Print version module

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CoastLearn is a multimedia distance training
programme on Integrated Coastal Zone
Management: www.coastlearn.org
This module is sponsored by:
The European Union Programs Leonardo da Vinci /The
Netherlands office and TACIS IBPP
© 2005 CoastLearn
Authors of Sutainable Tourism Module:
COMREC (SE) Per Wramner, Åsa Forss, Karin Johansson, Heidi PintamoKenttälä
Klaipeda University (LT) - Ausrine Armaitiene & Ramunas Povilanskas
Oceanic (RO) - Claudia Coman
NAGREF FRI (GR) - Manos Koutrakis
Akdeniz University (TR) - Habib Muhammetoglu
Szczecin University (PL) - Kazimierk Rabski, Kazimierz Furmanczyk
Arhipelaag (EE) - Toomas Kokovkin
Latvia University (LV) - Raimonds Ernsteins & Diana Sulga
Southampton Institute (UK) - David Johnson & Stephen Fletcher
PAP/RAC (HR) - Daria Povh
UNESCO-IHE (NL) - Mick van der Wegen
IIDE (SI) - Marta Vahtar
EUCC Poland (PL) - Igor Szakowski
EUCC MC (ES) - Carolina Pérez, Irene Lucius & Pedro Fernández
Baltic Fund for Nature of the St Petersburg Naturalist Society (BFN) (RU) –
Vladimir Pogrebov, Natalia Chernova
Biodiversity Conservation Center - BCC (RU) - Vladimir Sevostianov
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Introduction
Module targets
Introducing to coastal tourism
Concepts
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Tourism Ethics
Policies for Sustainable Tourism Development
Tourism Resources
Resources Dependency
Tourism Carrying Capacity
Environmental Quality
Why Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Introduction
Problems of Unsustainable Coastal Tourism
Socio-cultural Impacts
Economic Impacts
Benefits of Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Environmental Management and Planning Benefits
Socio-cultural Benefits
Practice
Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Tools
Impact assessment
Environmental auditing (EA)
Assessing carrying capacity
Certification and Eco-labelling
Indicators for sustainable tourism
EcoTaxes, EcoCharges, Fees
Environmental education and awareness programmes
Cooperation of actors
Codes of Conduct and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism
Involvement of Civil Society institutions
Communicating sustainability
Marketing sustainable tourism products
Case studies
The Väinameri project - Estonia
Slovenian coast
Belek - Turkey
Mamaia - Romania
Danube - Ulraine, Romania
Arctic tourism
Curonian Lagoon - Lithuania
Kingisepp District - Russia
Conclusions
Conclusions
Sources
References
Glossary
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Introduction
Module Targets
After successfully completing this module, you will be
able to:
• Identify the benefits and disbenefits of coastal tourism
• Define sustainable tourism
• Appreciate the key concepts relating to the sustainable
management of tourism activities
• Understand how to develop a strategy to implement
effective coastal tourism management
• Relate issues to a selection of coastal examples within
different Regional Seas
Väinameri project - Estonia
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Introduction to Coastal Tourism
The Nature of Tourism / Concept
Tourism growth has been one of the major economic and social
phenomena of the twentieth century.
Tourism is the "movement of people, spatially and temporally,
out of their own communities for leisure and business purposes".
A tourist is defined by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) as
a "visitor staying for more than 24 hours in a country visited for
business or leisure purposes".
Therefore, the term Tourism is an umbrella for all relationships
and phenomena associated with people who are travelling,
whatever the reason. It has no clear boundaries and could be
viewed as an industry itself.
Global Tourism
Tourism has expanded dramatically over the last 50 years and
has become a global industry. According to WTO’s forecasts,
long-distance travel worldwide will grow faster (5.4% each year)
in the next decades than travel within regions (3.8%). WTO
statistics for 2002 estimated international tourist receipts of US$
463 billion, a total of 693 million tourist arrivals across the globe
and forecast over one billion arrivals by 2010. European tourism
accounts for 2/3 of global tourism and is expected to double by
the year 2025. The Mediterranean is the World’s number one
tourist destination and is generating 1/3 of global tourist
revenues.
The World Coast Conference (1993) recognised tourism as the
world’s largest single industry and estimated that tourism
constitutes 5-6% of the combined Gross National Product (GNP)
of all nations. In many coastal countries, tourism is responsible
for a much higher percentage of the GNP.
Tourism Industry Forecast
WTO’s Tourism 2020 Vision forecasts that international arrivals are
expected to reach over 1.56 billion around the year 2020. Of these
worldwide arrivals, 1.2 billion will be intraregional and 0.4 will be
long-haul travellers.
The total tourist arrivals by region show that around 2020 the top
three receiving regions will be Europe (717 million tourists), East
Asia and the Pacific (397 millions) and the Americas (282 million).
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Source: World Tourism Organization
Exercise for user
What are the top tourist destinations for Europeans?
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Facts and figures
Tourism is one of the strongest economic sectors in the member
states of the European Union (EU). Tourism activities in all
member states involve around 2 million businesses (mostly small
and medium-sized enterprises). These are currently generating up
to 12% of the GDP (directly or indirectly), 6% of employment
(directly) and 30% of external trade. All of these figures are
expected to increase further as tourism demand is expected to
grow. An analysis of changes in tourism in the EU over the past 20
years shows that the numbers of bed-places and overnight stays
have increased by almost 64% whilst the population rose by only
6,2% (EC 2002).
Cyprus
Coastal Tourism
Coastal Tourism is based on a unique resource combination at the
border of land and sea environments: sun, water, beaches,
outstanding scenic views, rich biological diversity (birds, whales,
corals etc), sea food and good transportation infrastructure.
Based on these resources, various profitable services have been
developed in many coastal destinations such as well maintained
beaches, diving, boat-trips, bird watching tours, restaurants or
medical facilities.
In the middle of the 20th century coastal tourism in Europe
turned into mass tourism and became affordable for nearly
everyone. Today, 63% of the European holiday makers prefer the
coast (E.C., 1998). The coastal tourism sector in Europe is
getting increasingly competitive, with tourists expecting more
quality for the lowest possible price. Today’s tourists expect more
than sun, sea and sand, as was the case two decades ago. They
demand a wide variety of associated leisure activities and
experiences including sports, cuisine, culture and natural
attractions. At the same time, local people in traditional tourist
destinations are increasingly anxious to preserve their own
identity, their environment and their natural, historic and cultural
heritage from negative impacts.
(Source: Statistics in focus Theme 4-40, EC 2002)
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Facts and Figures
Did you know that a coast is the most preferable type of tourist
destination?
Most European holiday makers choose the sea (63%). Other
main types of destinations are the mountains (25%), cities
(25%), and the countryside (23%). At one end, eight out of ten
Greeks chooses the sea - (most probably the sea in their home
country). At the other end, only three out of ten Finns makes
the same choice.
Facts and Figures
The Mediterranean region is the world's leading tourist
destination. In less than 20 years, the number of tourists who
visit the Mediterranean is expected to increase from 220 million to
350 million (expected in 2020). 84% of the tourists comes from
Europe, mostly from northern and western countries. Germany is
the largest market followed by the United Kingdom, France and
the Netherlands. Almost 80% of the Mediterranean tourists
choose Spain, France, Italy or Greece (WTO, 2003).
One third of global income by tourism receipts is received by the
Mediterranean. Over the last three years, 2/3 of this income
returned to the hands of less than 10 tour operators from
northern Europe (WTO, 2003).
Currently, mass tourism is one of the main causes for ecological
losses in the region. Some locations, which were once pristine,
are now beyond repair.
In 1999, tourism in EEA countries (members of EU, Norway and
Iceland) has generated US$ 1,040 billion of the GDP (directly and
indirectly). The total share is ranging from 9.04 % in the
Netherlands up to 24.39 % in Iceland. It is also a strong
employment generator with a total of 18.5 million jobs (direct and
indirect employment), with the share in total employment ranging
from 6.92% in Germany to 20.87% in Iceland (WTTC 2001).
Another indication of the importance of tourism for national
economies is the percentage of current account balances that is
being covered by tourism receipts. In 1992, the indicator for some
Mediterranean countries was as following: Spain 71%, Greece 28%,
Malta 102% and Cyprus 74%.
However, there are significant regional differences in European
countries with respect to tourism development and indicating the
unequal distribution of economic benefits. Mallorca is one of the
most well-known tourist resorts where the prosperity of local
society is strongly linked to tourism development, which contributes
with 70 % to GDP (EEA 2001).
