Expressed succinctly with their tagline #LeaveNothingButFootprints, the Footprints Project is an information drive to empower travelers via 6 steps that they can follow to make their trips environment-friendly. The goal is to raise awareness on ways to minimize impact on the environment and provide practical, specific and actionable guidelines to help travelers become more informed, more involved, and more in touch with the natural world.

Present at the event were speakers Yoshke Dimen and Vins Carlos, founders of PhilippineBeaches.org, who explained what The Footprints Project was about; Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas, who shared the beginnings of and experiences with the movement; Angela Colmenares of Earth Island Institute Philippines, who shed light on the role and importance of the threatened Freedom Island, the last remaining mangrove periphery in Metro Manila; and Coy Caballes, Social Media Manager of Globe Telecom, who discussed the power of social media.

Partners from Pinoy Exchange, Tattoo, and Airphil Express also attended the event.

Check out the photos from the event!

Watch out as the Footprints Project comes to your city in the days to come. The campaign is set to stage a Batangas leg in Lipa City this June!

But not all places are like Puerto Princesa. We have visited a number of beaches and stayed at several beach resorts and we always find ourselves looking for trash bins. Often there not enough trash bins in the area and sometimes none at all. Although it is not an obligation of the resort owners to instill discipline in their guests but it will be a huge help if they help their guests keep the beach clean simply by providing plenty of garbage bins in strategic places in their resort.

Trash bins at Punta Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Nice!

And not just trash bins. It’s high time for us to teach ourselves how to segregate. There was a reason we were taught how to classify items as biodegradable or non-biodegradable in Grade School. Resort and hotel owners must devise and implement an effective waste management system.

But the challenge is not just for the business owners. We, travelers, should also be responsible. We’ve seen tourists totally snubbing these garbage bins like they don’t exist. Throwing trash just anywhere is bad per se but it gets even unforgivable when there are trash cans everywhere and no one is using them! And it’s just totally sad.

Please dispose of your food wrappers and plastic bags and other trash properly. If you can’t find trash bins, then put them in your pockets. You brought trash, take it with you when you leave.

History

According to its Island Manager, Benj Casipe, the island was at the brink of destruction before PPRCFI decided to take over the island. In fact, the primary reason they fought for it was to save it from impending devastation. Former residents of the island was starting to exploit and abuse the area’s natural resources, creating lime factories. During this time, a group of divers frequented the island to see the wonders beneath the waves. But when the divers learned of the residents’ plans of cutting down the island’s tallest tree, which is home to many species of eagles, they decided to take action. In 1994, they bought the island and started a campaign to preserve its natural beauty.

Wildlife

Although Danjugan Island is best-known as a marine reserve, it is also blanketed with a dense rainforest. The area is home to about 72 species of birds including the Tabon scrub fowls, and 10 bat species. Coconut crabs and many species of snakes also inhabit the island.

But of course, the island’s best gems are underwater. You do not have to be a scuba diver to witness Danjugan’s marine biodiversity in all its glory. The area surrounding the island boasts of a wide array of lifeforms including turtles, giant clams, and fish! Several black-tipped sharks have also been spotted swimming around the island. Scientists have recorded 244 species of corals and 579 species of fish, many of which can be seen even when snorkeling.

Management

Aside from the island’s natural wonders, how the island is being managed is also very impressive. PRRCFI is doing an awesome job patrolling around the area, reporting illegal fishing activities, and ultimately protecting the island and its wildlife. The entire island is being managed by only a handful of people who stay on the island, away from the tempting luxuries of the city. The island is solar-powered and tourists who visit the island may choose to stay overnight.

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