Compliance of Ecotourism and Recreational Facilities on Environmental Policies in Camarines Norte: Its Impact to Sustainable Development

This study assessed the compliance of ecotourism and recreational facilities on environmental policies in Camarines Norte; and its impact to sustainable development. The study employed a descriptive-correlational method of research with 51 respondents of ecotourism and recreational facilities. This study utilized a survey questionnaire as an instrument in gathering the data. Findings showed that the majority of the ecotourism and recreational facilities in Camarines Norte are somewhat compliant with environmental laws and policies in terms of environmental quality, economic prosperity and social equity. It also concluded that although ecotourism and recreational facilities’ compliance to environmental policies is not significantly related to its impact on sustainable development, there are some indicators that exhibit relationships particularly for economic and social indicators. This study also proposes a sustainability model in order to ensure better compliance to environmental policies for ecotourism and recreational facilities. It also recommends for National Government Agencies (NGA) to spearhead information dissemination and capacity building particularly on environmental awareness and preservation of the natural resources and compliance to environmental laws; for LGUs to implement existing national laws and/or ensure compliance by enacting local ordinance to require Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) /Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) and other environmental permits prior to business clearance/permits issuance and for Local Government Units (LGU) to establish a Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office among others.