Exercise for user
Tourism is:
a. the movement of people, spatially and
temporally, out of their own communities
for leisure and business purposes.
b. Any travel of people out of their homes
longer than 24 hours.
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Facts and Figures
Mediterranean - one of most endangered ecoregions
globally
WWF has identified 200 regions in the world (called eco regions),
which are crucial for the conservation of biodiversity. One of these
globally important regions and one of the most endangered is the
Mediterranean.
Exercise for user
With specific reference to coastal use, make a list
of a set of potential positive environmental effects
and a set of potential negative environmental
effects associated with tourism development.
The 10 key marine areas where there is an urgent need for new
reserves and changes in coastal management practices:
- Moroccan Mediterranean Coast and Alboran Sea, Coral Coast of
Tunisia (Spain, Morocco, Tunisia)
- Dalmatian Coast and Islands(Croatia)
- Cyrenaica and Gulfs of Sirte and Gabes (Libya, Tunisia)
- Southern Anatolia and Northeast Levantine Coast and Sea
(Turkey)
- Aegean Sea and Coasts (Greece, Turkey)
- Sardinia and Corsica (Italy, France)
- Balearic Islands and Sea (Spain)
- Liguro-Provenzal Sea (France, Italy)
- Southern Tyrrhenian Coast and Sea (Italy)
- South-Western Balkans Coast and Sea, Ionian Islands (Albania,
Greece)
Exercise for user
Do you think that the ageing population has an
effect on tourism?
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Concepts
Sustainable Development
The generic concept of Sustainable Development was highlighted
in "Our Common Future" (widely known as The Brundtland
Report) published in 1987. Sustainability was defined as:
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of the future generations to meet their own needs (WCED,
1987:43).
This implies that Sustainable Development leaves future
generations with sufficient resources for quality of life. Planning
over long time and the involvement of all people in development
are essential.
Black Sea
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Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism involves social responsibility, a strong commitment
to nature and the integration of local people in any tourist operation or
development. Sustainable tourism is defined by the World Tourism
Organisation (WTO), the Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Earth Council
as:
Sustainable Tourism Development meets the needs of present tourists,
host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future.
It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way
that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while
maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological
diversity and life support systems. Sustainable tourism products are
products which are operated in harmony with the local environment,
community and cultures so that these become the beneficiaries not the
victims of tourism development.
Responsible Tourism, Soft Tourism, Minimum Impact Tourism and
Alternative Tourism are terms with a similar meaning as Sustainable
Tourism.They are, for the purpose of this module included in the term
Sustainable Tourism.
Some factors can be seen as "drivers", pushing the tourism industry
towards a sustainable development approach.
These are:
•
Increasing regulatory pressure
•
Growing awareness of cost savings from sensible resource
consumption
•
Tourism professionals and operators recognise that
environmental quality is essential for a competitive product
•
The awareness by governments and operators that the growth of
tourism can have a negative impact on the environment
•
A growing awareness of communities about their potential to
influence tourism policy
Example
The municipality of Calvià on Mallorca, Spain, suffered overdevelopment and environmental degradation in the 1970s
and 1980s, due to massive tourism investment. In order to
restore the communities, radical changes had to be
implemented. In Calvià a local Agenda 21 process led to
closing of many run-down hotels, landscape restoration,
establishment of new protected areas and the creation of
environmental charge on the sales of hotel rooms. The
environmental development was joint by public awareness
raising and marketing campaigns to improve the city’s
image, leading to increased employment opportunities as
well as popularity amongst the visitors.
Source: www.calvia.com/
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Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Coastal tourism is considered to be one of the fastest growing
areas of present-day tourism with its central attributes of sand,
sea and sun. In order to create safe, stable and attractive coastal
environments with clean waters and healthy coastal habitats, it is
necessary to develop well-managed sustainable coastal tourism.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management is the best available
approach for achieving this aim.
Sustainable Coastal Tourism implies the following:
• Sustainable coastal management practices
• Clean water, air and healthy coastal eco-systems
• A safe and secure recreational environment through the
management of coastal hazards, such as erosion, storms
and floods. The provision of adequate levels of safety for
boaters, swimmers and other water users
• Beach restoration efforts that maintain the recreational
and attractive values of beaches
• Sound policies for wildlife and habitat protection
The area of present-day Koege Bay Beach Park in Greater
Copenhagen (Denmark) suffered severely from erosion. By using
land recovery methods, such as vast beach nourishment a new
beach environment was formed. Sand was collected from lagoon
areas and a 20 m wide sand dike was built to a height of 3 m
above sea level. A planting programme on the dunes was also
realised to stabilise the resource. It gives an example of how to
create a sustainable leisure resource without creating negative
environmental effects.
(Source: CM Hall "Geography of Tourism")
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Tourism Ethics
With the adverse environmental effects of tourism gaining
increasing publicity, demand from consumers for products that
respect sustainable tourism is also increasing (ethical
consumerism). In practice many argue that tourists as
consumers have failed to exert the fundamental pressure
necessary to ensure significant change. A survey carried out by
MORI (Market Opinion Research International) concluded that
consumers do not see tourism as a major cause of environmental
harm, although there is evidence of increasing environmentally
conscious behaviour.
Detailed political, economic and social ethical arguments have
been highlighted in the UK-based voluntary organisation Tourism
Concern.
Belek - Turkey
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Policies for sustainable tourism development
Since the mid-90s sustainable development of tourism has
become a priority of EU Institutions. In its Communication
"Working together for the future of European tourism", the
European Commission proposed to further "promote sustainable
development of tourism activities in Europe by defining and
implementing Agenda 21". This issue received strong support
from the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic, Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
The recent European Commission’s Communication: "Basic
orientations for the sustainability of European tourism" proposes
more measures for strengthening the Community’s contribution
to the sustainability of European tourism. Furthermore,
sustainable tourism can particularly benefit from the approaches
and instruments outlined in the European Commission
Communication on integrating environmental issues with
economic policy; the European Community Bio-diversity Strategy
which includes guidance on the issue of developing sustainable
tourism within protected areas and with low impact on Europe’s
Natura 2000 sites. Finally the White Paper on "European
transport policy for 2010: time to decide" and the EU policies on
water and waste management which directly affect the tourism
sector can help to promote the sustainability of tourism.
Policies for sustainable coastal tourism
A range of measures has been promoted at the European Union
level to encourage sustainable tourism. These largely relate to
wider environmental and coastal zone management regulation,
funding instruments and guidance.
The European Community Integrated Coastal Zone Management
(ICZM) strategy and the related Recommendation, which outlines
the way to promote ICZM, are particularly relevant for tourism
activities and tourist destinations. Member States are asked to
develop, by spring 2006, national ICZM strategies, which should
also involve tourism activities.
Facts and figures
Example 1
Sustainable Tourism: One goal for many actors (EC, 2002).
Sustainable Development has become an accepted concept for
policy development. International Agencies and Organizations like
the World Tourism and Travel Council (WWTC) and the
International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO) have attempted
to highlight tourism- environment issues. In 1993, the World
Tourism Organisation (WTO) published a Guide for sustainable
development for local planners. UNEP, in collaboration with the
International Hotels Environment Initiative has produced guidelines
to improve the environmental performance of hotel units (The
Green Hotelier, Going Green Makes Sense, Environmental
Management for Hotels). The Convention for Biodiversity and
Agenda 21 support incentives towards sustainable tourism
development.
The European Commission has published the Green Paper on the
Role of the Union in the field of Tourism. During 1995 and 1996 it
established ECONETT, a network for tourism and environment.
Significant initiatives for sustainable tourism were also undertaken
by the Council of Europe. Because of Treaty obligations, the EU's
tourism sector cooperation with governments or private business
needed to include a consideration of the environmental effects of
each planned action. Within this context the private sector also
undertook initiatives towards reducing impacts of tourism on the
environment.
Hotels, airlines and others implemented several measures in order
to promote sustainable consumption of natural resources and
minimization of waste production.
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Example 2
Cyclades EU ICZM Demonstration project
One of the objectives of the EU ICZM Demonstration project
entitled "Programme for integrated coastal zone management in
the Cyclades" was the "Sustainable tourism development". Some
of the priorities for action (indicative) that were identified were
the following:
• Enhance quality of tourist product and services
• Assure accessibility and elaboration of indicators for
sustainable tourism development
• Prioritization and promotion of best practice and innovative
actions for tourism management
• Promote elongation of the tourist season
• Encourage traditional activities, mainly agriculture (e.g.
biological products)
• Promote awareness and training in new forms of tourism
management, etc.
