“Being a good steward of the environment and our communities, and being an efficient and profitable business, are not mutually exclusive. In fact they are one and the same.”
The Negros Occidental Initiative in this southern province of the Philippines (capital, Bacolod City) was conceived to develop sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and social equity for local host communities, while promoting responsible travel to Negros Occidental province. Proponents include: Conservation & Environmental Education destination Danjugan Island, Sustainable Agri Farms showcase of “Organic Negros Producers and Retailers – ONOPRA”, led by Fresh Start Organic Farm CEO Chin-Chin Uy, Don Salvador Benedicto & Rapha Valley, organic farm, health & wellness getaway.
The Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development, Inc. (SSTDI) was formalized to lead The Negros Initiative with itsSustainable Tourism, Conservation and Social Responsibility development framework for Negros Occidental with institutional partners Zero Carbon Resorts, Green Hotels & The Clean Blue.
Last November 2012, the First Negros Occidental Environmental & Sustainable Tourism Forum was organized with support from Provincial Governor, Bacolod City Mayor’s office, Department of Tourism, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Region VI, Negros Occidental & Bacolod City Tourism Offices, Melba’s Farms in cooperation with the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos and the Association of Negros Tourism Stakeholder (ANTS). Media Supporters were the Visayan Daily Star, Negros Daily Bulletin and When in Manila.
FROM THE MEDIA. Read more about The Negros Initiative from the press.
Blog about Bacolod Living: http://bacolodliving.com/?p=280
Negros Daily Bulletin:
http://www.ndb-online.com/110912/local-news/events-sustainable-tourism-forum-set
Visayan Daily Star:
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/businessnews2.htm
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/09/businessnews3.htm
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/23/topstory9.htm
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/business.htm
Sun Star: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/opinion/2012/11/19/sanchez-green-fun-253998
When in Manila: http://www.wheninmanila.com/environment-sustainable-tourism-forum-november-22-23-2012-lfisher-hotel-bacolod-city/
Eco-Business: http://www.eco-business.com/events/environment-sustainable-tourism-forum-2012/
The Exporter Magazine: http://www.exporter.com/social-entrepreneur/sustainable-development/sustainable-tourism-forum-set-visayan-daily-star/
Business Sphere blog: http://businessphereconsulting.com/come-join-the-negros-environment-and-sustainable-tourism-forum-in-bacolod-city/
