For the past several years, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has endeavored to undertake a research investigation on ecotourism. Ecotourism, being an emerging tourism industry in the country, offers lots of potentials to contribute in the economic development, not only nationally, but also locally. It is an effective tool in managing critical environment and at the same time in providing the level of satisfaction to visitors and tourists alike without jeopardizing the fragile nature of our ecosystem.

            This research endeavor, funded through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), provides the scientific foundation in establishing ecotourism projects. It also hopes to formulate ecotourism management plan for Mt. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL) which could also serve as blueprint in establishing similar undertakings in the country.