| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 政治經濟學研究所 === 100 === In this modern era, ecotourism serves as a fast growing industry in pursuing economic growth and development. It has been for the last several years a major concentration of agencies and governing bodies for enhancement and betterment as it provides the monetary gains needed for the development of the area and its residents as well. Moreover, ecotourism is an important strategy to achieve sustainable development. It not only looks at the economic side of things, the ecology side of things but also the future for both the nature and the people, too. This study looks into the problems and challenges of the ecotourism projects facilitated by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to the five municipalities namely: Cavinti, Majayjay, Pakil, Pangil and Siniloan. Currently, the ecotourism projects were completed and on its operational phase. Hence, the goal of the study is to identify and understand the current condition of these ecotourism projects. This includes the impacts, effects, and contributions of ecotourism. It also consists of the influences, the progression and the hindrances of ecotourism in each of the above- mentioned area. Through the fieldwork and interviews, it was discovered and shown that the five municipalities have encountered problems whether it be of environmental, economic or social in nature. Continuous of illegal logging, improper waste disposal have weathered down the ecological balance and sustainability of the environment. In addition, limited job opportunities to offer and lack of involvement of the people are some of the important matters that these municipalities are currently facing. This signifies that there is environmental degradation. Moreover, income generation has not fully maximized as seen by literally not much change in terms of community’s living standard. These conditions indicate that the ecotourism projects of these five areas have not yet fully reached its maximum potential benefit as well as has not achieve the sustainable development. The research suggest to strengthen its initiatives and strategies by establishing partnership with other agencies that deals with tourism as well as forming of provincial and municipal policies for ecotourism to further enhance and improve its existing project and future plans and at the same involve the people so that all stakeholders will work and participate together in upcoming programs in which could lead the path toward sustainable development. It recommends a hands-on approach and strict implementation of ecotourism policies, rules or plans that shall be made to enhance good governance of each project and to ensure a better future for sustainability development and the lives of the residents as well.
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