Del Carmen, Siargao Islands – April 10, 2025 – In a significant nod to sustainable tourism excellence, the ASEAN-Japan Center (AJC) visited Del Carmen’s Mangrove Forest Tourism Program as part of the ASEAN-Japan "Sustainable Tourism Best Practices Sharing" initiative.

The visit highlighted Del Carmen’s pioneering efforts in eco-tourism, mangrove conservation, and community empowerment, positioning the municipality as a model for sustainable development in the Philippines and beyond.

A Meeting of Minds: Showcasing Sustainable Tourism

The AJC delegation, led by Assistant Director Naoko Fujikawa and Programme Specialist Reiko Nagaoka, met with Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, who shared insights into Del Carmen’s groundbreaking initiatives, including:

✅ Preservation of the Largest Contiguous Mangrove Forest in the Philippines – A vital ecosystem that serves as a natural barrier against storms and supports marine biodiversity.
✅ Community-Based Eco-Tourism Projects – Engaging locals as stewards of their environment while creating sustainable livelihoods.
✅ Education & Climate Resilience Campaigns – Raising awareness on the critical role of mangroves in mitigating climate change.

Mayor Coro emphasized Del Carmen’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental protection, ensuring that development benefits both nature and the community.

Exploring the Mangrove Forest: A Living Classroom

Following the discussion, the AJC team embarked on a guided tour through Del Carmen’s iconic mangrove forest, where local experts demonstrated conservation techniques and shared stories of the forest’s ecological importance. The visitors also interacted with community members, gaining firsthand perspectives on how sustainability initiatives have transformed lives.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Tourism

This visit underscores the strong partnership between ASEAN nations and Japan in promoting eco-friendly tourism practices that protect natural resources while uplifting local communities. Del Carmen’s success serves as an inspiring example of how environmental stewardship and tourism can go hand in hand.

Looking Ahead

With recognition from international organizations like the ASEAN-Japan Center, Del Carmen is poised to inspire more regions to adopt sustainable tourism models that safeguard the planet for future generations.

Stay tuned for more updates on Del Carmen’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future!