Definitions of Term
Assessment refers to the systematic evaluation of environmental conditions, impacts, or risks to
support informed decision-making and policy development (Stevens, 1935). In the context of this
study, assessment specifically pertains to the evaluation conducted in Boracay Island, focusing
on prevalent environmental issues, the impact of tourism, biodiversity, environmental
rehabilitation, regulations and related ecological concerns.
Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are
a part (Diaz et al., 2015). In this study, biodiversity pertains to the documented variety of species
found within the marine, terrestrial, and intertidal zones of Boracay Island. This includes the
identification and classification of flora and fauna across these ecosystems, emphasizing number
of species richness, and the ecological roles they play.
Coastal Erosion is the process of the gradual removal of land along the shoreline due to natural
forces such as wave action, tidal currents, and wind, as well as human activities like construction
and sand mining. This phenomenon leads to the loss of beach, dune, and shoreline material,
resulting in the retreat of the coastline (Guerrera et al., 2021). In this study, coastal erosion refers
to the measurable changes in Boracay Island’s shoreline over the past five years, as determined
through comparative analysis of historical data and recent studies.
Coastal Pollution refers to the introduction of substances or energy into the coastal environment
by human activities, resulting in adverse effects on its physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics. This includes pollutants such as plastics, heavy metals, nutrients, and persistent
organic compounds, leading to habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and compromised
ecosystem functions (Nunes and Leston, 2022). In this study, coastal pollution specifically refers
to observable indicators around Boracay Island such as the presence of waterborne pollutants,
water discoloration, unpleasant odors, accumulation of marine debris, and other signs of
environmental degradation affecting the island’s shoreline and adjacent marine habitats.
Environmental Issues are challenges or problems arising from human activities that adversely
affect the natural environment (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2025). In this study,
environmental issues refer to the prevalent, observed, and identified ecological concerns specific
to Boracay Island. These include, but are not limited to, improper waste disposal, coastal erosion,
overdevelopment, habitat degradation, water pollution, and the strain on natural resources caused
by mass tourism. The term encompasses both the direct and indirect effects of anthropogenic
activities that threaten the island’s ecological balance, sustainability, and overall environmental
health.
Environmental Stewardship is the ethical responsibility and practice of managing natural
resources and ecosystems sustainably to conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, and
support human well-being (Barton, et al., 2017). In this study, environmental stewardship refers
to the identified collective actions undertaken by individuals, communities, organizations, and
government entities in Boracay Island aimed at protecting and restoring the island’s natural
environment.
Habitat Loss refers to the process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting
its native species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. This phenomenon is primarily driven by
anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and industrial
development, which result in the destruction, degradation, or fragmentation of ecosystems
(Horváth et al., 2019). In this study, habitat loss refers to the reduction and alteration of natural
habitats on Boracay Island, including coastal mangroves, coral reefs, and terrestrial vegetation,
as a result of tourism development, infrastructure expansion, and other anthropogenic pressures.
The assessment focuses on quantifying changes in habitat extent and quality over recent years
and their impact on local biodiversity.
Mass Tourism refers to the large-scale influx of people to popular travel destinations, often
resulting in considerable environmental, social, and infrastructural impacts (Gössling & Hall,
2006). In this study, mass tourism specifically refers to the total number of tourists
accommodated on Boracay Island, based on data obtained from online statistics and the official
page of the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office. This figure reflects the overall tourist volume and
serves as a key indicator in assessing the impact of tourism activities on the island’s
environment, local communities, and resource sustainability.
Overdevelopment refers to excessive development that exceeds the carrying capacity of the
environment, leading to resource depletion and ecological imbalance (Barkin, 2003). In this
study, overdevelopment pertains to the recent infrastructural and commercial expansions on
Boracay Island that have exceeded sustainable limits. This includes the proliferation of resorts,
hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related establishments that contribute to overcrowding,
strain on water and waste systems, and the encroachment on natural habitats such as beaches,
wetlands, and forested areas.
Regulations are rules or directives made and maintained by an authority to manage
environmental practices and ensure sustainable development (Environmental Protection Agency
[EPA], 2025). In this study, this refers to environmental regulations implemented by the
government to protect Boracay Island. In this study, this refers to the specific policies, laws, and
ordinances implemented by the government to protect Boracay Island’s natural environment.
These include measures related to waste management, land use and zoning, coastal protection,
water quality monitoring, tourism management, and the conservation of biodiversity.
Rehabilitation is the process of restoring ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or
destroyed to a more natural or functionally sustainable state (Higgs, 2003). In this study,
rehabilitation refers to the specific and identified restoration policies and initiatives implemented
on Boracay Island, particularly those aimed at reviving its ecological integrity and supporting
sustainable tourism. This includes the rehabilitation efforts mandated by the government, as well
as the perceptions, participation, and responses of various stakeholders such as local residents,
workers, business establishments, and tourists.
Soil Pollution refers to the presence of chemicals or substances in the soil at concentrations
higher than normal, causing adverse effects on organisms and soil functions (United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia [UNESCWA], 2019). In this study, soil
pollution refers to the assessment of soil quality on Boracay Island, using indicators such as the
presence of litter, solid waste accumulation, sewage contamination, and other pollutants.
Stress Threshold is the point at which environmental stressors cause significant adverse effects
on ecosystems or human health (Stevens, 1935). In this study, stress threshold refers to the
critical limit of Boracay Island’s natural and social systems in coping with pressures such as
mass tourism, overdevelopment, pollution, and resource overuse.
Waste Management is the systematic process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling,
or disposing of waste materials in a way that minimizes their impact on human health, the
environment, and natural resources. This includes methods such as landfilling, incineration,
composting, and waste reduction strategies implemented to ensure sustainable handling of solid,
liquid, and hazardous wastes (Zhang, Tan & Gersberg, 2010). In this study, waste management
refers to the procedures and practices implemented by the local government units (LGUs) in
Boracay Island targeting locals, tourists, establishments, and restaurants. These include effective
waste collection, segregation, disposal, and recycling efforts.
Water Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies by the introduction of substances or
energy forms that result in physical or chemical changes, modifying the natural characteristics of
the water, degrading its quality, and adversely affecting humans and the environment (Savaşan,
2022). In the context of this study, water pollution refers to the current status of water quality
around Boracay Island, with a particular focus on indicators such as presence of pollutants, and
the occurrence and extent of algal blooms.
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