78 eco-tourism sites off-limits to mining in Philippines

I like to share this good news for the spirit of good eco tourism.. Please read below..

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DoT) has identified the 78 eco-tourism sites that has been declared as off-limits to mining under President Aquino’s newly released executive order.

The list of “tourism development areas” (TDAs) was based on the department’s National Tourism Development Plan, which has been submitted to President Aquino.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was furnished a copy of the list, according to Evelyn Macayayong, DoT marketing communication officer.

“As you can see, some are as big as regions, provinces or as detailed as coastal areas, lakes or islands,” noted Macayayong. “The forthcoming IRR should be able to provide clear-cut criteria in identifying the specific sites or else it’s the entire country that’s mining-free.”