Lessons from Indonesia: Forests and Traditions as Anchors of Culture-Based Ecotourism

Participants welcomed by traditional Dayak Desa dance at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang

A 2025 study by Booking.com shows travelers are becoming more aware of tourism’s impact on communities and are increasingly interested in authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Tourism plays a major role in the Philippine economy, with the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research projecting a record PHP 5.9 trillion contribution this year, cementing travel and tourism as key economic pillars.

However, nature-based tourism faces threats from climate change and land conversion. In Southeast Asia, 30% of land has been converted to agriculture, putting 5,678 species at risk—including 25 already extinct and over 1,100 critically endangered. This loss also harms indigenous communities who rely on forests for food, medicine, crafts, and rituals, as many plants and natural resources become scarce.

Youth Efforts in Preserving West Borneo’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Through Film Production

Samudra Bekudong'k behind the scenes during the development of their film

Southeast Asia’s rainforests, rich in biodiversity and culture, have long drawn travelers from around the world. But this natural and cultural allure is under threat from rapid deforestation and environmental decline. Data from Ecocare in 2024 indicates that Southeast Asia has experienced forest degradation for decades. This also became relevant in the Philippines, where natural forest loss reached 43.8 kha in 2024, contributing to 24.0 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Despite progress, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development continue to threaten its remaining green spaces.

Beyond government action, Filipino filmmakers and environmental activists are leveraging film as a powerful medium to raise awareness of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Documentaries and short films showcased at events like the Klima Film Festival and Science Film Festival highlight the importance of preserving green spaces amid rapid urbanization. Independent filmmakers have also produced works focusing on the Philippines’ vanishing forests and the impact of climate change on local biodiversity.