Urban green parks : sustainable tourism, biodiversity and quality of life : a case study

Cities are known not only for the high densities of people and man-made structurs but also for the diverse and high level of socio-cultural and economic activities (Pearce, 2001). Comprising almost half of the world's entire population, the world's urban population is about 3.3 billion, and it is expected to double in 2050 (United Nations, 2007). In the Philippines more than 50% of the country's total population live in urban areas. In Metro Manila alone, at least 14 million people have been recorded (Philippine Information Agency, 2008). The importance of urban green parks in promoting sustainable tourism is increasingly being recognized worldwide. Sustainable tourism takes into account the environmental, economic, and social elements for the management of both the visitors and the tourist destination. Sustainable tourism has been expounded in the literature (e.g., Catibog-Sinha, 2007; Harris et al., 2002; McCool & Watson, 1995; Swarbrooke, 1999). Given that the social and natural environments are inextricably connected, the success of tourism development depends on the quality and sustainability of the natural system. The loss or deterioration of the natural system will lead to the decline of economic wealth and the deterioration of the quality of life (Burr, 1995; Costanza et al., 1997).