POLLUTION AND TOURISM

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admin April 24, 2012 Pollution Antarctica, carbon emissions, diving, Galapagos,pollution and tourism

There are many causes for pollution of water resources as well as land resources. Industrial
effluents, factory emissions, logging and private transport are often blamed for deteriorating
biodiversity, destroying habitat and general pollution. These are important causes of pollution but not
the only ones. Another important cause of pollution is tourism.
Tourism makes up 5% of the world GDP. That means millions of people are moving around the
world. Except for those people walking or cycling to their destination all these tourists are causing
CO2 emissions from the transport they take. Especially when that transport is on an airplane.
Despite rising airplane ticket prices and a global recession people are still getting in planes by
droves to go on holiday.
The fact that many tourists have become jaded with the usual destinations and seek to go
somewhere exciting and rarely visited has a negative impact on natural resources. People are now
keen to take boat trips to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, the Siberian Tundra, the
Amazon Rainforest, the forests of Borneo and Papua New Guinea. Eco tourism is a good idea but
the carbon emissions involved in getting to these places and the infrastructure needed to cater for
the tourists has an impact on the natural surroundings.
Although divers to the Similan Islands, the Great Barrier Reef etc. try to be careful they are taking
many learners out to these important aquatic resources who will unintentionally damage the corals
and disturb these important natural resources.
In Africa jeeps in the National Parks bring people who drop litter and disturb the hunting patterns of
the animals they are chasing around trying to spot.
It is often the case that beautiful coastal areas that cater for tourists dont have the resources to deal
with large numbers of people. Sanitation and refuse disposal becomes a bigger problem as a beach
in Koh Tao, for example, becomes more important. Although the locals try their best in many cases
tourists have a polluting influence.
The idea of eco-tourism needs to be looked at more carefully.
No related posts.

http://riverinstitute.com/html/pollution-and-tourism.html/

The relationship between coastal tourism, sea pollution and public health: A case study
from Turkey

Summary
Among the different impacts of coastal tourism on the environment, the effect of tourism on
public health has special importance. The large increase in population during the high
season results usually in an increase in the amount of waste water produced. If the
necessary infrastructure for handling these wastes is not available, the sea is polluted,
causing serious problems.
To investigate the effects of sea pollution on the public, a health survey was conducted in
Bodrum and esme, the two most important tourist coastal resorts of Turkey. A
questionnaire about the health problems which tourists suffer, as well as their culinary
habits, swimming habits,etc. was distributed. At the same time the pollution level in the sea
was determined in the form of coliform concentration. As a result it is shown that those
swimming in polluted waters suffer more from gastro-intestinal diseases than others.
Furthermore, foreigners (usually Scandinavians) and children are proved to be more
susceptible to pollution, possibly due to their lack of immunity.

Dr Gnay Kocasoy is presently Associate Professor in the Department of

Chemical Engineering at Bogazii University. Her fields of interest are in
environmental engineering, water pollution and marine sciences. She
obtained a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Robert College, Istanbul,
Turkey, and subsequently a BA in Industrial Administration from Franklin
University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Following more recent studies she
possesses both an MS and a PhD in Marine Sciences from Istanbul University.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02241824

Tourism Development and Water Pollution: Case Study in

Lijiang Ancient Town

Ning Baoyinga, , ,
He Yuanqinga, b
Received 15 April 2007, Available online 27 April 2008

Abstract
Tourism development results in water pollution not only in water-scarce areas, but also
in areas with relatively abundant water resources, such as Lijiang Ancient Town (LAT).
In this article, LAT is described for its use of the freshwater resource, on account of its
attractive landscaping. Tourism here has grown rapidly in recent years and at the same
time the water quality has deteriorated sharply. Several investigations have been made,
with the aim of finding out the causes and consequences of water quality deterioration
because of tourism development. The results show that the present mode of water
utilization is not sustainable, and some of the local residents have already complained
about water quality degradation. Increasing numbers of tourists, relative service
infrastructures, such as, shops, restaurants, and hotels, and in addition, insufficient
management measures, result in the decline of water quality. Countermeasures on
water management approaches are suggested to deal with the current water pollution,
and make tourism development sustainable..

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872583X08600066

Environmental impacts of tourism and recreation in national parks and conservation reserves.
Authors
Buckley, R.; Pannell, J.
Journal
Journal of Tourism Studies 1990 Vol. 1 No. 1 pp. 24-32
Record Number
19901880624

Abstract
National parks and conservation reserves are subject to increasing levels of recreation and tourist
pressure. These produce environmental impacts associated with travel, accommodation and recreational
activities. Typical impacts in Australian parks and reserves include soil erosion and compaction, damage
to vegetation, disturbance to wildlife, water pollution, vandalism and noise. The article reviews the impacts
of tourism and recreation on all natural areas in Australia, whether or not these areas are classified as
conservation reserves. However, information availability means that the patterns reported are principally
derived from management plans for parks and reserves and from the relatively few academic studies in
particular areas. The importance of providing incentives to encourage low-impact forms of recreation is
stressed.

Effects of water pollution

1. Human Health
We all drink water that comes from a source: this may be a lake or local river. In countries that
have poor screening and purification practices, people often get water-borne disease outbreaks
such as cholera and tuberculosis. Every year, there are an estimated 35 million cholera cases
and 100,000120,000 deaths due to cholera. (WHO estimates that only 510% of cases are
officially reported.)
In developed countries, even where there are better purification methods, people still suffer from
the health effects of water pollution. Take toxins emitted by algae growth for instance: this can
cause stomach aches and rashes. Excess nitrogen in drinking water also pose serious risks to
infants. EPAs 2010 National Lakes Assessment found that almost 20 percent of the
nations lakes have high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. The report also
showed that poor lake conditions related to nitrogen or phosphorus pollution doubled
the likelihood of poor ecosystem health1.

2. Ecosystems

Nutrient pollution from upstream (creeks and streams) often flow downhill and even travel miles
into other larger water bodies. The effect is that, it breeds algae growth and causes the growth
of many more water organism. This algae attack affects fish and other aquatic animals by
absorbing and reducing their oxygen supply. Algae growth also clogs fish gills. Naturally, the
order of ecosystems in that water are affected negatively, as the destruction or introduction of
any foreign organism alter the entire food chain in there.

3. Death of animals
Animals, including water animals die when water is poisoned for various reasons. Other animals
are stressed and their populations are endangered. In a classic case of marine pollution in
recent time, 16000 miles of a US coastline was affected by an oil spill. That water pollution
caused a lot of damage and deaths of many animals. Over 8,000 animals (birds, turtles,
mammals) were reported dead just 6 months after the spill, including many that are
already on the endangered species list. Immediate impact on the wildlife includes oilcoated birds and sea turtles, mammal ingestion of oil, and dead or dying deep sea
coral2. Animals are also affected by solid waste thrown into water bodies, as they harm them in
many ways.