The island of Serifos in Cyclades, Greece
• Link tourist product with networks
Further information: Prof. Harry Coccossis (hkok@prd.uth.gr) and
Dr. Alexandra Mexa (amex@env.aegean.gr)
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Tourism resources
Tourism is dependent upon the attractive power of the
destination’s primary resources:
• Natural resources (climate, landscape, ecosystems)
• Cultural resources (urban heritage, arts, archaeological
values, traditions, science values, folk crafts and subcultural formations)
• Social resources (potential tourism developers with sociodemographic characteristics, abilities, financial capital,
knowledge, health - environment - property security
system, local community interests etc.).
Moreover tourist destinations provide secondary resources:
• Accommodation sector (hotel, motel, camping, guest
house etc.)
• Catering sector (café, restaurants, bistro etc.)
• Travel organisation sector (agencies, tour operators etc.)
• Transportation sector (air, boat, train, bus, etc.)
• Entertainment sector (Cambling, disco, etc.)
• Information sector (tourism information network)
• Supplementary services, facilities and service
infrastructure
Mamaia - Romania
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Resources Dependency
There is no tourist activity that does not rely on environmental resources in some way. For example, natural resources are used to
supply tourists with heat, power, food, sanitation and drinking water. The environment is called upon to absorb the waste that is
generated (e.g. household waste dumps). Tourism often neglects this resource dependency. The pressures, exerted as a result of
tourism, may be so great that the activity can become unsustainable and leads to a decline of the resources in the long-term.
Coastal and sea resources are very important world-wide for tourism. Coastal tourist developments embrace both water and land but
often cover a surprisingly narrow area. Travelling only a few miles inland from such well know tourist centres as the Riviera in France
can bring you into areas virtually untouched by tourism. The infrastructure needed to support the narrow tourist zone, can extend over
a far wider region. This involves services such as water supplies, road and rail access, airports and housing for staff and others. Tourism
can be very concentrated in terms of location, but its effects and influence can extend over a much wider region.
The coastal area in Sayada (Epiros, Greece). Photo: Region of
Epirus - Department of Environment and Spatial Planning
Example
Epiros, Greece: footpaths which connect the coastal area
with places inland can diminish the pressure on the coast
The Epirus region is situated in north-western Greece and is rich in
natural and cultural resources. The man made environment includes
traditional villages and monuments from all the major historical
periods. In line with an EU ICZM Demonstration Project, old
footpaths, which connect the coastal area with places inland were
restored in order to present an alternative activity to visitors of the
area. Most of the tourists are currently focused on sea activities.
Through the footpaths tourists could be diffused towards the
mainland and this relieves the coastline. The first footpath can be
found near Parga, a traditional coastal town; it starts from the
magnificent beach of Valtos and stretches along olive groves,
abandoned watermills and streams until it reaches a relatively wellpreserved castle and the hill of a small village. The second footpath
is located near Sayada, a coastal community very close to an
important wetland and the Delta of Kalamas River. Tourists
following this path have the possibility to admire a splendid
panoramic view of the delta from the specially designed kiosk and
to explore the village with the traditional stone buildings at the end
of their walking excursion (Further information: Barbara Tzialla,
Region of Epirus - Department of Environment and Spatial Planning,
Greece and ipirpeho@otenet.gr).
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Tourism Carrying Capacity
Middleton and Hawkins Chamberlain (1997) defined Tourism
Carrying Capacity (TCC) as «...the level of human activity an
area can accommodate without the area deteriorating, the
resident community being adversely affected or the quality of
visitors experience declining».
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) proposes the following
definition of the carrying capacity «The maximum number of
people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time,
without causing destruction of the physical, economic, sociocultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality
of visitors' satisfaction. » (UNEP/MAP/PAP, 1997).
Black Sea
Exercise for user
ICZM is:
a. A dynamic, multidimensional and
continuous process
b. A dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative
process
c. A constant, interdisciplinary and incessant
process
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Environmental quality
Consumers in Europe, for example in Germany,the United
Kingdom or the Netherlands are aware of the environmental
impacts that can be caused by tourism. They expect a high
environmental quality in their destination, prefer eco-labelled
accommodation services, look for certified products in the travel
catalogues and want to have access to all "green" tourism
products in Europe.
Facts and figures
German tourists expect environmental quality
In 2002, Germans were asked the following question in an opinion
poll: When thinking about your next holiday, which of the following
environmental factors is most important for you? The answers
were as follows:
64.5 %: Clean beaches and water
59.1 %: No rubbish in the resort or in the surrounding area
50.0 %: No urbanisation of rural areas
45.8 %: Good nature protection in the holiday destination
51.0 %: No noise pollution from traffic or discothèques
35.1 %: Little traffic and good public transport in the destination
29.0 %: Possibility of reaching the destination easily by bus or
train
41.8 %: Environmentally-friendly accommodation
18.7 %: Finding environmentally-friendly accommodation in tour
operators or travel agents’ catalogues
14.2 %: Easy access to information on offers with verified
environmental-friendly accommodation (eco-labels)
Source: ECOTRANS / F.U.R. (Reiseanalyse 2002)
Sample: n = 7872 / representative for 60.10 Mio Germans aged at
least 14 years
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Why
Sustainable Development
Tourism is a major component of economic growth all over the
world. Especially in coastal areas where it is also a for
sustainable development. Tourism is expected to exert an
increasing influence on coastal landscape, ecosystem and
cultural heritage management.
Coastal tourism, as well as tourism in general, is to a large
extent dependant on an environment that is attractive to visitors.
Consequently, protection of natural and cultural heritage is a
precondition for sustainable coastal tourism. Protecting areas and
sites constitutes an efficient and necessary way of safeguarding
natural and cultural heritage. Therefore, such areas contribute
strongly to sustainable coastal tourism, even though a sound
balance between protection and development has to be strived
for in each individual case.
This is why the nations of the world have committed themselves
to the sustainable development of their natural and cultural
heritage by signing international agreements. Some of them
specifically address coastal zones but the majority is more
general and wide ranging.
Natural heritage includes biodiversity, natural scenery, value for
outdoor recreation, etc. and is best managed in line with the
requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Two main objectives of the Convention are:
(1) the conservation of biological diversity
(2) the sustainable use of its components
Exercise for user
List at least six typical problems caused by
recreational activities in coastal areas.
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Cultural heritage
International agreements
Cultural heritage is substantial for coastal tourism development. The
definition of the cultural and natural heritage was defined by the
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage. (Paris 1972)
Such agreements at the global level include the World
Heritage Convention (Convention Concerning the Protection of
the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972), Agenda 21
(1992), the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), the
Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land Based Activities (1995) and the Plan
of Implementation for the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (2002). Regional agreements including the
Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of
the Baltic Sea Area (1975, revised in 1992) and the
Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea
against Pollution (1976, amended and widened to include e.g.
coastal regions in 1995).
• "the monuments: architectural works, works of monumental
sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an groups
of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings
which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or
their place in the landscape, are of outstanding universal
value from the point of view of history, art or science;
• the sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and
man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of
outstanding universal value from the historical, aesthetic,
ethnological or anthropological point of view.archaeological
nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of
features, which are of outstanding universal value from the
point of view of history, art or science"
Monuments and sites which comply with this definition are
recognized as a part of heritage which is necessary to protect. For
this purpose it is essential to adopt new provisions in the form of a
convention establishing an effective system of collective protection of
the cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value,
organized on a permanent basis and in accordance with modern
scientific methods."
UNEP is focusing very much on the Cultural and Spiritual Values of
Biodiversity, and it is a up to local organizers of sustainable coastal
tourism to focus in particular on the community issue. Although the
international community is beginning to recognize the inextricable
link between biological and cultural diversity, linguistic diversity is
still far from being a consideration in international forums.
