When Tourism Meets Conservation
BOHOL - Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-delos Reyes raised concerns about trees that may obstruct tourists’ views of the hills and proposed pruning selected trees, subject to applicable regulations and the consent of property owners. The proposal also includes replacement planting, emphasizing that improving viewpoints should not come at the expense of the surrounding environment. Rather than simply clearing vegetation, the discussion points toward finding ways to manage the landscape while maintaining its ecological value.
Looking at the Hills as a Protected Landscape
DENR-PENRO Bohol Head Forester Wilson Henson recommended reviewing the protected area assessment and conducting a public consultation to identify hills that may be appropriate for eco-tourism. The consultation is intended to help determine suitable areas and develop sustainable maintenance measures. Carmen has also sought input from researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, showing how scientific knowledge can contribute to decisions involving a nationally and internationally recognized natural attraction. The goal is to understand the landscape before making changes to it.
Keeping the Chocolate Hills Beautiful for the Future
Managing a destination as iconic as the Chocolate Hills requires cooperation among provincial officials, the municipality, environmental authorities, researchers, residents, and tourism stakeholders. Discussions on entrance fees and revenue sharing are equally important because tourism income can help support communities and conservation when managed responsibly. The real success of Chocolate Hills tourism will not simply be measured by how many people visit or how impressive the views remain today, but by whether future generations can still experience the same remarkable landscape. For Bohol, protecting the hills and welcoming visitors must go hand in hand.
