Whale Shark Ecotourism Sustainability Program

For over a decade, WWF has been assisting the local government of Donsol in conserving its whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) through the development of a community-based eco-Tourism scheme and sustainable practical coastal resource management program.

Whale shark tourism is now the Bicol Region Philippines’s most popular tourist activity and was cited by TIME magazine as the best animal encounter destination in Asia.

The eco tourism industry has extensively increased local community income and is a prime example of how both economic and conservation goals can be met.

Present initiatives centre on implementing a community Ecotourism sustainability program and fisheries management plan, identifying individual whale sharks and migration routes through high-tech satellite tagging and photo-identification.

Please use the Contact form on the right for Whale Shark Ecotourism Sustainability Program information and ordering.