"Safeguarding the linguistic heritage of people and giving support to
expression, creation and dissemination of this heritage in the
greatest possible number of languages is included in the guidelines
for an Action Plan for the implementation of the UNESCO Universal
Declaration on Cultural Diversity." (UNESCO Universal declaration on
Cultural Diversity. Paris 2001)
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Convention on Biological Diversity
II Processing and regulation functions:
The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological
Diversity has agreed on an "Indicative list (non-exhaustive) of
examples of functions of the natural environment that directly (flora
and fauna) or indirectly (services provided by ecosystems) derive
from biological diversity" (Decision COP VI/7, Appendix 3). The list
includes several functions that are relevant to coastal areas and
contributes to sustainable coastal tourism.
a. Land-based functions
They can be summarized as follows:
b. Water related functions
I Production functions:
a. Natural production
o Coastal protection against floods
o Coastal stabilization against accretion/erosion
o Soil protection
o Biological control mechanisms
o Flushing/cleansing/purification function
o River base flow regulation
o Timber, firewood and natural fodder production
o Regulation of water balance
o Fish, shellfish and harvestable bush meat production
o Sedimentation/retention capacity
o Supply of surface and ground water
o Prevention of saline ground and surface water
b. Nature-based human production
o Crop and range productivity
o Managed forest productivity
o Aquaculture and mariculture productivity
c. Carrying functions
o Suitability for nature conservation, leisure and
tourism activities
o Suitability for navigation
o Suitability for construction, settlement, industry,
infrastructure etc.
intrusion
c. Air-related functions
o Filtering of air
o Wind breaks
d. Biodiversity-related functions
o Maintenance of genetic, species and ecosystem
composition
o Maintenance of spatial and temporal structure
o Maintenance of key processes for structuring or
maintaining biodiversity
e. Signification functions
o Cultural/religious/scientific/landscape functions
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Problems of Unsustainable Coastal Tourism
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 Europe’s environment
(EEA, 2003), 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:
a. The intensive use of water and land by tourism and
leisure facilities.
b. The delivery and use of energy.
c. Changes in the landscape coming from the construction of
infrastructure, buildings and facilities.
d. Air pollution and waste.
e. The compaction and sealing of soils (damage and
destruction of vegetation).
f. The disturbance of fauna and local people (for example,
by noise).
The growing number of tourists visiting sensitive natural areas
may also jeopardize nature conservation. Some conflicts may
also arise between tourism development and other sectors such
as agriculture and forestry.
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.
Impacts on biodiversity caused by various factors
Habitat fragmentation: A lack of land-use planning and building
regulations in many destinations has facilitated sprawling developments
along coastlines. The sprawl includes tourism facilities themselves and
supporting infrastructure such as roads, employee housing, parking,
service areas and waste disposal. This usually leads to habitat
fragmentation so that habitats become too small to sustain many
animal and plant populations.
Destruction of habitats: Important coastal habitats are frequently
degraded by tourism development. For example, 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 degradation of the local ecosystem, even
destruction in the long term.
Marine habitat deterioration: In marine areas, many tourist activities
occur in or around fragile ecosystems. Anchoring, snorkelling, sport
fishing or littering are some of the activities that can cause direct harm
to species (e.g. marine mammals) or degradation of marine habitats
such as Posidonia beds, with subsequent impacts on coastal erosion
and fisheries.
Competition for natural resources: Tourists and wildlife can end up
competing for scarce natural resources, such as water, forest areas,
dunes, etc. For example the Coto Doñana National Park in south-west
Spain, home of endangered species such as the imperial eagle (Aquila
heliaca) and the Spanish Lynx (Lynx pardina), is now threatened by
water extraction for the tourist sector.
Import of invading species: Tourists and suppliers, often unknowingly,
can bring in species (insects, wild and cultivated plants and diseases)
that are not native to the local environment and that can cause
enormous disruption and even destruction of ecosystems.
Trampling: Tourists using the same trail over and over again, trampling
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.
Stress in animals: Wildlife viewing can bring about stress for the
animals and alter their natural behaviour when tourists come too close
and create noise, e.g. by their motorised vehicles.
23
Strain on water resources
Water, and especially fresh water is one of the most critical
natural resource. 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 generate a greater
volume of wastewater.
For example, the average water consumption in Antalya City
(Turkey) is 250 litres per person a day, while the average water
consumption in the tourist areas of Antalya exceeds 600 litres.
In Mallorca (Spain), water consumption in rural areas is 140
litres per person a day, in urban areas 250 litres, while the
average tourist consumption is 440 litres, or even 880 litres in
case of a luxury establishment (EEA, 2001).
Land degradation
Direct impact on natural resources, both renewable and non
renewable, from the construction of tourist facilities, roads and
airports can be caused by the use of land for accommodation,
other infrastructural provisions and the use of building materials
(sand mining!). Forests often suffer negative effects of tourism
in the form of deforestation caused by fuel wood collection and
land clearing. This is the case in many valuable coastal areas in
Turkey where the forests were cleared for the construction of
summer houses and hotels during the last three decades.
Example
In Zakynthos (Greece), which is the most important breeding site of the
Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta), the coastal nesting grounds along
sandy beaches are disturbed, destroyed by tourism development and
tourism behaviour. Unfortunately, the peak of the tourist season coincides
with the nesting season for the vulnerable Loggerhead Turtles (EC, 2002).
Link to the Bio Example of Cirali.Link to the Commander Islands example.
Example
Mykonos: a cosmopolitan and a rapidly urbanized island (EC, 2002)
The island of Mykonos (Greece) is a well known international tourist resort,
which has experienced rapid tourist development during the last 30 years.
Parallel to the expansion of the tourist industry (accommodation, bars,
etc.) the island’s population has also increased in size, in contrast to other
Greek islands that have lost population over the last decades. This growth
was followed by the expansion of the infrastructure (enlargement of the
port, improvement of the road network construction of a surface dam,
etc.). These investments have further boosted the island’s capacity to
accommodate tourists and other visitors. Problems and some signs of
saturation have already appeared: congestion, lack of parking space,
higher crime rate, water and soil pollution occur especially during the peak
summer season. A large proportion of the island’s extremely limited land
surface has either been absorbed by intensive housing construction,
tourism development and its accompanying infrastructure or left unused for
future speculation thus causing widespread loss of agricultural land. The
two traditional settlements in the island together with other newly
developed villages on which the tourist industry was based mainly during
the first phase of development have already been transformed in scale,
volume of built-up areas, character and environmental quality as a result of
uncontrolled and rapid development of tourism. Rapid urbanization has also
altered the socio-economic structure and local culture. (Coccossis H.,
Parpairis A., 1996).
24
Air pollution and noise
Transport by air, road and rail is continuously increasing, along
with the rising number of tourists and their greater mobility.
Tourism now accounts for more than 60% of air travel and is
therefore responsible for an important share of air emissions
such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Transport emissions, emissions
from energy production use are linked to acid rain, global
warming and severe local air pollution.
Noise pollution from airplanes, cars, motorbikes, buses, as well
as recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles and jet skis, is an
ever-growing problem of tourism, causing annoyance, stress
and even hearing loss.
Energy utilization
Hotels are large consumers of water. A tourist staying in a hotel
uses on average 1/3 more water per day than a local inhabitant.
Energy consumption per m2 per year by a one star hotel is 157
kWh (380 kWh in a four star hotel) (EEA, 2003). However, most
of the time the infrastructure is not designed to cope with peak
periods.
Some tourism businesses are starting to implement energyefficiency measures, for example hotels in the United Kingdom
‘saved’ up to 9000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year each,
between 1997 and 1999.
Example
Development of the Summer Secondary Houses in Turkey
In the Kusadasi-Davutlar area of Turkey, a coastal strip of 30 km by
750 m has been totally covered by summer houses during the period
of 1975 to 1985. These houses are owned by the middle and higher
income residents of the larger cities. They provide a temporary relief
from the stress of big cities, are regarded as good investment,
increasing in value over time and can be used as permanent
residence after retirement.
However, this trend has resulted in a severe loss of forests, free
space and agricultural land. Growing pressure on the water
resources has lead to a shortage of drinking water in many areas
and the waste problem is growing. Electricity shortage and cuts
have become common in many important tourist areas.