4. Economic cost
From the above it is evident that there is some real financial implications that will result from
water pollution. It can cost a lot more to purify drinking water that takes its source from nutrient
polluted water bodies. Fishing stock is affected negatively when there is a depletion of oxygen.
Consumers are also weary of fish from these sources and tend to stay away from them, costing
fisheries to lose revenue. In places where there are water activities or sports, lots of money is
spent to clean up the water from algae blooms and the like. The U.S. tourism industry loses
close to $1 billion each year, mostly from losses in fishing and recreational activities
because of nutrient-polluted water bodies. In Mississippi alone, tourism in the three
counties that border the Gulf Coast accounts for about $1.6 billion in visitor
expenditures, 32 percent of state travel and tourism tax revenues, and 24,000 direct
jobs3.

1 and 3. Facts about nutrient pollution, EPA, EPA-840-F12-003 May 2012

2. 11 Facts about the BP Oil Spill, DO SOMETHING.ORG

http://enviropol.com/index.php/effects-of-water-pollution

Tourism's Three Main Impact Areas

Negative impacts from tourism occur when the level of visitor use is greater than the
environment's ability to cope with this use within the acceptable limits of change.
Uncontrolled conventional tourism poses potential threats to many natural areas around the
world. It can put enormous pressure on an area and lead to impacts such as soil erosion,
increased pollution, discharges into the sea, natural habitat loss, increased pressure on
endangered species and heightened vulnerability to forest fires. It often puts a strain on
water resources, and it can force local populations to compete for the use of critical
resources.

Depletion of Natural Resources

Tourism development can put pressure on natural resources when it increases consumption
in areas where resources are already scarce.

Water resources
Water, and especially fresh water, is one of the most critical natural resources. The tourism
industry generally overuses water resources for hotels, swimming pools, golf courses and
personal use of water by tourists. This can result in water shortages and degradation of
water supplies, as well as generating a greater volume of waste water..

In dryer regions like the Mediterranean, the issue of water scarcity is of particular concern.
Because of the hot climate and the tendency of tourists to consume more water when on
holiday than they do at home, the amount used can run up to 440 liters a day. This is almost
double what the inhabitants of an average Spanish city use.
Golf course maintenance can also deplete fresh water resources. In recent years golf tourism
has increased in popularity and the number of golf courses has grown rapidly. Golf courses
require an enormous amount of water every day and, as with other causes of excessive
extraction of water, this can result in water scarcity. If the water comes from wells,
overpumping can cause saline intrusion into groundwater. Golf resorts are more and more
often situated in or near protected areas or areas where resources are limited, exacerbating
their impacts.
An average golf course in a tropical country such as Thailand needs 1500kg of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides per year and uses as much water as 60,000 rural
villagers.
Source: Tourism Concern

Local resources
Tourism can create great pressure on local resources like energy, food, and other raw
materials that may already be in short supply. Greater extraction and transport of these
resources exacerbates the physical impacts associated with their exploitation. Because of
the seasonal character of the industry, many destinations have ten times more inhabitants
in the high season as in the low season. A high demand is placed upon these resources to
meet the high expectations tourists often have (proper heating, hot water, etc.).

Land degradation
Important land resources include minerals, fossil fuels, fertile soil, forests, wetland and
wildlife. Increased construction of tourism and recreational facilities has increased the
pressure on these resources and on scenic landscapes. Direct impact on natural resources,
both renewable and nonrenewable, in the provision of tourist facilities can be caused by the
use of land for accommodation and other infrastructure provision, and the use of building
materials.
Forests often suffer negative impacts of tourism in the form of deforestation caused by fuel
wood collection and land clearing. For example, one trekking tourist in Nepal - and area
already suffering the effects of deforestation - can use four to five kilograms of wood a day.

Pollution
Tourism can cause the same forms of pollution as any other industry: air emissions, noise,
solid waste and littering, releases of sewage, oil and chemicals, even architectural/visual
pollution.

Air pollution and noise

Transport by air, road, and rail is continuously increasing in response to the rising number of
tourists and their greater mobility. To give an indication, the ICAO reported that the number
of international air passengers worldwide rose from 88 million in 1972 to 344 million in 1994.
One consequence of this increase in air transport is that tourism now accounts for more than
60% of air travel and is therefore responsible for an important share of air emissions. One
study estimated that a single transatlantic return flight emits almost half the CO2 emissions
produced by all other sources (lighting, heating, car use, etc.) consumed by an average
person yearly. (Mayer Hillman, Town & Country Planning magazine, September 1996. Source:
MFOE ).
Transport emissions and emissions from energy production and use are linked to acid rain,
global warming and photochemical pollution. Air pollution from tourist transportation has
impacts on the global level, especially from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to
transportation energy use. And it can contribute to severe local air pollution. Some of these
impacts are quite specific to tourist activities. For example, especially in very hot or cold
countries, tour buses often leave their motors running for hours while the tourists go out for
an excursion because they want to return to a comfortably air-conditioned bus.
Noise pollution from airplanes, cars, and buses, as well as recreational vehicles such as
snowmobiles and jet skis, is an ever-growing problem of modern life. In addition to causing
annoyance, stress, and even hearing loss for it humans, it causes distress to wildlife,
especially in sensitive areas. For instance, noise generated by snowmobiles can cause
animals to alter their natural activity patterns.

Solid waste and littering

In areas with high concentrations of tourist activities and appealing natural

attractions, waste disposal is a serious problem and improper disposal can be a major
despoiler of the natural environment - rivers, scenic areas, and roadsides. For example,
cruise ships in the Caribbean are estimated to produce more than 70,000 tons of waste each
year. Today some cruise lines are actively working to reduce waste-related impacts. Solid
waste and littering can degrade the physical appearance of the water and shoreline and
cause the death of marine animals.
In mountain areas, trekking tourists generate a great deal of waste. Tourists on expedition
leave behind their garbage, oxygen cylinders and even camping equipment. Such practices
degrade the environment with all the detritus typical of the developed world, in remote
areas that have few garbage collection or disposal facilities. Some trails in the Peruvian
Andes and in Nepal frequently visited by tourists have been nicknamed "Coca-Cola trail" and
"Toilet paper trail".

Sewage
Construction of hotels, recreation and other facilities often leads to increased sewage
pollution. Wastewater has polluted seas and lakes surrounding tourist attractions, damaging
the flora and fauna. Sewage runoff causes serious damage to coral reefs because it
stimulates the growth of algae, which cover the filter-feeding corals, hindering their ability to
survive. Changes in salinity and siltation can have wide-ranging impacts on coastal
environments. And sewage pollution can threaten the health of humans and animals.

