Yellow Boat Adventures
Before Yellow Boat Adventures, fishing was the only livelihood of the people of Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. However, the fishermen made use of dynamite and cyanide – harming the corals, marine life, and the environment. As years went by, illegal fishing took its toll on their harvest – the fish population depleted, and in turn affected the fishermen’s livelihood.
To mitigate the damage and restore the health of the marine ecosystem, the fishermen were taught how to preserve their environment so they can benefit from it in the long-run. This is how the Yellow Boat Adventures was established. From illegal fishing, fishermen were trained to be eco-warriors or protectors of marine life.
In return for their willingness to preserve their environment, we donated dual-purpose boats which they can use both for fishing and for carrying visitors to tour the mangrove ecosystem. Presently, tourism is now their second source of livelihood, and the fishermen know that protecting the biodiversity of their environment also protects their livelihood. With the money they earn both from fishing and eco-tourism, they can now provide for their families better and sustain their children’s education.