25
Water pollution
Construction of hotels, recreation and other facilities often leads
to increased pressure on sewage disposal facilities, in particular
because many destinations have several times more inhabitants in
the high season than in the low season. Waste water treatment
facilities are often not built to cope with the dramatic rise in
volume of waste water during the peak. Waste water has polluted
seas and lakes surrounding tourist attractions, damaging flora and
fauna. Sewage run off causes serious damage to coral reefs
because it stimulates the growth of algae (bloom algae) and
causing hypoxia (means low oxygen). In aquatic ecosystems, low
oxygen means a concentration of less than 2-3 milligrams of
oxygen per litre of water (mg/l). The direct effects of hypoxia
include fish kills, which not only deplete valuable fish stocks and
damage the ecosystem, but are unpleasant for local residents and
can harm local tourism. Hypoxia is primarily a problem in the
estuaries and coastal waters, although it can be a problem in
freshwater lakes. On the other hand, bloom algae as such also
represent a huge problem. The ocean gets a red or green colour
(depending on the kind of algae) and it is unpleasant to see the
ocean like this while tourists and local residents are not allowed to
swim. Changes in salinity and siltation can have wide-ranging
impacts on coastal environments. Sewage pollution can also
threaten the health of humans and animals.
Aesthetic pollution
In some locations, conventional tourism has been accused of
failing to integrate its structures with the natural features and
indigenous architecture of the destination. Large, dominating
resorts can look out of place in any natural environment and may
clash with the indigenous structural design.
In areas with high concentrations of tourist activities and
appealing natural attractions, waste disposal is a serious problem.
Improper disposal can be a major despoiler of the natural
environment. Solid waste and littering can degrade the physical
appearance of the water and shoreline.
Coastal erosion
Development of marinas, breakwaters and shoreline development
can cause changes in a current's sediment supply and
consequently coastal erosion. Extraction of building materials on
coastal land and in near-shore areas can harm inland forests and
Posidonia beds respectively and lead to erosion.
26
Example
"EL BURRERO" beach in Spain, an example for unsustainable coastal erosion management
The project area
El Burrero is a leisure and recreational area not only for this urban centre but also for all the inland urban areas. Furthermore, in summer time, the
regular population of 600 to 1000 residents increases to 5000 to 6000 inhabitants.
Before the project took place, El Burrero was a boulder beach and only one third of the beach was sandy. The coastline continues to the south with a
series of boulder beaches, rocky platforms, intertidal pools of high importance for biodiversity and the fisheries sector.
The Action
The project aimed to enlarge the sandy beach and make the whole site more attractive for visitors. In order to do so, dikes and a seaside promenade
were built and artificial sand nourishment started at some points along ca. 500m of coastline.
The consequences
Facts have proven that the project design was not at all appropriate for the meteorological, oceanographical and biological conditions of this site.
• At the northern area, sand accumulated against the walls that separate the beach from the urban centre
• At the southern area with the promenade, the sand is being dragged by the wind from the wet area to the back of the beach. Due to this
process, the sand has already exceeded and accumulated over the promenade wall
• The consequences of this project over the seabed have also been disastrous. The rocky seabed in this zone had been colonised by a high
diversity of mollucs, invertebrates and fish. The changed sand movements due to this project completely buried the rocky substratum causing
a drastic decrease to the species diversity and abundance and therefore also damaging the local economy. This negative impact did not affect
only the action area but also the rocky seabed southwards this site
• Also, the natural sand feeding from the sea has importantly decreased because of the construction of the north dyke. This makes it very
possible that torrential rains will cause in the future serious damage to the promenade and nearby buildings
• The works undertaken by this project did not improve the beach conditions, they rather diminished them.
Corrective measures
During the last four years the municipal authorities carried out actions to correct the problems caused by this project. These measures - sand removal,
watering the sand and putting up windscreens - did not reach their objective because again they were done without the necessary knowledge of coastal
dynamics.
Outlook
During the last year the same State Coastal Authority has been preparing a new project to correct the mistakes of the first one. Meetings are being
held with neighbourhood associations, ecologists and municipal authorities with the objective of finding a satisfactory solution for all parties.
27
Socio-cultural impacts
The socio-cultural impacts of conventional tourism described here,
are the effects on host communities of direct and indirect relations
with tourists and of interaction with the tourism industry. For a
variety of reasons, host communities often are the weaker party
in interactions with their guests and service providers. The
impacts arise when tourism brings about changes in value
systems and behaviour, thereby threatening indigenous identity.
Furthermore, changes often occur in community structure, family
relationships, collective traditional life styles, ceremonies and
morality.
Deteriorating working and employment conditions
Studies show that many jobs in the tourism sector have working
and employment conditions that leave much to be desired: long
hours, unstable employment, low pay, little training and poor
chances for qualification (www.ilo.org). In addition, recent
developments in the travel and tourism trade (liberalization, very
tough competition) seem to reinforce the trend towards more
precarious and flexible employment conditions. Children are
sometimes recruited for such jobs, because they are cheap and
flexible employees.
Change of local identity and values
Conventional tourism can cause change or loss of local identity
and values and brings about by several closely related influences
as explained below:
• 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
satisfying tourists desires: while landscape,
accommodation, food and drinks, etc., must meet the
tourists desire for the new and unfamiliar, they must at
the same time not be too new or strange because few
tourists are actually looking for completely new things
• Adaptation to tourist demands
Tourists want 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 in line with the new customers tastes. The interest
shown by tourists can contribute to the sense of self-worth
of the artists and help conserve a cultural tradition.
Cultural erosion may occur in the process of
commercializing cultural goods
28
Culture clashes
Because tourism involves movement of people to different
geographical locations and establishment of social relations
between people who would otherwise not meet, cultural clashes
can take place as a result of differences in cultures, ethnic and
religious groups, values, lifestyles, languages and levels of
prosperity. The attitude of local residents towards tourism
development may unfold through the stages of euphoria, where
visitors are very welcome, through apathy, irritation and
potentially antagonism when anti-tourist attitudes begin to grow
among local people.
Cultural clashes may further 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. As an example, we can see the case of
Catalunya. Catalunya has always been a worldwide force in
the tourism industry. However, it has promoted a kind of
tourism based on sun, fun and drinking. The kind of people
that come to the country are only looking for those clichés
and do not care about the local values. These are people
who, in their own country would never shout in the street,
drink alcohol all day or break all shopping windows they
would find on their way "home". In Lloret de Mar, in the
Costa Brava, the situation is now untenable
(Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona).
• 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.
Physical influences causing social stress
The physical influences that increasing tourism has on a
destination can cause severe social stress as it impacts the local
community.
Socio-cultural disadvantages involve:
• Cultural deterioration, damage to cultural heritage may
arise from vandalism, littering, pilferage and illegal
removal of cultural heritage items or by changing the
historical landscape that surrounds it
• Resource use conflicts, such as competition between
tourism and local populations for the use of prime
resources like water and energy because of scarce supply
• Conflicts with traditional land-uses may also arise in coastal
areas, when the construction of shoreline hotels and
tourist faculties cuts off access for the locals to traditional
fishing grounds and even recreational use of the areas
Crime
Crime rates typically increase with the growth and urbanization of
an area. Growth of mass tourism is often accompanied by
increased crime. The presence of a large number of tourists with a
lot of money to spend and often carrying valuables such as
cameras and jewellery increases the attraction for criminals and
brings with it activities like robbery and drug dealing. Although
tourism is not the cause of sexual exploitation, it provides easy
access to it.
29
Economic impacts
There are many hidden costs to conventional tourism and they
can have unfavourable economic effects on the host community.
Often rich countries are better suited to profit from tourism than
poor ones. Although the least developed countries have the most
urgent need for income, employment and general rise of the
standard of living by means of tourism, they are often the least
capable to realize these benefits. Among the reasons for this are
large-scale transfer of tourism revenues out of the host country,
exclusion of local businesses and products.
Leakage
The direct income for an area is the amount of tourist expenditure
that remains within its borders. Very often, this is a relatively
small amount due to "leakage" - the amount of money that is
drained out of an area due to tax payments, profits and wages
paid outside the area and expenditure for imports. When tourists
demand standards of equipment, food and other products that the
host country cannot supply. In most all-inclusive package tours,
about 80% of travellers' expenditures are leakage. They go to the
airlines, international companies (who often have their
headquarters in the travellers' home countries) and not to local
businesses or workers.
Local businesses often see their chances to earn income from
tourists severely reduced by the creation of "all-inclusive"
vacation packages. When tourists remain at the same cruise ship
or resort for their entire stay, which provides everything they
need and where they will make all their expenditures.This means
that there is not much opportunity left for the local people to
profit from tourism.’ All-inclusive import more and employ fewer
people per dollar of revenue than other hotels (Source: Tourism
Concern).
