Why can’t we leave islands just islands? Why can’t we leave mountains, just mountains? Why is there a need for tourism-induced infrastructure that will eventually destroy the once paradise?
The conflict between man and nature is really noticeable. I’m not saying that all men want to destroy nature either unintentionally or intentionally. There are still a few who would aim to conserve it.
This is Kalanggaman Island now located at my province in Leyte. I hope it stays this way.
Let me cite some examples in our country (Philippines):
This is a comparison of Boracay sland in 2003 and 2014. Notice the number of buildings for hotels and residences. These infrastructures paved its way into destroying the natural forests. The once green island became brown. Sadly, this is because of tourism development. For sure, it helped the locals gain employment but it destroyed the island in the process.
My friends who just came from a vacation said that there are trashes everywhere and it is unlike what they experienced before. There are a lot of bars and restaurants when you look left to right. The ultimate island experience is lessening drastically.
Siargao is branded as the surfing capital in the Philippines. Slowly, buildings such as hotels and houses are being built there due to the influx of tourists. Of course, this is business to many.
It is also starting to be destroyed due to urbanization.
This was Siargao before.
This is part of Siargao now. Imagine the waste generated by this community. Imagine the space they occupied that should’ve been for natural resources.
Change is inevitable. But sometimes, it is not for the good. Their development of the areas destroys the paradise. It disturbs the ecosystem. It obliterates real beauty. I have also read one articile about a rocky mountain being developed. Cable cars are installed which would make it like a park. I mean, c’mon why do we need to do that? Mountains are supposed to be hiked and climbed not some destination that you can just freely come and go whenever you want where you can dine conventionally.
Why do people prefer sipping margaritas on glass wines rather than drinking fresh coconut juice directly? Why do they prefer lying in bed on hotels in islands were waste can be produced than having it on a tent or a hammock? I mean, where is the fun in that?
These are my points to ponder. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I’m an environmentalist and this is my statement.