MEDIA RELEASE

19 December 2014
DOT hosts National Conference on
Sustainable Consumption and Production

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently hosted the National Conference on

Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) under the aegis of the United Nations
Environment Programs (UNEP) Sustainable Tourism Program of the 10 Year
Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP).
As defined by the UNEP, the SCP is the use of services and related products,
which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use
of natural resources and toxic materials, as well as the emissions of waste and
pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs
of further generations.
According to Warner Andrada, Chief of the Planning and Product Development
Division, Office of Tourism Planning, Research and Information Management of the
DOT, the conference was conceptualized primarily to incorporate SCP in tourism
planning and strategies. By engaging tourism stakeholders and all concerned sectors
through policy dialogue, we hope to raise awareness and give access to information on
the sustainability of the tourism value chain, Andrada explained.
A sustainable tourism agenda is said to beget economic viability, employment
quality, social equity, visitor fulfillment, community well-being, resource efficiency. SCP
practices can lead to a better quality of life, Stefanos Fotiou of the UNEP discussed.
To achieve the SCP strategy in the tourism sector, there is a need for integrated
tourism management; a bottom up approach for the supply side, and a good interaction
between nature and human through culture, Lorraine Gatlabayan of UNEP proposed.
One of the resorts that presented their SCP practices was Amarela Resort of
Panglao, Bohol, an ASEAN Green Resort awardee. Contrary to popular beliefs, going
green is not expensive at all. Of all the factors we have considered in turning to green
technology is practicality, Atty. Lucas Nunag, President and Owner of Amarela Resort
shared.
DOT Media Release December 2014

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In a separate interview, DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said that

destination marketing involves a more daunting task compared to selling the usual
merchandise. Selling experience involves many different factors, both tangible and
intangible, most of which operate beyond our control. Crucial to our mandate is striking
a balance between selling and safeguarding. And there is the very fine line that
separates the two. That is to say, we ought to protect our natural resources but at the
same time let the world see them while they are still there. As the entire world faces the
perils of climate change, we need to come together in promoting the responsible use of
our natural heritage, the tourism chief said.
The conference was attended by representatives from government agencies,
hotel and resort managers, tour operators and travel agents, and other tourism
stakeholders. It also included a workshop on SCP in the tourism industry composed of
enterprises from the accommodation, transportation, and tour operations sectors.
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Contact:

EVELYN ALCARAZ-MACAYAYONG
Media & Communications Service
(0632) 450-5200 local 510
eamacayayong@tourism.gov.ph

DOT Media Release December 2014

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