Infrastructure cost
Tourism development can cost the local government and local
taxpayers a great deal of money. Developers may want the
government to improve the airport, roads and other
infrastructure. Possibilities to provide tax breaks and other
financial advantages which are costly activities. Public resources
spent on subsidized infrastructure or tax breaks may reduce
government investment in other critical areas such as education
and health.
Increase in prices
Increasing demand for basic services and goods from tourists will
often cause raised prices that negatively affect local residents
whose income does not increase proportionately. Tourism
development and the related rise in real estate demand may
dramatically increase building costs and land values. Not only
does this make it more difficult for local people to meet their basic
daily needs; it can also result in a dominance by outsiders in land
markets and in-migration that erodes economic opportunities for
the locals. Long-term tourists living in second homes cause price
rises in their new homes if their numbers attain a certain critical
mass.
30
Is the Bagicz area development plan sustainable?
The town of Bagicez is located on the sea shore 5 km from Kolobrzeg (Poland).
In December 1992 the local community Ustronie Morskie took over 200 hectares of former military airport from the treasury. The local
council decided to open this area to recreational-tourist investment.
It created in 1995 a corporation of Finnish, German and Polish shareholders. The idea was to combine the potential of partners from
many domains: architecture, planning, gastronomy, consulting, marketing, law, etc.
Even though the idea was good and developing tourism would in principle be of benefit for the community. Instead of deciding on the
Spatial Development Plan of 1997 was not based on sound environmental and physical planning principles nor economical feasibility.
It included instead the development of the following infrastructures:
1. International airport with an area of 85,58 hectares adopted for planes with wingspan of 24 meters.
2. Landing field for helicopters, place for private "air taxies", magazines, service stations, gas stations, administration and technical
buildings.
3. Hotel and harbour complex.
4. Aqua park and swimming pool complex with sea water, therapeutic basins and hotel for 300 guests.
In 2002, the Ustronie Morskie council singed an agreement with the Danish company "Baltic Centre Poland". Within six years the plan
should be carried out, with a cost of 350 million EURO.
Questions and answers:
1. What are the risks of this project? In 2004 the works still have not started and experience shows that many of these oversized
development projects never come to live. With a smaller investment, small scale tourism could already be improved for the benefit of
the local community. Promoting sustainable forms of tourism is more cost-effective and the positive economical results to local
inhabitants are higher.
2. In the case the Centre is constructed, employment will be generated (positive) but the "direct income" for the area (tourist
expenditure) will be minimum because the benefits will remain with the developing corporation and not with the local population.
3. The impact that these infrastructures will have on the coastal environment would probably be enormous and result in habitat
destruction and land degradation. In this way, not only nature is destroyed, but also the values that would attract the visitors and
decreasing their number.
Conclusion: Sound environmental management and planning and assessment of the financial feasibility of investments and their
impact on nature (considering nature as one of the tourism products) would result in forms of tourism that benefit nature and the local
population.
Good practice examples:
Link to Slovenia CAMP Case Study and Estonia Case Study.
31
Economic dependence on tourism
Many countries have embraced tourism as the single most
important way to boost their economy. This has made them
very vulnerable to anything that negatively affects the local
tourism industry (e.g. terrorist scares, military conflicts, impacts
of natural disasters) have a devastating effect on overall
economic climate. The Turkish economy for example has
suffered a lot because of the war in Iraq at the beginning of the
twenty-first century.
Seasonal character of jobs
The seasonal character of the tourism industry creates economic
problems for destinations that are heavily dependent on it.
Problems that seasonal workers face include job (and therefore
income) insecurity, usually with no guarantee of employment
from one season to the next, difficulties in getting training,
employment-related medical benefits, recognition of their
experience, unsatisfactory housing and working conditions.
Exercise for user
Public concern about the negative impacts of mass
tourism has led to a reappraisal of the notion that
tourism should be encouraged at all costs. Its
growth creates problems, especially where fragile
and remote environments are visited. Many
commentators have attempted to categorise the
positive and negative environmental effects of
tourist development. These can be both generic
and location specific.
With specific reference to the coast list a set of
potential positive and negativer environmental
effects associated with tourism development.
32
Benefits of Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Economic Benefits
The main positive economic impacts of sustainable (coastal) tourism
relate to foreign exchange earnings, contributions to government
revenues, generation of employment and business opportunities.
Some of the most important economic benefits that sustainable
tourism brings along are mentioned here. Further information on
economic contributions of tourism can be found on the website of
the World Travel and Tourism Council.
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).
Contribution to government revenues
Stimulation of infrastructure investment
Tourism can induce 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 quality of life 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. Because environment is a basic component of the
tourism industry’s assets, tourism revenues are often used to
measure the economic value of protected areas. There are other
local revenues that are not easily quantified, as not all tourist
expenditures are formally registered in the macro-economic
statistics. 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. The World Travel and
Tourism Council estimates that tourism generates an indirect
contribution equal to 100 % of direct tourism expenditures.
Government revenues from the tourism sector can be categorised
as direct and indirect contributions. Direct contributions are
generated by taxes on incomes from tourism employment, tourism
businesses and by direct charges on tourists such as ecotax or
departure taxes. Indirect contributions derive from taxes and duties
Direct financial contributions to nature protection
on goods and services supplied to tourists, for example, taxes on
souvenirs, alcohol, restaurants, etc.
Tourism can contribute directly to the conservation of sensitive
areas and habitats. Revenue from park-entrance fees and similar
Employment generation
sources can be allocated specifically to pay for the protection and
management of environmentally sensitive areas. Some
The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant
governments collect money in more far-reaching and indirect ways
employment creation. For example, the hotel accommodation
that are not linked to specific parks or conservation areas. User
sector alone provided around 11.3 million jobs worldwide in 1995. fees, income taxes, taxes on sales or rental of recreation equipment
Tourism can generate jobs directly through hotels, restaurants,
and license fees for activities such as hunting and fishing can
taxis, souvenir sales and indirectly through the supply of goods
provide governments with the funds needed to manage natural
and services needed by tourism-related businesses. According to
resources.
the World Tourism Organisation tourism represents around 7 % of
the world’s employees.
33
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 Sustainable Tourism was founded with the
support of UNEP.
Tour Operator Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
Development
The Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
Development is a voluntary and non-profit initiative, open to all
tour operators, regardless of their size and geographical location.
The 22 members commit themselves to sustainable development
as the core of their business activity and work together through
common activities to promote and disseminate methods and
practices compatible with sustainable development. The
Initiative has been developed by and for tour operators with the
support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Tourism Organisation
(WTO/OMT).
Since the launch of the Tour Operators' Initiative in 2000, TOI
has been collecting 'good' examples from the individual
members of how a tour operator can effectively integrate the
principles of sustainability into its various areas of operation. The
examples have been collected in a report: "Sustainable Tourism,
The Tour Operators' Contribution". They provide an opportunity
to understand the range of different options that tour operators
can choose from. The report can be downloaded the report via
the web site of the Tour Operators’ Initiative.
(www.toinitiative.org)
34
Environmental Management and Planning Benefits
Sound environmental management of tourism facilities and
especially hotels (water and energy saving measures, waste
minimization, use of environmentally friendly material, etc.) 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 tourism development at an early stage, damages and
expensive mistakes can be prevented, thereby avoiding the
gradual deterioration of environmental assets significant to
tourism.
Alternative employment
Tourism can provide alternative employment to development
scenarios that may have greater environmental impacts.
See the Väinameri project - Estonia case study
Example
The coast along the Red Sea is one of the most environmentally
vulnerable areas with a multitude of natural attractions such as
coral reefs, sandy beaches or turtles. It is considered to have an
enormous potential for international and local tourism development.
It represents housing and employment opportunities for the
increasing population of Egypt.The Red Sea Information System
(RSIS) helped to create a sustainable action plan regarding new
developments within tourism, infrastructure and industry along the
coast. "The RSIS has played a key role in achieving environmental
and economical sustainability; changes in the regional development
policies and strategies; changes in the allocation of the financial
resources; addressing the environmental conservation constraints;
better co-ordination between the various investment and
environmental organisations; and public participation in the decision
making process" (http://bestpractices.org/).
35
Socio-cultural Benefits
Sustainable Coastal Tourism has the potential to promote social
development through employment creation, income
redistribution and poverty alleviation. Positive impacts of
sustainable tourism are explained below.
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 hosts and guests. This increases the chances
for people to develop mutual sympathy and understanding and
to reduce prejudices.