Aesthetic Pollution
Often tourism fails to integrate its structures with the natural features and indigenous
architectural of the destination. Large, dominating resorts of disparate design can look out of
place in any natural environment and may clash with the indigenous structural design.
A lack of land-use planning and building regulations in many destinations has facilitated
sprawling developments along coastlines, valleys and scenic routes. The sprawl includes
tourism facilities themselves and supporting infrastructure such as roads, employee housing,
parking, service areas, and waste disposal.

Physical Impacts
Attractive landscape sites, such as sandy beaches, lakes, riversides, and mountain tops and
slopes, are often transitional zones, characterized by species-rich ecosystems. Typical
physical impacts include the degradation of such ecosystems.
An ecosystem is a geographic area including all the living organisms (people, plants,
animals, and microorganisms), their physical surroundings (such as soil, water, and air), and
the natural cycles that sustain them. The ecosystems most threatened with degradation are
ecologically fragile areas such as alpine regions, rain forests, wetlands, mangroves, coral
reefs and sea grass beds. The threats to and pressures on these ecosystems are often
severe because such places are very attractive to both tourists and developers.
In industrial countries, mass tourism and recreation are now fast overtaking the extractive
industries as the largest threat to mountain communities and environments. Since 1945,
visits to the 10 most popular mountainous national parks in the United States have
increased twelve-fold. In the European Alps, tourism now exceeds 100 million visitor-days.
Every year in the Indian Himalaya, more than 250,000 Hindu pilgrims, 25,000 trekkers, and
75 mountaineering expeditions climb to the sacred source of the Ganges River, the Gangotri
Glacier. They deplete local forests for firewood, trample riparian vegetation, and strew litter.
Even worse, this tourism frequently induces poorly planned, land-intensive development.
Source: People & the Planet
Physical impacts are caused not only by tourism-related land clearing and construction, but
by continuing tourist activities and long-term changes in local economies and ecologies.

Physical impacts of tourism development

Construction activities and infrastructure development

The development of tourism facilities such as accommodation, water supplies, restaurants
and recreation facilities can involve sand mining, beach and sand dune erosion, soil erosion
and extensive paving. In addition, road and airport construction can lead to land degradation
and loss of wildlife habitats and deterioration of scenery.
In Yosemite National Park (US), for instance, the number of roads and facilities have been
increased to keep pace with the growing visitor numbers and to supply amenities,
infrastructure and parking lots for all these tourists. These actions have caused habitat loss
in the park and are accompanied by various forms of pollution including air pollution from

automobile emissions; the Sierra Club has reported "smog so thick that Yosemite Valley
could not be seen from airplanes". This occasional smog is harmful to all species and
vegetation inside the Park. (Source:Trade and Environment Database)

Deforestation and intensified or unsustainable use of land

Construction of ski resort accommodation and facilities frequently requires clearing forested
land. Coastal wetlands are often drained and filled due to lack of more suitable sites for
construction of tourism facilities and infrastructure. These activities can cause severe
disturbance and erosion of the local ecosystem, even destruction in the long term.

Marina development
Development of marinas and breakwaters can cause changes in currents and coastlines.
Furthermore, extraction of building materials such as sand affects coral reefs, mangroves,
and hinterland forests, leading to erosion and destruction of habitats. In the Philippines and
the Maldives, dynamiting and mining of coral for resort building materials has damaged
fragile coral reefs and depleted the fisheries that sustain local people and attract tourists.
Overbuilding and extensive paving of shorelines can result in destruction of habitats and
disruption of land-sea connections (such as sea-turtle nesting spots). Coral reefs are
especially fragile marine ecosystems and are suffering worldwide from reef-based tourism
developments. Evidence suggests a variety of impacts to coral result from shoreline
development, increased sediments in the water, trampling by tourists and divers, ship
groundings, pollution from sewage, overfishing, and fishing with poisons and explosives that
destroy coral habitat.

Physical impacts from tourist activities

Trampling
Tourists using the same trail over and over again trample the vegetation and soil, eventually
causing damage that can lead to loss of biodiversity and other impacts. Such damage can
be even more extensive when visitors frequently stray off established trails.

Trampling impacts on vegetation

Trampling impacts on soil

Breakage and bruising of stems

Loss of organic matter

Reduced plant vigor

Reduction in soil macro porosity

Reduced regeneration

Decrease in air and water permeability

Loss of ground cover

Increase in run off

Change in species composition

Accelerated erosion

Source: University of Idaho

Anchoring and other marine activities

In marine areas (around coastal waters, reefs, beach and shoreline, offshore waters, uplands
and lagoons) many tourist activities occur in or around fragile ecosystems. Anchoring,
snorkeling, sport fishing and scuba diving, yachting, and cruising are some of the activities
that can cause direct degradation of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, and subsequent
impacts on coastal protection and fisheries.

Alteration of ecosystems by tourist activities

Habitat can be degraded by tourism leisure activities. For example, wildlife viewing can bring
about stress for the animals and alter their natural behavior when tourists come too close.
Safaris and wildlife watching activities have a degrading effect on habitat as they often are
accompanied by the noise and commotion created by tourists as they chase wild animals in
their trucks and aircraft. This puts high pressure on animal habits and behaviors and tends
to bring about behavioral changes. In some cases, as in Kenya, it has led to animals
becoming so disturbed that at times they neglect their young or fail to mate.
There are 109 countries with coral reefs. In 90 of them reefs are being damaged by cruise
ship anchors and sewage, by tourists breaking off chunks of coral, and by commercial
harvesting for sale to tourists. One study of a cruise ship anchor dropped in a coral reef for
one day found an area about half the size of a football field completely destroyed, and half
again as much covered by rubble that died later. It was estimated that coral recovery would
take
fifty
years.
Source: Ocean Planet
The Wider Caribbean Region, stretching from Florida to French Guiana, receives 63,000 port
calls from ships each year, and they generate 82,000 tons of garbage. About 77% of all ship
waste comes from cruise vessels. The average cruise ship carries 600 crew members and
1,400 passengers. On average, passengers on a cruise ship each account for 3.5 kilograms
of garbage daily - compared with the 0.8 kilograms each generated by the less wellendowed
folk
on
shore.
Source: Our Planet, UNEP magazine for environmentally sustainable development, volume
10, no. 3, 1999

http://www.unep.org/resourceefficiency/Business/SectoralActivities/Tourism/Factsand
FiguresaboutTourism/ImpactsofTourism/EnvironmentalImpacts/TourismsThreeMainIm
pactAreas/tabid/78776/Default.aspx

