Carles

Due to its white beaches, lagoon, rock formations, and abundant seafood, Gigantes Islands ranks second to Boracay Island in terms of tourist arrivals in Western Visayas, Philippines.

With no Level 3 Water Supply system in place and complex challenges in enforcing its forest land use plan, Carles risks its tourism and one-of-a-kind natural resources if water challenges are not addressed swiftly and sustainably.

The IUCN identified Gigantes as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots due to the presence of cave-dwelling and vulnerable Gekkonid Lizard (Gecko giganteI) and critically endangered Island Forest Frog (Platymantis insulates) endemic to the southern island. Gigantes is also home to seven endemic bird species.

The pilot green-gray infrastructure solution that Carles proposes to implement involves two complementary components.

First is the rehabilitation of Gigantes Islands’ watershed, that is, reforestation of 565 hectares of denuded public forest cover. This intervention will eventually revert and ultimately sustain the rainwater holding capacity of the forest, hence provide sustainable source of fresh water supply. Rehabilitated watersheds also guarantee the recovery of the almost drying and dying caves in Gigantes Islands, thereby preventing extinction of the indigenous and endangered gecko and frog species. The reforestation project’s agroforestry modality will supplement the fishing occupations of most community members with land-based livelihood opportunities.

Second is the improvement of fresh water sources through inland retention ponds that collect, store, treat and disburse the rainwater within the Gigantes Island to ensure water security for the residents and visitors of the island. Local vegetation, soils, and rocks shall be used in the creation of these small reservoirs. These may be located beside the communal groundwater sources improvised by the barangays.

Reforesting Gigantes Islands and using green-gray infrastructure in Carles may unlock multiple benefits including:

• Reduce domestic water shortages

• Improve groundwater recharge

• Restore the forest ecosystems

• Generate jobs associated with forest management

• Sustainable tourism growth

Ultimately, the pilot can make a case for the municipality wide adoption of nature-based strategies to:

• Reliably supply all residents and visitors with clean water and sanitation

• Conserve critical habitats and its endangered species