Luxe resort rescues giant clams in Panglao

As part of its environmental sustainability advocacy, The Bellevue Resort recently launched its Native Giant Clams Rescue Project in Momo Beach to ensure survival of giant clams, which are among the island’s most precious marine resources.

The 5-star hotel in Panglao, Bohol teamed up with Department of Tourism’s DIVE 7, the municipal government of Panglao, community partners stakeholders and in the tourism industry. The conservation effort, which was held as part of Earth Day, saved over 200 endangered native giant clams.

Giant clams or taklobos are the world’s largest living mollusks which generally occupy tropical coral reefs and coastal areas in Bohol where they are ecosystem engineers, influencing everything from water flow to the physical structure of their habitat. Their feces are also a nourishing food source for some sea creatures that live on coral reefs.

The clams are quickly declining in number due to the impact of climate change and dangers from their natural predators, hence the need for human interventions to conserve them.

Earlier during the Earth Hour in March, The Bellevue Resort launched the “One Thousand Trees for Our Earth” where they planted 1,000 native tree seedlings n Riverside, Bilar, which are now under the care of the municipal resort’s tree growing project.

The resort also collaborated with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) for “The Future of Green Living: Understanding the Importance of Sustainable Retrofitting” forum and consultation. The event tackled the importance of adopting sustainable practices in creating urban environments, targeting stakeholders looking to invest in healthier communities, and a more effective economy and sustainable environment.

Since opening on November 2012, the two-time ASEAN Green Hotel awardee has consistently spearheaded meaningful programs on responsible and sustainable tourism, and community engagement.

For more information on The Bellevue Resort and its corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit www.thebellevuebohol.com.

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Read: Giant Clam Sanctuary: Camiguin Island’s Hidden Pearl