EPPIC 2021

1. Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines

The Island Garden City of Samal is a coastal city located in the province of Davao del Norte, at the heart of the Davao Gulf in the southern part of the Philippines. Samal City comprises two main islands—Samal Island and Talicud Island—along with several smaller islands such as Malipano, Big Ligid, and Little Ligid. The city spans a total land area of 30,130 hectares and is traversed by three major rivers and lakes: Benoling River, Tagbaobo River, and Bagsak Lake.

As of 2015, Samal City had a population of 104,123 people living in 26,245 households. By 2020, the population had grown to approximately 110,000 people. Endowed with rich natural resources, the city’s economy heavily depends on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Tourist arrivals in Samal surged significantly, from 520,000 visitors in 2013 to 1.8 million in 2019, highlighting its growing reputation as a prime destination in the region.

Samal City is part of the Davao Gulf’s marine key biodiversity areas, known for their diverse marine flora and fauna. However, this rich marine ecosystem faces growing threats, particularly from marine pollution, with plastic waste being a major contributor.

Plastic waste management has become a pressing issue for Samal City. In 2013, total waste generation was recorded at 43,599.74 kilograms per day, increasing to an estimated 48,241.93 kilograms per day by 2019. Of the waste produced, 21% is recyclable, while 27.6% is residual waste, the majority of which consists of plastic materials. During coastal and scuba diving clean-up activities in 2019, approximately 7.13 tons (6,622.45 kilograms) of waste were collected. Of this, 1.88 tons (1,632 kilograms) were biodegradable, while 5.25 tons (4,762.72 kilograms) were non-biodegradable.

The main sources of plastic pollution in Samal City include household waste, tourism and food establishments, and waste that drifts in from neighboring municipalities.

2. Mandalika Lombok Island, Indonesia

The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, spans 1,250 hectares and is a designated priority area for tourism development. Strategically located near Lombok International Airport (16 km), Lembar Harbor (55 km), and Mataram city (45 km), it is easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, including Kuta Beach, green coastal hills, and the Mandalika International Circuit, which is set to host the Motorcycle Grand Prix. Additionally, Mandalika holds cultural significance through the Putri Mandalika legend, a story from the indigenous Sasak tribe, which adds to the region’s appeal.

Geographically, the Mandalika SEZ encompasses six villages across 8,380 km², divided into a core area and a buffer zone. The local economy relies on farming (20.28%), fisheries (3.83%), and tourism-related activities, including surfing, diving, and hiking at popular spots like Tanjung Aan and Gerupuk Beach. Although most hotels in the region are 3-star, there is ongoing construction of 4-star and 5-star accommodations to cater to the anticipated growth in tourism. The area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a significant draw for both domestic and international travelers.

The plastic waste generated in the Mandalika SEZ is a growing environmental concern. The total waste produced in the region is estimated at 215.7 tons per year, with 107.8 tons consisting of plastic. Beach areas such as Seger Beach and Aan Beach contribute 7.23 tons annually to this total. The most common plastic types include HDPE (22.74%), PET (20.42%), and PP (14.03%), found in everyday items like plastic bags, bottles, and food containers. The plastic waste generation varies across villages, with Kuta Village producing the highest amount (3.2 liters/person/day) due to its popularity with tourists, while Mertak Village generates the least (0.81 liters/person/day), reflecting its lower visitor numbers.

Marine plastic debris poses a serious threat to Mandalika coastal environment. Data from Tanjung Aan Beach indicate 29 grams of plastic waste per square meter per day, while Seger Beach records 4.25 grams per square meter per day. An estimated 11.21 tons of plastic waste leaks annually into nearby seas, rivers, and lakes. This pollution stems from inadequate waste management practices, including open burning and improper disposal. The most commonly found marine plastics include PP (69.57%), such as plastic utensils and straws, while PET plastics (4.46%) consist mainly of beverage bottles and cups.

Tourism growth in Mandalika has been rapid. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of visitors increased from 37,897 to 618,120, and projections estimate 2.57 million visitors by 2025 if current trends continue. In anticipation of this influx, plans are in place to build 10,000 hotel rooms and 3,900 residential units, including villas, condominiums, and townhouses. Without effective waste management, the increase in visitors and infrastructure will likely exacerbate environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, which can negatively impact both the local ecosystem and tourism experiences.

Despite having a waste management system in place, challenges remain. Some residents continue to dispose of waste improperly through open burning or dumping plastic into nearby rivers. Twenty-six waste hotspots were identified, particularly around business areas and Kuta Beach, where littering is common. Waste collection relies on combustion-engine vehicles transporting trash to a landfill 15 km away in Teruwai Village. With the projected rise in tourism, the current waste management infrastructure may become overwhelmed, requiring urgent attention and collaboration from local authorities, businesses, and the community to mitigate environmental harm.