Locals, expats team up to protect island
through beach cleanups and community action
The island of Siargao, known for its waters that are full of energy and grace, is more than just a surfer’s paradise—it’s also home to a growing movement of environmental warriors. At the heart of this effort is Eco Hub Siargao, a passionate group of locals and expats working tirelessly to protect the island’s fragile ecosystems. From beach cleanups to sustainable tourism campaigns, this club is proving that small actions can create big waves of change.
Leading the charge is Esther Boekel, who has been living in Siargao since January of 2024 and was drawn to its natural beauty, simple yet rich way of living, and the spirit of unity and camaraderie in the community. Esther was born and raised in the Netherlands as part of a tulip farm family and has a twin sister with whom she is very close.
It all started with a WhatsApp group for people who share a deep love for nature and a desire to protect it. In April last year, she began organizing beach cleanups, sometimes with a large group, other times just by herself.
“Since this year, we’ve committed to bi-weekly beach cleanups, prioritizing the areas where the need is most urgent. By showing up regularly and making this a shared responsibility together with the locals, we aim to build awareness and inspire long-term habits for both locals and visitors alike,” said Esther.
Caring for nature is something that has been ingrained in Esther since childhood. She grew up in a small countryside village in the northwest of the Netherlands, where she spent most of her time outdoors playing with her twin sister in the forests and taking care of many animals.
Esther remembers what her parents taught her about loving the environment. Their words still echo in her mind: “Take care of nature, and she will take care of you.”
“This belief has guided me throughout my life. We all have a natural connection to nature, but over time, many of us have become disconnected from it without even realizing it,” shared Esther.
Just recently, Eco Hub Siargao organized a beach cleanup at Cemetery, a popular surf spot. With over 35 volunteers (including locals, foreigners, and kids), the team managed to collect over 40 bags of trash in just one hour.
Esther continues, “After the cleanup, we gathered at Kurvada, a carenderia, where they generously provided free food and drinks, and we enjoyed a watercolor painting session together. It was a beautiful moment—people from all over the world united by a shared goal: keeping Siargao’s beaches clean in a fun and collective way. This event was exactly what I envisioned: community-driven, impactful, and bringing people together to protect what we love.”
At the heart of Eco Hub Siargao lies a powerful sense of community—a shared commitment to sustainability that binds residents, travelers, and changemakers together. This is more than just a gathering place; it’s a living ecosystem where collaboration thrives, rooted in mutual respect for nature and one another.
“I hope to leave behind a mindset shift where sustainability becomes second nature. It’s a way of life rather than just a responsibility. My goal is for the Eco Hub to be a community-led movement that continues to grow, driven by locals who take ownership of protecting their island,” said Esther.
For more Dee-Tails on how to protect the environment, contact Eco Hub Siargao on their IG page at @eco.siargao.
