Concepcion Beneath the Sea
The town of Concepcion, Iloilo’s underwater marine ecotourism program
The Concepcion Beneath the Sea Project
Concepcion is a picturesque fishing village located in the province of Iloilo, nestled on the beautiful island of Panay in the Philippines. This charming village is graced with numerous small islands surrounded by pristine, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty. Regrettably, this untouched splendor remains an undiscovered gem for eco-tourism. Concepcion has traditionally relied solely on fishing as its primary livelihood. However, this traditional way of life is finite, and the village’s reliance on fishing may soon become unsustainable.
Our Mission
Concepcion Beneath the Sea has embarked on a noble mission to unveil the hidden treasures of Concepcion’s underwater world and transform it into a thriving eco-tourism destination. Our initiative involves designating dive sites across the surrounding islands and reintroducing endangered and threatened giant clams to these sites as captivating underwater attractions.
Through this endeavor, we aim to restore the environmentally extinct giant clams to their natural habitat. By doing so, we will establish a novel and unparalleled underwater experience where eco-tourists and diving enthusiasts can marvel at these majestic creatures in their native environment in Concepcion.
Endangered Giant Clams of the Philippines
The initiative aims to repopulate the local waters of Concepcion with these magnificent but endangered species, offering marine enthusiast, divers, local and international tourists the unique opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive amongst them in designated protect divesites throughout Concepcion.
Through this ecotourism project, Concepcion invites visitors to experience the breathtaking beauty of its marine biodiversity and to witness firsthand the efforts being made to protect these valuable ecosystems for future generations.
The designated dive sites with protected giant clams will not only offer a safe haven for these clams and other marine animals to grow and thrive.
They will also become spots for tourist activities like swimming, diving, and snorkeling, providing Concepcion with an additional income source through eco-tourism in its marine sanctuaries. These areas, home to giant clams, will enhance Concepcion’s appeal as an underwater marine tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
True Giant Clams - Tridancna Giga
The Tridacna gigas, commonly known as the giant clam or taklobo in the Philippines, is the largest living bivalve mollusk. These remarkable creatures can reach sizes exceeding 4 feet in diameter and weigh over 400 lbs. Regrettably, the Tridacna gigas is categorized as an endangered species by the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture.
Giant clams require many years to achieve their full size, with a lifespan of up to 100 years. Their shells serve as habitats for myriad algae, which contribute to the vibrant colors of the clams’ mantles. Furthermore, giant clams play a crucial ecological role by filtering excess nutrients and pollutants from the water while sustenance is derived through filter-feeding on plankton.
Environmental and Economic Impact of the
Adopt a Clam Project
- Provides jobs for people in the town.
- Helps the town economy
- Provides the town a boost in tourism by giving them an alternative to just island hopping.
- Provides a different industry to Concepcion besides fishing.
- Allows the town to brand itself a nature conservancy focused town.
- Creates a tourist destination that can be marketed to the nature conservancy industry.
Join Us
Adoption Options:
● Adopt one clam: $75
● Adopt three clams: $150
● Major sponsors: $500