Tourism and sustainable water supply in Mallorca: a

geographical analysis

M. Kent, ,
R. Newnham,
S. Essex

Abstract
Problems of sustainability of water supply in tourist resorts are becoming an
increasingly common and important issue in applied geography and environmental
management. This paper examines the relationships between tourism and water supply
on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, discussing both the scale of the problem and
recent measures to find a solution, particularly the proposed Hydrological Plan for the
Balearic Islands (published in 1998/9). Since Mallorca lies in an area likely to be
seriously affected by future climate change, its potential effects are discussed and
evaluated. One of the most critical problems relates to the coarse spatial resolution of
general circulation models for predicting precipitation in an area where precipitation
regimes grade steeply from semi-arid to humid temperate. However, it is likely that a
continuation of the marked inter-annual and decadal-scale variability in precipitation
seen during the recent past probably poses a greater threat to Mallorcas water supply
than the more gradual, progressive change typically predicted to accompany future
global warming. Similarly, continued over-exploitation of coastal aquifers will be more
critical to water quality issues than the direct impacts of any future sea level rise,
although the latter would undoubtedly exacerbate these effects. The conclusion
discusses the controversial new ecotasa(ecotax), due to be imposed on Mallorcas
tourist industry in 2002, which is likely to represent only a partial solution to the longterm water supply problem. As the physical, cultural and economic environments of
Mallorca are typical of much of the Mediterranean region, the implications of this issue
extend well beyond the islands shores.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0143622802000504

El Nido beach tests positive

for coliform

EL NIDO towns coastal cove facing Bacuit Bay PHOTO COURTESY OF

EL NIDO TOURISM OFFICE
PUERTO PRINCESA CITYWater pollution caused by improper sewage
management amid uncontrolled coastal development in the picturesque town of El
Nido in Northern Palawan province is threatening to set back its rapidly growing
tourism sector, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta
warned.
Speaking before the Palawan Chamber of Commerce on the threats of climate change
on Saturday, Acosta cited recent results of water sampling tests conducted in El Nido

that showed the popular beach being contaminated with coliform, or organisms
forming from human and animal wastes.
Acosta was referring to the popular public beach cove that demarcates the shoreline of
the town proper along Bacuit Bay.
The sewer lines from houses and establishments are directly emptying into the beach
of El Nido. I was literally jumping over stench-filled canals, Acosta said.
Laboratory examination of water samples from Bacuit Bay exceeded tolerable limits
of pollutants, he added.
BOD or biochemical oxygen demand is at levels 3,000 percent higher than what the
Clean Air Act, which I principally authored in Congress, allowed, said Acosta,
a former representative of Bukidnon province.
The Philippine Water Code provides critical indicators of water quality, including
measurements of dissolved oxygen in water important in the process of dissolving
biological organisms in it.
The evident cause of beach pollution in El Nido, Acosta observed, is the absence of a
proper drainage system in the municipality.
I had voiced my deep concern with the mayor and the provincial government about
this and I hope something can be done, he said.
El Nido, according to provincial government tourism statistics, is the provinces main
tourist draw next to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa City. It is located at the
northernmost part of mainland Palawan, some 240 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa
City.
The municipality boasts an iconic beach lined with small lodging facilities, restaurants
and souvenir shops.
The tourism activities in the town include island hopping, spelunking, diving,
snorkeling and other water-based activities. The town also hosts high-end islandresorts, including Soriano Corp.s El Nido Resorts.
The main town of El Nido is an ecological disaster waiting to happen, Marge
Araneta, an El Nido resident, told the Inquirer in an e-mail.
She confirmed observations that the drainage of some hotels, cottages and restaurants
are leading directly into the beach.
There is no sewage disposal system and all septic tanks are dug underground, she
said.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651058/el-nido-beach-testspositive-for-coliform#ixzz3gUi4jL1Q

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Impact of tourism in coastal areas: Need of

sustainable tourism strategy
This article discusses the issues and impacts associated with coastal tourism, the current status of related
environmental affairs and a forecast of tourism in the future. The article concludes by providing suggestions for
future management of coastal tourism.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Specific situation of coastal areas

o

2.1 Main sources of impact

2.2 Resulting problems

3 How does tourism damage coastal environment

3.1 Tourist infrastructure

3.2 Careless resorts, operators, and tourists

3.3 Cruise ships: Floating towns

4 The case of cruise ship tourism

5 Impacts

4.1 Problems

5.1 Environmental impacts

5.2 Impacts on biodiversity

5.3 Socio-cultural impacts

6 Benefits of Sustainable coastal tourism

6.1 Economic benefit

6.2 Environmental Management and Planning benefits

6.3 Socio-cultural benefits

7 Sustainable Tourism Strategy

7.1 Analysis of status-quo

7.2 Strategy development

7.3 Action plan

8 Conclusions

9 Furthur reading

10 See also

10.1 Internal Links

10.2 External Links

11 References

Introduction
Since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, there is increasing awareness of the importance of sustainable
forms of tourism. Although tourism, one of the world largest industries, was not the subject of a chapter
in Agenda 21, the Programme for the further implementation of Agenda 21, adopted by the General Assembly
at its nineteenth special session in 1997, included sustainable tourism as one of its sectoral themes.
Furthermore in 1996, The World Tourism Organization jointly with the tourism private sector issued an Agenda
21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry, with 19 specific areas of action recommended to governments and
private operators towards sustainability in tourism.

Specific situation of coastal areas

Coastal areas are transitional areas between the land and sea characterized by a very high biodiversity and
they include some of the richest and most fragile ecosystems on earth, like mangroves and coral reefs. At the

same time, coasts are under very high population pressure due to rapid urbanization processes. More than half
of todays world population live in coastal areas (within 60 km from the sea) and this number is on the rise.
Additionally, among all different parts of the planet, coastal areas are those which are most visited by tourists
and in many coastal areas tourism presents the most important economic activity. In the Mediterranean
region for example, tourism is the first economic activity for islands like Cyprus, Malta, the Balearic Islands and
Sicily.
Forecast studies carried out by WTO[1] estimate that international tourist arrivals to the Mediterranean coast will
amount to 270 millions in 2010 and to 346 millions in 2020 (in 2000 around 200 million foreign visitors per
year).

