Tourism Water Issues

The challenges of climate resiliency in the El Nido mirror those a national and global scale. Food insecurity, water scarcity, waste management, and natural disasters are all increasing concerns for residents, business owners, non-profits and local government units. However, the efforts being done are too small to reverse much of the negative consequences seen in the explosion of tourism development. One area tourists and residents alike are feeling those effects are with the water.

The Philippine summer is April and May when temperatures and water usage are rising. Unfortunately for residents that use and utilisation doesn’t correspond with what sits in the water table. Poor water management is prevalent throughout the Philippines, El Nido included. The National Economic Development Authority cites poor enforcement or weak regulations on water use and contributes some of this to a a lack of government resources. Excessive groundwater extraction in the form of wells is common. This leads to an increase in sea water intrusion given our proximity to coastal areas.

Further reading El Nido’s Water Hole.

• 70% of the Earth’s surface is water. Only 3% is fresh.
• 1 billion people lack access to water
• One in four of the world’s largest cities have “water stress.”
• Global demand for fresh water will exceed supply by 40% in 2030.
• Climate change, human (in)action, and population growth are main contributing factors.

Cape Town is currently being highlighted globally. In Sao Paulo officials blamed a drought but the UN contributed this to proper planning and investments. In Bangalore, the growth of property development and the lack of water and waste management contributed to water issues. Not a single lake is suitable for drinking or bathing. Cairo, Egypt, like most great civilisations was built on water but critical shortages are being estimated by 2025.

Closer to the Philippines, Jakarta, Indonesia is impacted by rising sea levels. Less than half of the residents have access to piped water and in turn illegal digging wells are popping up at a rapid pace. Even with increased rainfall, the concrete jungle can’t absorb the rainfall, the trees that use to be there would have been able to though.

Over the past couple of summers visitors is wasn’t uncommon for tourists to skip showers because of lack of water. We hope that part of your visit in El Nido goes to educating you about the challenges we share as global citizens. Of course, while this may create some discomfort during a vacation it is even more stressful for those residents residing in El Nido post-tourist visit.

How we use is as important as how much we have. After all our most precious commodity in life is water.

Originally published in ESTEL Magazine  Issue 3 circulated May 2018. Updated June 2018