"SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AT
PRIMO WHITE SAND BEACH:
A MODEL FOR ECO-FRIENDLY
TOURISM"
Presented by:
Jean Princess Masalino
Mera Jean Pesalbon
Gregorio Martinez
Jubert Jimenez
Eal John Laroga
Davao Oriental State University
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
INTRODUCTION
Primo White Sand Beach in Baganga, Davao Oriental, has successfully
implemented sustainability initiatives to address challenges from rapid tourism
growth, including coastal degradation, plastic pollution, and resource
consumption. The resort employs eco-friendly strategies such as waste
segregation and community-based tourism programs to promote long-term
environmental health while engaging local communities. This case exemplifies
how small to medium-sized resorts can balance economic growth with
ecological preservation, serving as a replicable model for similar destinations
worldwide. Key challenges include educating tourists on sustainable behavior
and integrating local stakeholders in tourism development. The study highlights
the importance of adaptive, integrated management approaches to achieve
sustainable tourism goals, offering valuable insights for policymakers,
operators, and communities.
BACKGROUND INFORMAT ION
Primo White Sand Beach Resort is a serene, eco-friendly destination
located in Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Known for its pristine
white sands and tranquil atmosphere, the resort prioritizes natural
preservation by limiting disruptive activities such as surfing, camping,
and nudity, creating a peaceful, family-friendly environment. It offers
minimal amenities to encourage guests to connect with nature through
swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. Spanning approximately 2.5
hectares, the resort provides accommodations including cottages,
tents, tables for non-room bookers, and 6 cabanas plus 2 villas for
guests with reservations. Villa guests enjoy complimentary breakfast.
The resort is maintained by a dedicated team of 10 staff members
covering cleaning, front desk, lifeguarding, security, and cooking.
The resort’s construction and development, led by Chera Mae
R. Monday, received an Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC-OL-11-2023-0136) from the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Region XI, in May 2023. Primo White
Sand Beach exemplifies sustainable tourism by balancing
visitor enjoyment with environmental protection, reflecting the
unspoiled coastal charm and warm community of Baganga.
S TAT E M E N T O F T H E P R O B L E M
Increasing visitor numbers have led to
challenges such as plastic pollution, coastal
degradation, and strain on freshwater
resources. Additionally, educating tourists on
sustainable behavior and balancing
economic growth with ecological
preservation remain ongoing concerns.
These issues threaten the long-term viability
OBJECTIVES OF THE CASE STUDY
To identify and analyze sustainable practices
implemented at Primo White Sand Beach.
To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in
promoting eco-friendly tourism.
To provide recommendations for replicating these
practices at other beach destinations.
METHODOLOGY
The study used qualitative methods, including
interviews with resort management, staff, local
officials, community members, and tourists.
Field observations and document reviews
supplemented these insights. This approach
helped capture a comprehensive understanding
of the resort’s sustainability efforts and their
outcomes within the local context.
DATA COLLECTION
Data collection involved reviewing existing
documents, such as government tourism
reports, environmental assessments, media
articles, and academic literature related to
sustainable tourism, coastal management,
and eco-certification programs. This provided
context and supported the analysis of
primary data.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.
The scope of the study was limited to Primo White Sand
Beach Resort and its immediate surroundings in
Baganga, Davao Oriental. While the study provides
valuable insights into sustainable tourism practices at a
small-scale beach resort, it does not cover all resorts in
the region or offer a comparative analysis across
different types of destinations. Furthermore, the findings
are context-specific and may not be fully generalizable
to other locations with different social, environmental, or
economic conditions. Time constraints and limited
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Based on interviews with resort staff, local community members,
and tourists, alongside field observations, highlights Primo White
Sand Beach Resort’s strong commitment to sustainable tourism.
The resort maintains a peaceful, nature-focused environment
through visible eco-guidelines, waste segregation, and the
absence of disruptive activities. Four key themes emerged:
dedication to sustainability, appeal to nature-loving tourists,
active community involvement, and ongoing environmental
challenges such as marine debris and freshwater scarcity. The
local community takes pride in preserving the beach, fostering a
collaborative eco-tourism model that attracts environmentally
conscious visitors. However, external environmental pressures
require regional cooperation and adaptive strategies to ensure
SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED
In response to environmental challenges, Primo White Sand Beach Resort
has implemented practical, community-centered strategies to promote
sustainable tourism and preserve its natural landscape. The resort adopts a
low-impact infrastructure approach, using simple accommodations made
from locally sourced, sustainable materials to minimize ecological and visual
impact. Effective waste management includes strict segregation, daily
cleanups, and a “Leave No Trace” policy that educates visitors. Community
involvement is key, with partnerships for coastal cleanups, environmental
workshops, and livelihood programs that foster local stewardship. Visitor
behavior is guided by a code of conduct prohibiting disruptive activities,
enforced by staff and community members. Together, these efforts create a
balanced, eco-friendly tourism model that supports environmental integrity,
community engagement, and visitor satisfaction, positioning Primo White
Sand Beach as a leading example of sustainable coastal tourism.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
Primo White Sand Beach Resort’s sustainable practices have
effectively met its environmental, social, and economic objectives by
fostering community involvement, enforcing eco-friendly policies, and
educating visitors. Waste management systems, regular beach
cleanups, and minimal infrastructure have preserved the beach’s
cleanliness and ecological health. The resort’s use of solar lighting
and water-saving technologies has reduced reliance on non-
renewable resources and conserved freshwater. The visitor code of
conduct has successfully promoted respectful behavior, enhancing
the peaceful, nature-focused experience. Overall, the resort’s eco-
tourism model has generated positive environmental and
socioeconomic impacts, with ongoing resource management
improvements and regional collaboration recommended to sustain
these achievements long-term.
LESSONS LEARNED
The case study of Primo White Sand Beach highlights how
sustainable tourism can thrive in a small-scale, community-
focused setting by aligning policies with local culture, values, and
environmental awareness. Key successes include strong
community integration in daily operations and environmental
management, which fostered ownership and ensured sustainable
practices. Limiting high-impact activities and promoting nature
appreciation attracted eco-conscious tourists while preserving
the beach’s natural state. However, challenges remain, such as
addressing external threats like natural calamities and finding
alternative revenue sources to support financial sustainability
without harming the environment. Overall, Primo White Sand
RECOMMENDATIONS
The case study of Primo White Sand Beach highlights how
sustainable tourism can thrive in a small-scale, community-
focused setting by aligning policies with local culture, values, and
environmental awareness. Key successes include strong
community integration in daily operations and environmental
management, which fostered ownership and ensured sustainable
practices. Limiting high-impact activities and promoting nature
appreciation attracted eco-conscious tourists while preserving the
beach’s natural state. However, challenges remain, such as
addressing external threats like natural calamities and finding
alternative revenue sources to support financial sustainability
without harming the environment. Overall, Primo White Sand
Beach exemplifies how tourism can harmonize with nature
CONCLUSION
Primo White Sand Beach exemplifies the vital role of effective
waste management in fostering eco-friendly tourism. By
implementing a system focused on waste segregation, regular
cleanups, staff training, and visitor education, the resort has
significantly reduced litter and preserved the shoreline’s natural
beauty, enhancing the visitor experience. The “Leave No Trace”
policy and strong community involvement highlight that
sustainable tourism relies on responsible behavior and shared
accountability. These waste management practices form a core
part of Primo’s sustainability model, offering a valuable example
for other coastal destinations aiming to protect their
environments while promoting eco-conscious tourism. Continued
investment in waste management is essential for sustaining
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REFERENCES CONT.
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Tourism+management
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