Main sources of impact

Residence in the coastal zone

Fisheries and aquaculture

Shipping

Tourism

Land-use practices (Agriculture, Industrial development)

Climate change

Resulting problems

Loss of marine resources due to destruction of coral reefs, overfishing

Pollution of marine and freshwater resources

Soil degradation and loss of land resources (e.g. desertification and salinification due to excessive
water use, overuse of fertilizers, erosion)

Air pollution

Loss of cultural resources, social disruption

Loss of public access

Natural hazards and sea level rise

Climate change

Fig. 1: Recreational snorkellers harassing a whaleshark(Rhincodon typhus), WWF-Canon/Erkki SIIRLIA

Figure 2: Tourists sunbathing on a beach used by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) for Nnesting, some with beach
umbrellas which can hurt turtle nests. Zkinthos, Greece. WWF-Canon / Michel GUNTHER

For further details see: Sustainable Tourism Management in Coastal Areas and WWF on Tourism Pressure

How does tourism damage coastal environment

Massive influxes of tourists, often to a relatively small area, have a huge impact. They add to the pollution,
waste, and water needs of the local population, putting local infrastructure and habitats under enormous
pressure. For example, 85% of the 1.8 million people who visit Australia's Great Barrier Reef are concentrated
in two small areas, Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands, which together have a human population of just
130,000 or so.

Tourist infrastructure
In many areas, massive new tourist developments have been built - including airports, marinas, resorts, and
golf courses. Overdevelopment for tourism has the same problems as other coastal developments, but often
has a greater impact as the tourist developments are located at or near fragile marine ecosystems. For
example:

mangrove forests and seagrass meadows have been removed to create open beaches

tourist developments such as piers and other structures have been built directly on top of coral reefs

nesting sites for endangered marine turtles have been destroyed and disturbed by large numbers of
tourists on the beaches

Careless resorts, operators, and tourists

The damage doesn't end with the construction of tourist infrastructure. Some tourist resorts empty their sewage
and other wastes directly into water surrounding coral reefs and other sensitive marine habitats. Recreational
activities also have a huge impact. For example, careless boating, diving, snorkeling, and fishing have
substantially damaged coral reefs in many parts of the world, through people touching reefs, stirring
up sediment, and dropping anchors. Marine animals such as whale sharks, seals, dugongs, dolphins, whales,
and birds are also disturbed by increased numbers of boats, and by people approaching too closely. Tourism
can also add to the consumption of seafood in an area, putting pressure on local fish populations and
sometimes contributing to overfishing. Collection of corals, shells, and other marine souvenirs - either by
individual tourists, or local people who then sell the souvenirs to tourists - also has a detrimental effect on the
local environment.

Cruise ships: Floating towns

The increased popularity of cruise ships has also adversely affected the marine environment. Carrying up to
4,000 passengers and crew, these enormous floating towns are a major source of marine pollution through the
dumping of garbage and untreated sewage at sea, and the release of other shipping-related pollutants.
Source WWF on Tourism Pressure and European Environment Agency on Tourism

The case of cruise ship tourism

A development that has turned out to be a severe problem for many coastal areas in the last decade is the
increase in cruise ship tourism. The cruise ship business is the segment that has grown most rapidly during the
last decade. While world international tourist arrivals in the period 1990 1999 grew at an accumulative annual
rate of 4.2%, that of cruises did by 7.7%. In 1990 there were 4.5 million international cruise arrivals which had
increased to a number of 8.7 million in 1999. Particularly for many islands in the Caribbean, cruise tourism is an
important market segment. In the period from 1990 to 1999 there was an increase from 13.71 million
international tourist arrivals to 20.32 million (CTO). Meanwhile the number of cruise passengers increased from

7.75 million to 12.14 million in the same period. This means that in 1999 almost 2/3 of all arrivals to the
Caribbean were cruise passengers.

Problems

Discharge of sewage in marinas and nearshore coastal areas.

The lack of adequate port reception facilities for solid waste, especially in many small islands, as well
as the frequent lack of garbage storing facilities on board can result in solid wastes being disposed of at
sea, and being transported by wind and currents to shore often in locations distant from the original source
of the material.

Tar balls on beaches indicate that oil tankers and other ships dump their oil and garbage
overboard (despite laws against such practice), while pollution off Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico is
causing serious concern.

Land-based activities such as port development and the dredging that inevitably accompanies it in
order to receive cruise ships with sometimes more than 3000 passengers can significantly degrade coral
reefs through the build up of sediment. Furthermore, sand mining at the beaches leads to coastal erosion.

In the Cayman Islands damage has been done by cruise ships dropping anchor on the reefs. Scientists
have acknowledged that more than 300 acres of coral reef have already been lost to cruise ship anchors in
the harbour at George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman.

The potential socio-cultural stress produced by cruise tourism needs to be mentioned as well, since it
means that during very short periods there is high influx of people, sometimes more than the local
inhabitants of small islands, demanding food, energy,water, etc. and possibly overrunning local
communities.

Source: Sustainable Tourism Management in Coastal Areas, Eugenio Yunis 2001

Impacts

Environmental impacts
Tourism can create great pressure on local resources such as energy, food, land and water that may already be
in short supply. According to the Third Assessment of Europes environment (EEA, 2003 [2]), the direct local
impacts of tourism on people and the environment at destinations are strongly affected by concentration in
space and time (seasonality).
They result from:

The intensive use of water and land by tourism and leisure facilities.

The delivery and use of energy.

Changes in the landscape coming from the construction of infrastructure, buildings and facilities.

Air pollution and waste.

The compaction and sealing of soils (damage and destruction of vegetation).

The disturbance of fauna and local people (for example, by noise).

Impacts on biodiversity
Tourism can cause loss of biodiversity in many ways, e.g. by competing with wildlife for habitat and natural
resources. More specifically, negative impacts on biodiversity can be caused by various factors.

Socio-cultural impacts
Change of local identity and values:

Commercialization of local culture: Tourism can turn local culture into commodities when religious
traditions, local customs and festivals are reduced to conform to tourist expectations and resulting in what
has been called "reconstructed ethnicity"

Standardization: Destinations risk standardization in the process of tourists desires and satisfaction:
while landscape, accommodation, food and drinks, etc., must meet the tourists expectation for the new and
unfamiliar situation. They must at the same time not be too new or strange because few tourists are
actually looking for completely new things.This factor damages the variation and beauty of diverse cultures.

Adaptation to tourist demands: Tourists want to collect souvenirs, arts, crafts, cultural manifestations.
In many tourist destinations, craftsmen have responded to the growing demand and have made changes in
the design of their products to make them more attractive to the new customers. Cultural erosion may
occur in the process of commercializing cultural traditions.

Cultural clashes may arise through:

Economic inequality - between locals and tourists who are spending more than they usually do at
home.

Irritation due to tourist behaviour - Tourists often, out of ignorance or carelessness, fail to respect local
customs and moral values.

