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| Dr. Liu Hongfang, Professor at the Tourism and Cultural Industry Research Institute of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics |
My Learnings and Reflections from Yunnan, China | November 12, 2026
By Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, The VoiceMaster of the Philippines
“We do not need to make nature more beautiful. We simply need to stop destroying it and start protecting what we already have.”
As I continue my learning journey here in Kunming, Yunnan, China, as the only Philippine delegate to the Seminar on Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation for ASEAN Countries, another important lecture has challenged the way I look at tourism, environmental protection, and government responsibility.
The lecture, titled Ecotourism in Yunnan: Backgrounds, Current Situations and Trends, was delivered by Dr. Liu Hongfang, Professor at the Tourism and Cultural Industry Research Institute of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics.
What I learned was not simply about developing beautiful tourist destinations.
It was about something much more important.
How can a country develop its tourism industry without destroying the very environment that makes tourism possible?
And throughout the discussion, I kept thinking about the Philippines.
I have traveled extensively around the Philippines and visited many countries around the world. Through these experiences, I have seen different approaches to tourism development, environmental management, infrastructure, and governance.
I have witnessed how some destinations carefully preserve their natural resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
I have also seen places where tourism development has come at the expense of the environment.
And this is what troubles me about our country.
The Philippines is not poor in natural resources. We are extraordinarily rich in natural beauty. What we must improve is how we manage, protect, and preserve these resources.
We have magnificent mountains, tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, coral reefs, rivers, waterfalls, mangrove forests, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Yet we continue to face deforestation, irresponsible development, environmental degradation, illegal extraction of natural resources, and inconsistent enforcement of environmental laws.
What makes this even more frustrating is that some of these problems involve government decisions, regulatory failures, or projects that environmental advocates believe threaten protected ecosystems.
And that raises a difficult question.
What happens when the institutions entrusted with protecting nature make decisions that could place nature at risk?
1. My first major learning: Ecotourism is not simply tourism in nature
One of the most important concepts discussed during the lecture was the actual meaning of ecotourism.
Ecotourism is not simply visiting a forest, hiking a mountain, swimming in a river, or taking photographs of beautiful landscapes.
According to the lecture, genuine ecotourism has seven essential characteristics:
Nature-based experiences
Environmental education
Ecological conservation
Sustainable management
Community participation and economic benefits
Ethical tourism with minimal environmental impact
Cultural appreciation and preservation
This completely changes how we should evaluate tourism projects.
A resort built inside a forest does not automatically qualify as an ecotourism project.
A tourist attraction surrounded by mountains does not become environmentally sustainable simply because its marketing materials use the word eco-friendly.
And a tourism development project cannot honestly claim to promote conservation if it destroys important habitats, displaces local communities, or creates more environmental damage than benefits.
True ecotourism must protect nature, educate visitors, respect local communities, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
This is a very important distinction.
Because sometimes, we confuse tourism development with environmental destruction disguised as economic progress.
We build more infrastructure, attract more visitors, and celebrate increasing revenues.
But we fail to ask what happens to the environment afterward.
How many trees were removed?
How much wildlife habitat was disturbed?
How much waste was generated?
Were the local communities consulted?
And did the project actually improve environmental protection?
These questions should be asked before approving tourism developments, not after the damage has already been done.
2. What Yunnan teaches us about environmental planning
Yunnan Province is one of China's most ecologically diverse regions.
During the lecture, Dr. Liu discussed its mountains, lakes, wetlands, forests, geological formations, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Among the destinations and ecosystems highlighted were Xishuangbanna, Shangri-La, Dali, Lijiang, Tengchong, the Stone Forest, and the province's plateau lakes.
What interested me was not simply the beauty of these destinations.
It was the relationship between natural resources, scientific research, protected-area management, and long-term tourism planning.
China has developed national ecotourism policies and a protected-area framework distinguishing national parks, nature reserves, and natural parks.
The lecture also discussed the importance of ecological monitoring, environmental education, biodiversity protection, and sustainable community participation.
These are not just tourism marketing strategies.
They are elements of environmental governance.
Of course, this does not mean China has solved all its environmental problems. Tourism expansion, infrastructure development, and conservation also create difficult trade-offs in China.
But the framework presented in the lecture offers valuable lessons about integrating tourism with environmental protection.
Nature should not be managed according to the political ambitions of whoever happens to be in office. It should be protected through long-term policies, scientific standards, and institutional accountability.
A forest does not grow according to election cycles.
A coral reef does not recover according to an administration's development timetable.
And an endangered species cannot wait for politicians to agree on whether its habitat deserves protection.
Environmental planning must extend beyond individual administrations.
This is one of the lessons I believe the Philippines urgently needs to take seriously.
3. Does the Philippines have ecotourism projects? Yes, we do!
It would be unfair to say that the Philippines has no ecotourism initiatives.
