The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity provides a vital source of livelihood for many Filipino. These can come from the practice of many sectors such as sustainable agriculture and fisheries, ecosystem restoration, and ecotourism. DENR AO 2013-19 defines ecotourism as a “form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics as well as economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors”. These provide economic and social benefits through recreation, leisure and education (Sinha & Heaney, 2005).
TARGET 9: By 2028, there will be an annual increase of at least 5% in biodiversity conservation related jobs (ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration).