the growth of tourism-related businesses, and the overall economic benefits to the community. ● Stakeholder Consultations ○ Regular consultations and feedback sessions should be held with stakeholders such as local communities, conservation organizations, government agencies, and tourism operators. This allows for a thorough understanding of their points of view, concerns, and suggestions for plan improvements. ● Long-term Monitoring ○ Implement a long-term monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of the plan over time. This can include conducting periodic assessments and reviews to identify emerging issues or changing conditions that necessitate changes to management strategies. ● Comparative Analysis ○ Compare the Chocolate Hills management plan's performance and outcomes to similar sites or best practices in other protected areas.
● Candrea, A. N., & Ispas, A. (2009). Visitor Management, a Tool for Sustainable Tourism Development in Protected Areas. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268429784_Visitor_Management_a_To ol_for_Sustainable_Tourism_Development_in_Protected_Areas#:~:text=The% article%20analyzes%20visitor%20management%20techniques%20as%20a,of% 20recreational%20experience%20as%20well%20as%20natural%20resources. ● Chocolate Hills Legends. (n.d.). https://www.bohol-philippines.com/chocolate-hills-legends.html ● Delve into the Enigmatic Beauty of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. (n.d.). https://www.bohol-philippines.com/chocolate-hills.html ● Geologyscience. (2023). Chocolate Hills, Philippines. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/gallery/chocolate-hills-philippines/ ● Owen, E. (2023, March 9). All You Need to Know About the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines. Travel + Leisure. https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/chocolate-hil ls-philippines ● Udtohan, L. P. (n.d.). Bared... Revelry in ChocoHills Festival. Bohol.ph. https://www.bohol.ph/article281.html ● UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Chocolate Hills Natural Monument - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5024/
● Valdeavilla, R. (2018). Exploring The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/exploring-the-chocolate-hills-of- bohol-philippines/