Strengthening communities
Sustainable Coastal Tourism can add to the vitality of
communities in many ways. Examples are events and festivals
of the local residents where they have been the primary
participants and spectators. Often these are refreshed 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.
During the first Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism
(November 2000), more than 450 world leaders of the travel and
tourism industry ratified an "Amman Declaration" that recognized
travel and tourism as a global peace industry. The document
committed itself to building a culture of peace through tourism that
supports tourism as a fundamental human activity. Free of undue
restriction and respectful of human differences and cultural
diversity. "Peaceful relationships among all people should be
promoted and nurtured through sustainable tourism", the document
said. It called for protection and restoration of historical monuments
and landmarks, accessible to all people, as "valuable assets for
humanity and legacies for future generations". Preservation and
wise use of the environment, coupled with ecological balance, "are
essential to the future of tourism" while acknowledging "ancient
wisdom and care for the Earth"( International Institute for Peace
Through Tourism).
36
Development of facilities as a benefit to residents
In cases where the tourism industry supports the creation of
community facilities and services that otherwise might not have
been developed can bring higher well-being standards to a
destination. Benefits can include upgraded infrastructures, health
and transport improvements, new sport and recreational
facilities, restaurants and public spaces as well as an influx of
better-quality commodities and food.
Example
For quite some years now, the Aldemar Hotels in Greece have
been working with the local communities in order to protect the
surrounding environment as well as improving the quality of
people’s lives. Together with its employees they are running the
environmental programme "Mare Verde" and they also
participate in several international environmental programmes
and organisations such as Green Globe or the WWF. Among other
things, the Mare Verde programme involves energy saving by
using solar panels; tree planting campaigns; buying fruit,
vegetables and seasonal plants from local farms; hosting an
annual eco-cultural festival; and encouraging the staff to
continually develop their knowledge on environmental issues.
Additionally, their beaches have been awarded the European Blue
Flags from 1998 and onwards.
Example
£ukêcin and Pobierowo are good examples of a tourist
development of the seaside resorts in West Pomeranian
Coast, Poland.
In the past, the town of £ukêcin was a very small agricultural
village. Tourists started visiting it at the beginning of the 20th
century. Looking at a map from 1943 the built-up area was about
500-700 meters from the seaside. Nowadays the town of £ukêcin
has extended eastwards and a tourist and recreation centre
provided with rest houses has been developed. The road from
Dziwnow to Rewal was built to facilitate the travel between seaside
resorts and to improve the transportal infrastructure of the village.
A history of Pobierowo started in the 16th century and was
connected with a German family called Kleis. In the later half of
the 19th century Pobierowo started changing its agricultural
character because of the degradation of the agricultural grounds
due to the coastal sand. That is why at the beginning of the 21st
century there were only 3 farmers where as in 1886 there were
dozens of them.
In 1907 the "Seeblick" Hotel was built at the seaside by a farmer
called Frohreich. That was the beginning of bathing and recreation
in Pobierowo. Later on, other farmer families started to settle in
the western part of the town. In 1939 an important land owner
divided his possessions into 800 square metres plots of land and
sold them to people from Berlin who built small wooden holiday
houses there.
Nowadays the main tourist street is Grunwaldzka Street which is
situated 100 metres from the coastline. This street is almost 4
kilometres long and links the eastern and the western part of the
town.
These two seaside resorts are well known for their wide and clean
beaches, cliffs, ancient pine and spruce forests. The town of
£ukêcin and the town of Pobierowo are still developing dynamically
at the seaside but they also have their specific character of tourist
towns.
37
Revitalization of culture and traditions
Sustainable Tourism has the potential to 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 cultural arts and crafts.
TTourism that encourages social involvement and pride
In some cases, 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.
Example
In 1999, the ACI Marina in Dubrovnik, Croatia, received the
European Blue Flag environmental award. This is given to
societies that make special attempts to keep their beaches and
marinas nice and manage them with concern for the local
environment. The marina is cooperating with the local schools on
educational activities and cleaning actions such as waste
collection and separation. This is done in order to preserve their
Blue Flag labelling. Situated at the mouth of Ombla river it can
be reached by road from the city centre. There is an information
board on the marina with all the relevant information, brochures,
leaflets, books, etc. For tourists and locals to learn and
understand more about the local environment (ACI Marina,
Dubrovnik, Blue Flag Campaign).
Example
On Hjälmö, an island of the archipelago of Stockholm, Sweden,
some families of Västergården are running a guiding tour
company, along with their ecological farming. Visitors can come
and stay at the island and take tours in the archipelago and they
can also buy the products of the farm like archipelago salami,
smoked lamb and fleece. The tours of Västergården are custommade and dependant on what the visitors want. During the tour,
the guide lets the visitors know what the archipelago consists of
and how it is to live on an island in the archipelago, both at
present and historically. How the archipelago was created, how
wind, weather, water and man have helped to form it the way it is
today are other issues that are explained. The visitors get to know
the natural and cultural landscape they find themselves in and the
importance of the agricultural landscape in the archipelago.It is
significant that it is sustained for the future.
Exercise for user
Considering the drawing elements from definitions
of sustainable tourism as quoted above, make a
check list of criteria that you would use to asses
the sustainability of coastal tourism
Benefits for the tourists of Sustainable Tourism
The benefits of sustainable tourism for visitors are numerous: they
can enjoy unspoiled nature and landscapes, environmental quality
(clean air and water), a healthy community with low crime rate,
thriving and authentic local culture and traditions
38
Practice
Sustainable Tourism Strategy
While the aim - sustainable coastal tourism - is clear, there is no standard recipe for reaching it. Usually, the development of a Strategy
and Action Plan for sustainable coastal tourism is a useful measure that guarantees efficient and coordinated action. It is the best
approach with involvement of all major interest groups that have a stake in local sustainable development.
Ways to involve local people in shaping tourism policy and decisions:
• Organise workshops, seminars and conferences
• Form committees or working groups
• Training
• Interviews and questionnaires for the general public or specific interest groups
• Advisory boards
• Public hearings
• Establishment of a regular ‘forum’ or ‘network’ with representatives of the civil society
Some general rules for public participation:
• Inform and educate people about why they should get involved
• Try to make all information clear and jargon-free
• Set clear boundaries and terms of reference with clear expectations of all participants
• Set up a good communication system with a named contact person
• Start early enough to allow maximum participation - it will probably take longer than you think
• Have a range of people involved and not just one representative
• Use widespread advertising to encourage people to come forward, don’t just call on the people who have been involved before
• Think about transport arrangements, timing and venue for meeting - will they be equally accessible to all
• Everyone with an interest needs to be represented right from the start
• Equal status for all participants is essential
39
The following steps should be followed:
1. Analysis of status-quo
A thorough compilation and analysis of existing information and knowledge is the prerequisite for a Strategy.
It should take into consideration:
• 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 are, among others:
• 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
2. Strategy development
A Sustainable Tourism Strategy is based on the information collected in Step 1 (see above). It defines the priority issues, the
stakeholder community, the potential objectives and a set of methodologies to reach these objectives.
These can include, among others:
• 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.
40
3. Action plan
The Action Plan spells out 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 tailored to 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, wastewater 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
Assessments 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)
41
Tools
Impact assessment
Impact assessment
Anthropogenic activities have the potential to impact in some way
the coastal environment and tourism is not an exception. Impact
assessment is a process of reviewing and evaluating the impact of
any activity (such as construction of tourist facilities: hotels,
lodges, public beaches, highway, etc., on the coastal environment
or on the natural resources, culture, economy, etc.) Without
knowing and being aware of negative environmental effects it
would be impossible to plan and take any effective, reasonable
measures aimed at protecting the quality of the coastal
environment and human life.
The only legal tool currently applied in practice for assessing the
negative environmental impacts of concrete projects is
environmental impact assessment (EIA). The procedure that
extends the concept and principle underlying EIA is called
strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
There are some other tools and instruments used to assess
impacts on the coastal environment and humans, for example,
risk assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
Environmental Impact Assessment is an integrative and
systematic process, used for identifying the environmental effects
of projects development. As a result of Directive 85/337/EEC (as
amended 1997), this is now a legislative procedure within the
European Union to be applied to assess the environmental effects
of certain public and private projects which are likely to have
significant effects on the environment. An EIA requires a scoping
study to be undertaken in order to focus the assessment. This can
be carried out as field or desk study depending on the
nature/scale of the project.
