The Chocolate Hills Natural Monument (CHNM) is one of the Philippines’ most iconic tourist destinations. It is notable for its scientific and geomorphic uniqueness. Covered in emerald-green grass during the wet season, these limestone hills turn brown when the dry season comes, giving them their distinctive chocolate-like appearance. As a globally recognized natural landmark, the Chocolate Hills can serve as a model for global sustainability frameworks.
However, keeping the elegance of the scenic landscape poses some challenges. To prevent tree growth, regular grass burning is a traditional practice. With limited resources, this remains the most efficient and effective method of maintaining the monument.
To address this, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, in partnership with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), initiated an action-research project, “Carbon Neutral Chocolate Hills Natural Monument: Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism.”
The project aims to develop a policy framework that promotes the sustainable management of the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument. It will focus on advancing carbon neutrality, strengthening environmental stewardship, fostering social responsibility, and ensuring long-term economic viability.
At the project’s inception meeting on January 24, 2026, Dr. Tomas Reyes, Jr., project leader and UPLB Associate Professor, presented the current situation, management practices, and existing policies of the natural monument. He also proposed a design for a carbon offset, reduction, and avoidance (CORA) program to improve existing management practices.
Dr. Ramon Benedicto Alampay, Director for Tourism Research and Extension Services of the UP Asian Institute of Tourism, and Dr. Nico Jayson Anastacio of the UPLB College of Public Affairs and Development also contributed their expertise during the inception meeting.
The project started its implementation in September 2025 and will continue until September 2027. DOST-PCAARRD and UPLB anticipate that this project could be the blueprint that will lead to sustainable tourism and carbon-neutral chocolate hills in the country.