Job level friction - due to a lack of professional training, many low-paid tourism-jobs go to local people
while higher-paying and more prestigious managerial jobs go to foreigners or "urbanized" nationals.

Figure 4: UNWTO's Tourism 2020 Vision forecasts that international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the
year 2020. Of these worldwide arrivals in 2020, 1.2 billion will be intraregional and 378 million will be long-haul travellers. [3]

Benefits of Sustainable coastal tourism

Economic benefit
The main positive economic impacts of sustainable (coastal) tourism are: contributions to government
revenues,foreign exchange earnings, generation of employment and business opportunities.Further information
on economic contributions of tourism can be found on the website of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Contribution to government revenues
Government revenues from the tourism sector can be categorised as direct and indirect contributions. Direct
contributions are generated by income taxes from tourism and employment due to tourism, tourism businesses
and by direct charges on tourists such as ecotax . Indirect contributions derive from taxes and duties on goods
and services supplied to tourists, for example, taxes on tickets (or entry passes to any protected areas),
souvenirs, alcohol, restaurants, hotels, service of tour operators.
Foreign exchange earnings
Tourism expenditures, the export and import of related goods and services generate income to the host
economy. Tourism is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38 % of all countries (World
Tourism Organisation).
Employment generation
The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant employment creation. Tourism can generate
jobs directly through hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir sales and indirectly through the supply of goods and
services needed by tourism-related businesses; for e.g. conducted tour operators. Tourism represents around
7 % of the worlds employees (World Tourism Organisation). Stimulation of infrastructure investment Tourism
can influence the local government to improve the infrastructure by creating better water and sewage systems,
roads, electricity, telephone and public transport networks. All this can improve the standard of living for
residents as well as facilitate tourism.

Contribution to local economies

Tourism can be a significant or even an essential part of the local economy. As environment is a basic
component of the tourism industrys assets, tourism revenues are often used to measure the economic value of
protected areas. Part of the tourism income comes from informal employment, such as street vendors and
informal guides. The positive side of informal or unreported employment is that the money is returned to the
local economy and has a great multiplier effect as it is spent over and over again. TheWorld Travel and Tourism
Council estimates that tourism generates an indirect contribution equal to 100 % of direct tourism expenditures.
Direct financial contributions to nature protection
Tourism can contribute directly to the conservation of sensitive areas and habitats. Revenue from park-entrance
fees and similar sources can be allocated specifically to pay for the protection and management of
environmentally sensitive areas. Some governments collect money in more far-reaching and indirect ways that
are not linked to specific parks or conservation areas. User fees, income taxes, taxes on sales or rental of
recreation equipment and license fees for activities such as hunting and fishing can provide governments with
the funds needed to manage natural resources.
Competitive advantage
More and more tour operators take an active approach towards sustainability. Not only because consumers
expect them to do so but also because they are aware that intact destinations are essential for the long term
survival of the tourism industry. More and more tour operators prefer to work with suppliers who act in a
sustainable manner, e.g. saving water and energy, respecting the local culture and supporting the well being of
local communities. In 2000 the international Tour Operators initiative for SustainableTourism was founded with
the support of UNEP.

Environmental Management and Planning benefits

Sound and efficient environmental management of tourism facilities and especially hotels (e.g.water and energy
saving measures, waste minimization, use of environmentally friendly material) can decrease the environmental
impact of tourism. Planning helps to make choices between the conflicting interests of industry and tourism, in
order to find ways to make them compatible. By planning sustainable tourism development strategy at an early
stage,prevents damages and expensive mistakes , thereby avoiding the gradual deterioration of the quality of
environmental goods and services significant to tourism.

Socio-cultural benefits
Tourism as a force for peace
Travelling brings people into contact with each other. As sustainable tourism has an educational element it can
foster understanding between people and cultures and provide cultural exchange between guests and hosts .
This increases the chances for people to develop mutual sympathy, tolerance and understanding and to reduce
prejudices and promote the sense of global brotherhood.
Strengthening communities
Sustainable Coastal Tourism can add to the vitality of communities in many ways. For e.g. events and festivals
of the local communities where they have been the primary participants and spectators. Often these are

refreshed, reincarnated and developed in response to tourists interests.

The jobs created by tourism can act as a very important motivation to reduce emigration from rural areas. Local
people can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their jobs and earnings
prospects through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organizational skills.
Revitalization of culture and traditions
Sustainable Tourism can also improve the preservation and transmission of cultural and historical traditions.
Contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources can bring usually the
chance to protect local heritage or to revitalize native cultures, for instance by regenerating traditional arts and
crafts.
Encouragement social involvement and pride
In some situations, tourism also helps to raise local awareness concerning the financial value of natural and
cultural sites. It can stimulate a feeling of pride in local and national heritage and interest in its conservation.
More broadly, the involvement of local communities in sustainable tourism development and operation seems to
be an important condition for the sustainable use and conservation of the biodiversity.
Benefits for the tourists of Sustainable Tourism
The benefits of sustainable tourism for visitors are plenty: they can enjoy unspoiled nature and landscapes,
environmental quality of goods or services(clean air and water), a healthy community with low crime rate,
thriving and authentic local culture and traditions.
Source: http://www.netcoast.nl/coastlearn/website/tourism/

Sustainable Tourism Strategy

Analysis of status-quo

Development of previous tourism management or related strategies for the specific area (What can be
used? Has it been implemented? Which lessons are to be learnt?)

A stakeholder analysis (Who has an interest in sustainable tourism development? Who are the main
actors?)

Facts and figures of the local educational system, economical and social structure

Anecdotal and traditional knowledge

Methods for collecting this information:

Interviews with stakeholders

Questionnaires distributed and collected by e-mail, fax or personally in oder to compile standardised
data and perform a statistical analysis

Invitation to focus group meetings (e.g. meetings on environmental

education, biodiversity management, good governance and fisheries)

Literature search in the local library and the internet

Strategy development
A Sustainable Tourism Strategy is based on the information collected . It defines the priority issues,
the stakeholder community, the potential objectives and a set of methodologies to reach these objectives.
These include:

Conservation of specific coastal landscapes or habitats that make the area attractive or are protected
under nature conservation legislation

Development of regionally specific sectors of the economy that can be interlinked with
the tourism sector (e.g. production of food specialities and handicrafts)

Maximising local revenues from tourism investments

Enabling self-determined cultural development in the region, etc.

Action plan
The Action Plan describes the steps needed to implement the strategy and addressing a number of practical
questions such as: which organizations will take up which activities, over what time frame, by what means and
with which resources? As the actions have to be considered on the basis of regional circumstances, there is no
standard action plan for all. However, Action Plans usually include measures in the following fields:

Administration: e.g. promotion of co-operation between sectors and of cross-sectorial development

models; involving local people in drafting tourism policy and decisions

Socio-economical sector: e.g. promoting local purchasing of food and building material; setting up
networks of local producers for better marketing; development of new products to meet the needs of
tourists, etc.

