Module Sustainability - Myths and Realities - Essay Example

SUMMARY Introduction to the Module Sustainability: Myths and Realities Nature based tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism industry (Buckley 2000, Ryan et al., 2000, Weight 2001, Kuo 2002). Ecotourism has been found to be growing three times faster globally than the tourism industry as a whole (WTO 2004, cited in TIES 2006). Ecotourism has been suggested under the broad category of nature-based tourism wherein increasing numbers of tourists can be accommodated in an intrinsic natural environmental tourism experience in a minimum and reasonable cost. Ecotourism can be relatively defined according to the interpretation of the reader. However, according to the normative definition, ecotourism is centered on three main criteria: (i) 'it should have nature based attractions (ii) visitor interactions should focus on education, and (iii) experience and product management should follow the principles associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability' (Weaver and Lawton 2007:170). Prescriptive definitions of ecotourism is preferred amongst experts which include 'value-based dimensions' such as conservation, community involvement and social responsibility.(Weaver and Lawton 2007: 1169). 'Ecotourism is vividly distinct from mass tourism and various other forms of alternative tourism' whilst acknowledging the common ground between them. (Fennell; 2003:16). Ecotourism is being promoted by governments and the tourism industry as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism. However, this too has not escaped critics' comments and myths. They have suggested that ecotourism can be damaging to the natural environment. Critics are skeptical that the future of tourism industries can be at risk (Mihalic 2000) with the motivation of ecotourists. Empirical research has shown that ecotourists tend to be slightly older, more affluent and educated than the other travelers. There are different types of eco/nature tourists. Lindberg's 1991 typology distinguishes hard-core, dedicated, mainstream tourists from casual nature tourists. Similarly Laarman and Durst (1987) has drawn a distinction between 'hard' and 'soft' ecotourism experiences based on the degree of difficulty in ecotourism. Ecotourism is one of the 'new' forms of tourism based around sustainable ideas. As compared to other forms of tourism ecotourism is small in scale, non-consumptive, ethical/responsible, and of benefit to local people. However, in the absence of an adequate management regime ecotourism is unlikely to be sustainable ecologically by any relevant measure. Most ecotourism destinations are geographically remote and hence ecotourism involves the issue of carbon expenditures with long distance travel and their contribution to climatic changes. Therefore, ecotourism can never meet the parameters of environmental sustainability. Critical Comments The sustainability of ecotourism is a controversial issue. As long as ecotourism serves its purpose as an 'alternative tourism' by satisfying ecotourists and fulfills their mission, it has already achieved its goal and purpose. There is a definite scope of developing ecotourism both at the local and global scales in order to promote tourism industry as such. Critical Reflections Different types of ecotourism have to be formed and developed by the government systems of developing and developed countries. Ecotourism must aim to gain the economic advantages of tourism development causing minimal negative environmental impact. SUMMARY 2 Tourism and Environment With reference to the environmental impacts of tourism from geographical perspective tourism as an industry depends on physical environment. Tourism is associated with environmental benefits although it is not free from negative impacts. Tourism is not free from related pollution problems. Most of these are related to traffic, tourist infrastructure and the activities of tourists. In congested areas emissions negatively influence vegetation, soil and visibility. Heating systems of tourist related buildings emit some polluting substances but this also is minimal relative to vehicle emissions (Hamele, 1988). Water resources too suffer negative impacts. Outcome of waste water generated by tourist facilities and runoff on inland lakes, streams and marine environment causes water pollution. Raw sewage discharged into in water resources is a cause of health hazard too. Water pollution is an increasingly serious problem in Mediterranean Sea (Mathieson and Wail, 1982). Sedimentation as a result of erosion leads to deforestation and plant destruction. Sedimentation also reduces the clarity of water and affects aquatic life (Goldman, 1989). Tourism requires adequate quantities of water for various domestic purposes. This is a major problem especially in areas where fresh water supply is scarce (Hamele, 1988). Research suggests that tourism has negative impact on flora and fauna. Consumptive activities of hunting, trapping and poaching are a major threat to wildlife, especially in Africa (Mathieson and Wall, 1982; Olokesusi, 1990). Even activities like photography and observation relate to behavior disturbances among the animals. (Kovacs and Innes, 1990; Olokesusi, 1990). Vegetation and plant life which are attractions for tourists also endure the negative impacts due to development of tourism. Environmental damage like mudslides, flooding and avalanches have caused deforestations due to constructions of buildings related to tourism. Deforestation has also resulted from the collection of firewood (Boo, 1990; Karan and Mather, 1985) and forest fires (Mathieson and Wail, 1982). Solid Wastes from tourism industry causes a major problem and add on to air pollution. Tourism can also have a negative effect on aesthetic beauty. To look into the positive aspect tourism has worked as a catalyst for preserving natural areas. Plants and wild life have been preserved as a result of tourism. Research suggests that 'alternative tourism' results in less severe impacts while still providing positive economic effects (Butler, 1990). Critical Comments Although alternative tourism may help reduce some of the negative environmental impact associated with tourism, it can never eradicate the problem of resource degradation completely. Critical Reflections Environmentally responsible planning and development programs need to be implemented and executed. There has to be compatibility between tourism development and environmental protection. Appropriate and careful planning, controlled development and tourist management can help in preserving environment. Tourist destinations need to develop appropriate conservation policies to effectively facilitate tourism. Preservation of the existing natural environment also is a vital option. With all its negative impact tourism is chosen as a development option as it is least harmful to the environment when compared to the other forms of economical development. -------------------- Read More