Management by objectives: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan Philippines

Abstract

Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was proclaimed as national park in 1971 and included in the seven wonders of nature in 2012. It is located in the West coast of Palawan Philippines and north of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines. The underground river is the longest navigable river with a unique karst environment, home for endangered and endemic flora and fauna is a must see destination for tourists. Its management is unique, since it is manage by the city government and the Protected Area Management Board. The objective of this study is to describe and assess the activities done by the management in terms of its objectives as national park which is divided into three categories as; primary (genetic diversity, environmental services and tourism and recreation), secondary (scientific researches. Wilderness protection, and natural features and education) and tertiary (sustainable use). Documentary analysis, actual site immersion, interviews and focal group discussion were employed to gather pertinent data for this study. Result showed that the unique management of PPUR had done several activities in consonance with its objectives as national park. Activities done is geared on keeping the balance between community-driven protection and conservation of the park’s ecological integrity, its Outstanding Universal Value, and inclusive development through Transformative Tourism activities. Community empowerment had transformed the lives of residents in PPUR without prejudicing the environmental sustainability of the park.