Environment: e.g. improving control and enforcement of environmental standards (noise, drinking
water, bathing water, waste-water treatment, etc.); identification and protection of endangered habitats;
creation of buffer zones around sensitive natural areas; prohibition of environmentally harmful sports in
jeopardised regions; strict application of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic
Environmental Assessment procedures on all tourism related projects and programs

Knowledge: training people involved in coastal tourism about the value of historical heritage;
environmental management; training protected area management staff in nature interpretation; raising
environmental awareness among the local population; introducing a visitors information programme
(including environmental information)

Source: http://www.netcoast.nl/coastlearn/website/tourism/

Conclusions
During the last century, beaches have completely reversed their role: they have become the driving force
behind the economic welfare instead of just being an inhospitable place. However, the demographic pressure
and the overuse of the territory related to those factors, in the hinterland (dams in the rivers, farming and
tourism) as well as in the proper beach (sewage discharge, dry goods extraction and crops) have caused a
general decrease in the contribution of sediments to the beaches with a continental or a marine origin. It is hard
to find a unique solution for all those problems. However, it should be absolutely essential to follow these
points:

First, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Second, a better dissemination of the existing information should be achieved. For that purpose, a
better coordination of the existing governmental bodies that deal with coastal management is necessary.

Third, an improvement of the environmental education is essential for a sustainable development

of the coast.

Pollution levels at Britain's most popular beaches reach decade high as fears rise over
tourism impact

Tests reveal worst bathing water quality standards in a decade across Britain's
beaches
Raw sewage has been spilling into the sea despite water companies investing billions
in improvements
Blackpool alone could face losing 1bn in revenue unless improvements are made to
sewer systems
More than 40 beaches are expected to fail when new standards are introduced in 2015

Beachgoers are being warned to think again before taking a plunge - after tests revealed high levels of raw sewage
are spilling into the sea.
Some of Brtain's most popular beaches, including Weston-Super-Mare, Exmouth and Blackpool, recorded the worst
bathing water quality standards for more than a decade, according to a list obtained by The Sunday Times.
All of the 26 beaches in England and Wales failed to meet even the most basic standards this summer.

Charmouth West, Dorset attracts visitors for fossil-hunting and crab-spotting - but beware of the water

Always popular with tourists in the summer, high levels of pollution were even seen at Exmouth in Devon

The beach at Seaton Carew has made it onto the list for poor water quality this year

Mr Keirle estimated that Blackpool alone could face losing about 1billion in lost revenue over 15 years.
Water companies needed to make more efforts, as well as farmers and householders to protect beaches from
becoming polluted and there needs to be more information on the times of sewage overflows, added Mr Keirle.
'It is essential that all sewage overflows are mapped and monitored,' he told the conference.

Tourist risk: Blackpool North and Blackpool South were both on the list

On the coast: the village of Staithes in North Yorkshire

The overflows, which operate during heavy rainfall, are one of the biggest causes of pollution flowing into the sea
along Britain's coastline. They are supposed to operate only three times in one bathing season, but some resorts can
have more than 100 sewage spills during a wet summer.
More than 450 can also affect designated bathing areas, including 50 blue flag beaches.
Steven Mogford, chief executive of United Utilities, based in the north-west, said the company was working to provide
more information to the public about sewage overflows.

The beach at Penzance, Cornwall, is picturesque, but the water quality for bathers is poor

Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset is another tourist hotspot, but has also been slated for poor bathing water standards

With its sweeping landscape, Mount's Bay, West Cornwall attracts plenty of visitors, but beware of the sea water

But the situation is critical for more than 40 beaches in England and Wales, which are projected to fail when the new
standards are introduced in 2015.
These include Rock in Cornwall, Combe Martin in north Devon and Blackpool.
According to Surfers Against Sewage, the current sewer system is 'woefully inadequate' and said many overflows
were not fit for purpose.
But the environment department said 50% or resorts were expected to meet the standards, with 90% achieving at
least the minimum.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2207375/Pollution-levels-Britains-popular-beaches-reach-decade-high-fears-rise-tourismimpact.html#ixzz3gW7DSGEn

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Plymouth Hoe has been affected by sewage spilling into the sea water

The results are the worst seen in ten years, despite water companies investing billions of pounds in stopping raw
sewage being pumped out to sea and could spell disaster for beach towns across Britain that rely on tourism.
In 2015, tougher standards are being introduced and will be partly based on this year's results. At the worst beaches,
signs will go up warning people not to swim.
At a conference in Blackpool on Monday, Robert Keirle, pollution programme manager for the Marine Conservation
Society warned that beaches could be left deserted unless improvements were made.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2207375/Pollution-levels-Britains-popular-beaches-reach-decade-high-fears-rise-tourismimpact.html#ixzz3gW73dMXb

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How Water Pollution Impacts Tourism Industries

In my point of view the main threat to tourism is water pollution. Water pollution is
increasing with domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. Factories are dumping
chemicals and waste into the rivers, lakes and oceans.
Fish, birds, and wildlife depend on clean water. What will happen to them when they
will not have access to clean water anymore? They will migrate or die, hence, leaving
the site that mightve been a major attraction for tourism, empty and ugly looking.
One of the major threats to the environment is nutrient pollution. It is pollution that is
being caused by excessive amounts of nutrient in the water. Nutrients might be
coming from agricultural runoff into the water. Excess of nutrients might results in
hypoxia. Hypoxia is a low oxygen phenomen. Concentration of dissolved oxygen in
the water is so low, that it cannot longer support life. Hypoxia then results in the
occurrence of dead zones. Dead zones are areas on the water with no life. Dead zones
have been first notice on the Earth in 1970, and they have immensely increased since
that time. Here is a recentarticle that was written about dead zones in the Gulf of
Mexico. It mentions that this summer the area of dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico was
5,840 square miles!
There are some methods that government is trying to implement in order to reduce
water pollution. Some of them include:

1. Use of natural fertilizers.

2. Recycling and proper disposal of trash.
3. Proper disposal of hazardous materials.
4. Monitoring of sewage treatment plants.
5. Education of people about threat of water pollution.
I think that making sure that businesses operate in a sustainable way is a very
important aspect of reducing water pollution. Disposal of chemicals in the rivers is not
sustainable at all and very harmful to the environment. The example of such disposal
is China. According to the article in CNN, a factory in China dumped a lot of
chemicals in the river which resulted in 110 tons of dead fish.
Water quality standards should be set, and water recycling measures should be taken
by all the businesses. It should a rule for a business to recycle water before it decided
to dump it into the river. Recycled water will reduce pollution and benefit the
environment.

