World execs tackle ‘clean’ food, heritage protection in forum

Participating governors of this year's Inter-Island Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum in Cebu are calling for stricter policies on the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources, as well as on producing “clean food.”

The 21st ITOP Forum is an annual gathering of leaders from different island provinces across the globe that seeks to promote environmental conservation and sustainable island tourism among its member provinces, including Cebu, Hainan in China, Bali in Indonesia, Okinawa in Japan, Hawaii in United States of America, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Gotland in Sweden, and Jeju in South Korea.

It also aims to promote the member-provinces as MICE, which stands for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events, destinations. ITOP is composed of 11 member countries and three observer countries. The first ITOP Forum was held in 1997 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

Governor Hemakumara Nanayakkara of Southern Province of Sri Lanka emphasized the importance of producing "clean food” in boosting tourism and helping communities.

“All the problems started with the wrong human activity. Consumeroriented societies driven by high profit margins are using harmful chemicals, especially in the sector of agriculture,” said Nanayakkara.

He is reportedly the first Sri Lankan to receive a PhD in Organic Agriculture.

Prakob Wong Maneerung of Thailand agreed with Nanayakkara, saying the farmers of the ITOP member-provinces should practice organic farming.

He shared that Phuket was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the world's centers of excellence for gastronomy.

In their province, he said, “clean food” does not only help provide nourishment for the continued health and growth of the citizens, but also attract more tourists

“We should share the idea of minimizing agrochemicals for clean food and for the tourists to come. From which, there'll be a great asset,” Nanayakkara said.

He further said the income of high-yield agricultural crops grown with chemical fertilizers has surpassed the number of people getting sick due to polluted environment and food with traces of synthetic chemicals.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale agreed to promote organic farming to ensure safe food for the community.

“By doing so, we are preserving what is natural. We preserve as well our lakes and mountains,” she said.

For his part, Jun Song Tae of Korea has emphasized on the fusion of a province's natural landscape and treasures with its unique architecture.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said that aside from sharing each province's ideas and experiences, he expects that there will be recommendations for policies and actions on issues that confront tourism, especially in preserving culture and heritage.

The two-day ITOP forum will conclude today, October 18.