2018 Boracay closure facts for kids

Boracay is a beautiful island in the Philippines, famous for its stunning beaches. In 2018, this popular tourist spot had to close for six months starting April 26. This was because the island had become very polluted and needed a big cleanup. During the closure, only people who lived on Boracay were allowed to stay there.

Why Boracay Was Closed

What Caused the Pollution?

The main reason for the closure was a lot of green slime, called algal blooms, on Boracay's beautiful beaches. These blooms happen when too many nutrients, often from waste, get into the water, making algae grow out of control. Other problems included harmful waste products that were not being handled properly. On February 9, 2018, the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, even called the island a "cesspool." This strong word showed how serious the pollution problem had become.

What Happened During the Closure?

To fix the problems, many businesses had to close. About 400 restaurants and hotels were shut down because they were not following environmental rules. Three casinos on the island also had to close their doors. Some buildings that were built too close to the beaches, less than 30 meters away, were taken down. This was to protect the coastline and make sure there was enough space for the natural environment.

Images for kids

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  Algal bloom in Boracay on April 25, 2018, a day before the island's closure.

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  Cleanup of algae in Boracay.

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  Department of Agriculture providing the Ati people tools and seeds for growing vegetables on the island.