Citation

Vasenina, K. (2013). How Water Pollution Impacts Tourism Industries.

Retrieved from
http://www.bluecommunity.info/view/blog/523246ef0cf264abccd292
eb
Water Waste and Pollution

One of the issues of greatest

concern today is related to
the extraction, use and disposal of
water in the touristic destinations
of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It
is estimated that worldwide, 70%

of water is used for agriculture, as in most places in Mexico, but in

Cancun, as in the rest of Quintana Roo, 70% of the water is used in
the hospitality sector. Mass tourism causes a tremendous
overspending of water; it is estimated that in several touristic
destinations such as in Granada, Spain, a tourist consumes between
5 and 7 times more water than the local person. [1]
In the north of Cancun about 185 million gallons of water are
pumped daily, of which 45% is wasted. This means that 83 million
250 thousand liters disappear simply for reasons of poor
infrastructure and operation. On a weekly average a resident
occupies 160 liters of water for bathing and 10 liters to brush his
teeth.
In the case of
particularly
of water is
concern,
large amounts
quality of the
affected, and
clean water,
resource,
environment,
the main
international

the Yucatan Peninsula and

in Quintana Roo, the availability
apparently not a mayor
because the resource exists in
in the subsoil. However the
water has been greatly
the biggest concern is that
being our most important
allows us to preserve the
beaches, and coasts, which are
products sold in the
tourism market.

The characteristics of our soil and terrain make the aquifer

especially vulnerable to contamination from anthropogenic sources.
This is because of the geohydrological conditions of the area that
have a high density of cracks and ducts in the subsoil, and allow any
type of water to infiltrate with ease. Therefore, without an adequate
operation or processing on site, the underground water reserves are
being effortlessly contaminated.

Groundwater reaches the coastal

wetlands and mangroves
generating life, where nutrients are
produced and eventually reach the
coral reefs, keeping them alive. In
turn the reefs represent one of the
main pillars of the tourist economy
that is Quintana Roo. Intensive
tourism development in the state
is causing the contamination of its aquifers, which in turn, impact on
the marine ecosystems. In this general overview we can see that
water is like the backbone of the economic and ecological systems.
Without acknowledging nonetheless that it is vital to all living
beings, great care must be taken.
For the organization Amigos de Sian Ka'an the contamination of the
aquifer is a serious situation, which is exacerbated in Cancun by the
rapid population growth that developed through tourism. Gonzalo
Alonso Merediz, Executive Director of the organization, states that
the water issue should be a priority in Quintana Roo, adding that this
is perhaps the gravest environmental problem in the locality. [2]
The quality of water in Cancun is at risk by the increasing pollution
to which groundwater is subject through various sources. The main
pollutant is the wastewater generated by the hotel infrastructure
and urban growth. Annually, approximately 400 million cubic meters
of water are polluted by the tourism sector, against 200 million
cubic meters polluted by the urban or public sector. [3] Researchers
warn of the water pollution risk because there is no drainage or
sufficient coverage to treat sewage waste generated in Cancn.
The biologist Olmo
Talamante of Razonatura,
that there is no water
by citizens whatsoever,
preserve the most

Torresconcludes
culture
to
precious

resource of the destination. People waste water just because they

can, because there is no real shortage.
Apart from the residents of Cancn, the destination receives
hundreds of thousands of tourists every year that enjoy the warmth
of the Mexican Caribbean, and they are not harmless to the
environment either. Persistent organic pollutants, toothpaste or
shampoo that goes down the drain, the sunscreen that stays in the
pool or the garden pesticides from the hotel seep into the ground
until they reach the sea. This is shown by a study of contaminants in
the aquifer system of Quintana Roo in the Mexican Caribbean,
recently published byMCMASTER UNIVERSITY

in Hamilton

(Canada). [4]
In terms of pollution (according to data from the National Water
Commission) there is a real problem state wise; only 30% of the
wastewater generated is treated, while 70% of the water reaches
cenotes, lagoons, underground rivers or the sea without treatment.
[5]
Another pollution-generating process that deserves attention is the
use of pesticides on golf courses. These are really another form of
monoculture, which involves the importation of soil and exotic
grasses, to keep perfectly green. These require chemical fertilizers,
pesticides, machinery and a lot of water. The golf courses are
usually installed on terrain formerly destined for agricultural
purposes and cause environmental damage that includes
destruction of biodiversity, water depletion and the contamination of
soil and groundwater. A golf course with 18 holes can consume more
than 2.3 million liters of water per day. [6]
Studies have shown the
increased efforts in the
management and

need for
treatment

of solid and liquid waste. Otherwise, the levels of contamination in

the aquifer would demand additional treatments to the water supply
to ensure the health of the population.
Water quality in Quintana Roo is still good, but studies have to be
made to determine the parameters and limitations of it.
Governmental effort exists to achieve total supply of water for the
entire Riviera Maya, but rapid population growth does not allow
drainage to reach many communities and regions of the larger cities
sufficiently.
The biggest problem to overcome is the resistance by citizens and
by the private sector that do only the minimum necessary to meet
the requirements of the law, but they forget to act to preserve the
environment and to protect the limited water supplies that benefit
everyone. The most reliable way to conserve water, both for tourism
and for local people is to raise awareness and educate people about
its use.

[1]Centro Virtual de Informacin del Agua (2010) Hechos y cifras sobre agua y
turismo. Retrieved from http://www.agua.org.mx/index.php?
option=com_content&view=section&id=9&Itemid=31
[2]Centro Virtual de Informacin del Agua (2010) Hechos y cifras sobre agua y
turismo. Retrieved from http://www.agua.org.mx/index.php?
option=com_content&view=section&id=9&Itemid=31
[3] Torres-Talamante, O. (2011, Noviembre) Personal Communication, Interview with
Olmo Torres-Talamante, Bilogo Razonatura Tulm.
[4]Revista flash cr (2011) Cancn: paraso insostenible. Retrieved
from http://www.flashcr.com/online/2011/03/07/cancun-paraiso-insostenible/

[5]Martinez, G. (2006) Ecologa: alerta por agua contaminada, Novedades Q.Roo.

Retrieved from http://www.novenet.com.mx/seccion.php?
id=5957&sec=3&d=52&m=5&y=2006

[6] Parra, S. (2011) Las cifras ms curiosas del agua, Xataka ciencia. Retrieved
from http://www.xatakaciencia.com/medio-ambiente/las-cifras-mas-curiosas-delagua-y-ii
http://tourismimpacts.tumblr.com/water