Bohol is one of the country’s tourist hotspots, especially when it comes to kayaking. According to the Department of Tourism – Region 7, an estimated 1,369,945 tourists visited the province in 2024, making it one of the biggest years for tourism in Bohol, with a 35% increase of visitors from last year.
With the increasing number of tourists every year, discarded kayaks and gears are becoming a problem for local residents and tourism groups. To reduce the number of discarded items, local group Kayakasia Philippines launched I AM Project Nova—an initiative that creates handcrafted bags and other items from decommissioned inflatable kayaks and outdoor gear.
I AM Project Nova's functional items from upcycled materials
I AM Project Nova's functional items from upcycled materials
I AM Project Nova's functional items from upcycled materials
Kayakasia Philippines is an eco-adventure travel company that is composed of kayak guides who continue to push tourism in different locations around the country, working with local communities to bring in an influx of visitors attracted to kayaking trails.
The organization was founded in 2011, and has since pushed for collective action to establish conservation, starting from its headquarters in Bohol. Hit by the tourism slump during the global pandemic in 2020, the community found ways to cope and sustain their livelihood while cleaning up their surroundings.
Through online workshops and self-administered studies, “Project Nova” was born, focusing on leatherworking and bag-making, and eventually becoming a full-blown market for carry bags, wallets, outdoor gear, and accessories.
Composed of a nine-member team, Kayakasia Philippines continues to make strides in impact-based solutions through its upcycled products. With this addition to their operations, they continue to juggle being a kayak tour company while also pursuing their sustainability endeavor through I AM Project Nova.
They have since expanded their outreach initiatives, including cleanup programs, sustainability collaborations, and environmental education in their lineup, while they continue with their tours.
“Being a guide has had a big impact on me personally, and on the people around me, my family and my friends,” says local member William Torculas Jr, who discovered a new perspective through sustainable ecotourism.
Kayakasia Philippines continues to lobby for ecotourism in the province, promoting mangrove planting and environmental protection through local community collaboration.
To learn more about Kayakasia Philippines’ advocacies and projects, visit their website.
Would you purchase these bags made out of upcycled materials? Let us know in the comments below!