Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) conducted a two-day workshop on August 13 to 14, aimed at drafting guidelines for ecotourism, research, and other activities within the protected landscape.
The workshop, organized by USAID-SIBOL, aligns with the CNCH Management Plan 2021-2025, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, financial sustainability, and improved governance.
The workshop brought together representatives from various local government offices, including the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), City Legal Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Tourism Office, Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator (OCPDC), City Agriculture Office, and the City Building Official (OCBO), as well as from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Palawan State University (PSU), and barangay leaders from CNCH.
During the workshop, participants collaborated to develop initial guidelines that will govern ecotourism, research, and other permitted activities within CNCH.
These guidelines will include requirements, procedures, fee structures, and the identification of responsible offices for managing such activities.
According to the City ENRO, the initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure that activities within CNCH are sustainable, benefiting both the environment and the local communities.
The draft guidelines are expected to be finalized and implemented as part of the CNCH Management Plan’s ongoing efforts to balance conservation with sustainable development.