We actually have important conservation-based tourism destinations and communities that have demonstrated how tourism and environmental protection can work together.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site where protected-area tourism, cave conservation, environmental regulations, and community participation are central to destination management.
Masungi Georeserve
A conservation and geotourism initiative in Rizal known for forest restoration, environmental education, and nature-based experiences. It has also been the subject of significant legal and regulatory disputes involving the DENR.
Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
This example is particularly meaningful to me because of my roots in Bataan. The area demonstrates the potential of birdwatching, wetland conservation, and community-based tourism. Republic Act No. 11365 declared it a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone.
Apo Island
A recognized example of community-based marine conservation, where protecting coral reefs and marine biodiversity supports livelihoods through diving, snorkeling, guiding, and related tourism activities.
These examples show that the Philippines has both the natural resources and the local expertise to develop meaningful ecotourism.
We also have national policies, including the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2028.
So the problem is not simply the absence of plans.
The critical question is how consistently those plans are implemented, funded, monitored, and enforced.
A policy is only as effective as its implementation.
And a protected area is only truly protected when environmental laws are enforced.
4. The uncomfortable question: Is the DENR protecting or endangering our natural resources?
This is perhaps the most sensitive part of my reflection.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or DENR, has a clear mandate to manage, conserve, and protect the country's environment and natural resources.
But there have been serious controversies involving environmental permits, land-use decisions, conservation agreements, and development projects.
One example is the conflict involving Masungi Georeserve.
In March 2025, the DENR canceled a supplemental agreement involving Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation, citing legal and contractual concerns.
Masungi conservation proponents argued that the decision threatened ongoing forest restoration and protection efforts.
The issue attracted public attention and calls for congressional scrutiny.
There have also been disagreements involving environmental clearances for development projects affecting ecologically sensitive areas.
These controversies deserve careful examination.
They do not establish that every DENR official is responsible for environmental destruction. Many government environmental workers, scientists, rangers, and conservation officers dedicate their careers to protecting the country's natural heritage.
But controversial government decisions should be subject to transparent, independent review.
And this is where my concern comes from.
If the government is responsible for protecting our environment, shouldn't it be held to the highest standards of environmental accountability?
How can we encourage ordinary Filipinos to protect nature if government institutions fail to demonstrate the same commitment?
How can we teach communities to preserve forests while allowing questionable development projects to proceed without sufficient ecological safeguards?
How can we promote sustainable tourism if economic considerations consistently overshadow environmental risks?
I believe the government should lead by example.
Not through slogans.
Not through ceremonial tree planting.
Not through publicity campaigns.
But through transparent decisions, science-based policies, effective enforcement, and measurable environmental outcomes.
The DENR must be part of the solution. Its decisions should consistently demonstrate why environmental protection is a national responsibility, not merely an administrative requirement.
5. Comparing Yunnan and the Philippines: The real challenge is implementation
The Yunnan lecture made me appreciate the importance of connecting ecotourism with biodiversity research, environmental education, conservation planning, and community participation.
The Philippines also recognizes these principles in its laws and tourism policies.
However, there are important issues worth examining.
Area | Yunnan's approach presented in the lecture | Philippine context |
|---|---|---|
Environmental planning | Protected-area systems and long-term ecotourism planning | National strategies and protected-area laws exist |
Biodiversity protection | Ecological monitoring, scientific research, and habitat conservation | Biodiversity programs exist, but implementation varies |
Community involvement | Integration of community participation into ecotourism development | Community-based initiatives exist across several destinations |
Environmental education | Nature interpretation, ecological learning, and responsible tourism | Available in some destinations but not consistently integrated everywhere |
Governance | Coordinated protected-area and tourism management framework | Responsibilities are shared among national agencies, LGUs, and local stakeholders |
Sustainable development | Emphasis on balancing tourism use with ecological protection | Balancing investment, tourism growth, and conservation remains a continuing challenge |
This comparison should not be interpreted as proof that every system in Yunnan works better than every Philippine program.
The lecture presented Yunnan's ecotourism framework and initiatives, not an independent audit of their environmental performance.
But it provides valuable questions for our country.
Are our tourism plans being implemented consistently?
Do we have accurate data on the ecological condition of our destinations?
Are protected areas receiving sufficient funding?
Are local communities genuinely benefiting?
And are public officials being held accountable when environmental protection requirements are violated?
These are the questions we should be asking.
6. Tourism must educate people, not just entertain them
One of my favorite learnings from the lecture was the emphasis on environmental education.
Ecotourism should not simply give visitors an enjoyable experience.
It should change how they understand their relationship with nature.
Imagine visiting a Philippine mangrove forest and learning how mangroves protect communities from coastal erosion and storm surges.
Imagine exploring a marine sanctuary and understanding why coral reefs are essential to fisheries and biodiversity.
Imagine hiking through a protected mountain range and discovering why native trees, wildlife habitats, and watersheds must be preserved.
Imagine tourists leaving our destinations with a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
That is the kind of tourism I want to see.
The goal should not only be to attract visitors. It should also be to develop responsible citizens.
This is where environmental education, technology, and communication can make a tremendous difference.
As someone involved in education, broadcasting, artificial intelligence, and creative communication, I see enormous opportunities to use technology to strengthen conservation awareness.
We can use AI-powered educational guides, interactive storytelling, satellite monitoring, wildlife identification tools, environmental sensors, and digital learning platforms.
We can make environmental education accessible to students, tourists, and communities.
But technology should support responsible conservation rather than become another excuse for unnecessary infrastructure or commercialization.
7. What I want to see in the Philippines
After attending this lecture, I believe we should pursue a more consistent and evidence-based approach to ecotourism.
I want to see Philippine provinces and municipalities develop long-term ecological tourism plans grounded in scientific assessments.
I want to see tourism officers and environmental officials appointed based on relevant expertise, professional qualifications, and the ability to manage complex environmental challenges.
I want to see local communities, including Indigenous Peoples, involved in decisions affecting their ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and natural resources.
I want to see measurable conservation targets, not just tourism arrival statistics.
We should ask how much forest has been restored, how much coral cover has recovered, how clean our waterways have become, and how much sustainable income local communities have gained.
I want environmental impact assessments to be rigorous, transparent, and accessible to the public.
And I want our government agencies to collaborate with conservation scientists, educators, universities, responsible private organizations, and local environmental advocates.
Environmental protection should not depend on who holds political power. It should be an enduring national commitment.
8. Environmental protection begins with ordinary people, too
Government accountability is essential.
But environmental protection cannot be the responsibility of government alone.
We, as Filipinos, must also change our behavior.
We cannot complain about environmental destruction while throwing garbage into rivers.
We cannot demand clean beaches while leaving plastic waste behind.
We cannot claim to love nature while supporting illegal wildlife trade, destructive tourism activities, and irresponsible land development.
Protecting nature begins with everyday actions.
It begins with teaching children not to litter.
It begins with respecting wildlife.
It begins with reducing unnecessary waste.
It begins with protecting trees and natural habitats.
It begins with supporting responsible tourism businesses and local conservation initiatives.
And it begins with the understanding that the environment is not an unlimited resource.
We cannot demand a cleaner Philippines without accepting our own responsibility to help keep it clean.
9. My biggest realization: Nature does not need us, but we need nature
After traveling to so many destinations around the world, I have come to appreciate something very simple.
The most valuable tourist destinations are not necessarily those with the biggest hotels, most expensive infrastructure, or most elaborate attractions.
Sometimes, the most beautiful destination is an untouched forest.
A clean river.
A healthy coral reef.
A mountain protected from irresponsible development.
A community that understands the value of its natural surroundings.
These are the places that remind us why nature must be preserved.
Because once a species becomes extinct, no amount of tourism revenue can bring it back.
Once a forest is destroyed, restoring its original ecological complexity can take generations.
And once a coral reef is severely damaged, recovery may take decades, if recovery remains possible at all.
This is why environmental protection must come before irresponsible development.
We should not destroy nature to develop tourism. We should develop tourism in ways that help protect nature.
That is the lesson I am taking home from Yunnan.
And that is the lesson I hope more Philippine policymakers, tourism officials, educators, and ordinary citizens will take seriously.
My message to the Philippine government
To the DENR, the Department of Tourism, local governments, and everyone responsible for managing our natural resources:
Protect before you promote.
Conserve before you construct.
Educate before you exploit.
Consult communities before you develop.
And most importantly, think about the next generation before making decisions that could permanently alter our environment.
Our natural resources should never be treated merely as commercial assets.
They are part of our ecological security, cultural identity, national heritage, and collective future.
We must protect them not only because they attract tourists, but because they sustain life.
And to my fellow Filipinos, let us stop treating environmental protection as somebody else's responsibility.
Every tree matters.
Every river matters.
Every forest matters.
Every coral reef matters.
And every responsible action matters.
The Philippines has been blessed with extraordinary natural beauty.
Our responsibility is to ensure that future generations can still experience it.
The true measure of tourism success is not simply how many people visit a destination, but how well we preserve that destination for those who will come after us.
This is what ecotourism should mean.
This is what sustainable development should represent.
And this is the kind of environmental leadership our country deserves.
Nature is not merely a tourist attraction. It is our inheritance, our responsibility, and our future.
Mabuhay ang Kalikasan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🇵🇭🌿
Pocholo De Leon Gonzales
The VoiceMaster of the Philippines
Philippine Delegate
Seminar on Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation for ASEAN Countries
Kunming, Yunnan, China
November 12, 2026
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