42
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Strategic Environmental Assessment is a high level procedure
that extends the concept and principle underlying EIA, but
normally applied to policies, plans, programmes and groups of
projects. SEA provides the potential opportunity to avoid the
preparation and implementation of inappropriate plans,
programmes, projects and assists in the identification. So there is
a evaluation of project alternatives and identification of
cumulative effects. SEA comprises two main types: sectoral SEA
(applied when many new projects fall within one sector) and
regional SEA (applied when broad economic development is
planned within one region).
(definition source: European Commission. 1999. Integrating
environment concerns into development and economic
cooperation)
In the context of sustainable tourism in coastal regions the SEA
process should review the following factors: existing problems
(environmental and health) in a coastal region covered by the
proposed strategy; goals and targets of the strategy; their links
to sustainability; key alternatives to the strategy; environmental
and health impacts of supposed implementation measures; and
system for monitoring the potential impacts relevant to the
strategy.
The main objectives of EIA in the context of sustainable tourism in
coastal regions are (UNDP 2003):
• Make decision makers aware of the significant environmental
effects of projects proposal
• Outline alternatives with different environmental impacts;
• Identify approaches on how to avoid or reduce
environmental damage and other impacts on coastal
regions
• Prevent coastal degradation by requiring implementation of
feasible alternatives and mitigation measures
• Disclose to the public the reason for approval of a project
with significant environmental effects
• Foster coordination among stakeholders
• Enchance public participation in decision-making processes
43
Environmental auditing (EA)
Environmental auditing (EA)
Environmental auditing is a "management tool comprising a
systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation of
how well environmental organisations, management and
equipment are performing with the aim of helping to safeguard
the environment" (ICC, 1989)
EA represents a proactive approach, which adoption enables
tourist companies not only to comply with legislation but also to
identify problems, take measures, evaluate environmental
performance, become eco-efficient, provide a database for future
(corrective) action and therefore they have the opportunity to
increase their competitiveness.
EA brings a number of benefits: prevention of fines and penalties
(due to ensured compliance with legislation), public image
improvement, increase awareness of environmental policies and
responsibilities among all the personnel, cost reduction (for
example in the area of energy and water use and waste
minimization) and improvement in overall quality .
Example
The Green Audit Kit - www.greenauditkit.org
This kit introduces a range of easy to follow actions that tourism
enterprises can take to invest in their business and in the
environment.
44
Assessing carrying capacity
Assessing carrying capacity
The analysis of the carrying capacity is used in environmental
planning to guide decisions about land use allocation. It is a
basic technique, widely used to define the capability of an area
to endure the maximum level of development from tourism,
agriculture, industry and infrastructure. As there are differences
between the activities, it is appropriate to define carrying
capacity according to the specific uses. In this respect carrying
capacity is site specific and use specific.
Examples of the level of capacity for the physical-ecological
component (EC, 2002)
1. Acceptable level of congestion or density in key areas/spatial
units such as parks,museums, city streets, etc.
2. Maximum acceptable loss of natural resources (i.e. water or
land) without significant degradation of ecosystem functions
or biodiversity or the loss of species
3. Acceptable level of air, water and noise pollution on the basis
of tolerance or the assimilative capacity of local ecosystems
4. Intensity of use of transport infrastructure, facilities and
services
Components of Tourism Carrying Capacity
Carrying capacity considerations revolve around three basic
components or dimensions: physical-ecological, sociodemographic and political-economic. These dimensions also
reflect the range of issues considered in practice. Obviously,
when considering carrying capacity the three components should
be considered with different weights (of importance) in different
destinations. These differences stem from the type
(characteristics/particularities) of the place, the type(s) of
tourism present (coastal, protected, rural, mountain, historical)
and the tourism/environment interface. However, the three
components are interrelated to some extent (EC, 2002).
5. Use and congestion of utility facilities and services of water
supply, electric power, waste management of sewage and
solid waste collection, treatment and disposal and
telecommunications
6. Adequate availability of other community facilities and
services such as those related to public health and safety,
housing, community services, etc.
45
A. Physical-ecological component
The physical-ecological set comprises all fixed and flexible
components of the natural and cultural environment as well as
infrastructure. The fixed components refers to the capacity of
natural systems. Occasionally, it is expressed as ecological
capacity, assimilative capacity, etc. The components cannot be
manipulated easily by human interference. The limits can be
estimated, they should be carefully observed and respected as
such. The flexible components refer primarily to infrastructure
systems like water supply, sewerage, electricity, transportation,
social amenities such as postal and telecommunication services,
health services, law and order services, banks, shops and other
services. The capacity limits of the infrastructure components
can rise through investments in infrastructure, taxes,
Organizational -regulatory measures, etc. For this reason their
values cannot be used as a basis for determining carrying
capacity but rather as a framework for orientation and decisionmaking on management action options.
B. Socio-demographic component
The socio-demographic set refers to those social aspects which
are important to local communities. They relate to the presence
and growth of tourism. Social and demographic issues, such as
available manpower or trained personnel, etc. Also including
socio-cultural issues such as the sense of identity of the local
community or the tourist experience etc. Some of these can be
expressed in quantitative terms but most require suitable sociopsychological research. Social capacity thresholds are perhaps
the most difficult to evaluate as opposed to physical-ecological
and economic ones since they depend to a great extent on value
judgements. Political and economic decisions may affect some of
the socio-demographic parameters such as, for example
migration policies. Social carrying capacity is used as a generic
term to include both the levels of tolerance of the host
population as well as the quality of the experience of visitors of
the area.
C. Political-economic component
The political-economic set refers to the impacts of tourism on the
local economic structure, activities, etc. , including competition to
other sectors. Institutional issues are also included to the extent
that they involve local capacities to manage the presence of
tourism. Considerations of political-economic parameters may also
be necessary to express divergence in values and attitudes within
the local community with regard to tourism.
Examples of the level of capacity for the socio-demographic
component (EC, 2002)
1. Number of tourists and tourist/recreation activity types which
can be absorbed without affecting the sense of identity, life
style, social patterns and activities of host communities
2. Level and type of tourism which does not significantly alter
local culture in direct or indirect ways in terms of arts,
crafts, religion, ceremonies, customs and traditions
3. Level of tourism that will not be resented by a local
population or pre-empt their use of services and amenities
4. Level of tourism (number of visitors and compatibility of
types of activities) in an area without unacceptable decline
of experience of visitors
46
Certification and Eco-labelling
Certification
Certification is a voluntary procedure that assesses, monitors
and gives written assurance that a business, product, process,
service or management system conforms with specific
requirements. It awards a marketable logo or seal to those that
meet or exceed baseline standards, i.e., those that at a
minimum comply with national and regional regulations,
typically and fulfil other declared or negotiated standards
prescribed by the program.
Eco-labelling
Eco-labelling describes a scheme in which a product or service
may be awarded an ecological label on the basis of its
acceptable level of environmental impact. This acceptable level
of environmental impact may be determined by consideration of
a single environmental hurdle or after undertaking an
assessment of its overall impacts (Synergy, 2000).
47
Certification
Certification schemes assess a companies overall handling of environmental issues. Unlike eco-labels, these schemes do not say
anything about the environmental impacts of companies products. Rather, they require companies to follow preset environmental
principles and guidelines they set themselves as they conduct business. The requirements in such voluntary schemes are often flexible
and open to interpretation and are generally less contentious than ecolabelling schemes .
There are six components that all certification programs have in common.
These are:
1. Voluntary Enrolment
At present, all certification programs in the travel and tourism industry are strictly voluntary. Businesses can decide whether to apply for
certification and most often companies pay for the audit and other services. It is likely that in the future, governments will use more
'carrots' such as marketing and promotion and 'sticks' such as denying contracts, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas and to
uncertified companies.
2. Logo
All programs award use of a selective logo, seal or brand designed to differentiate their product in the marketplace and to be
recognizable to consumers. Most permit the logo to be used only after certification is achieved. Many programs give logos for different
levels of achievement, for example one to five suns, globes or leaves.
Example
ECOTEL® which measures environmental performance in "exclusive" hotels, inns and resorts. This has
one of the more complicated systems.
It offers a different logo for each of five areas:
• 1) Solid waste management
• 2) Energy efficiency
• 3) Water conservation
• 4) Employee environmental education and community involvement
• 5) Environmental commitment and means that each logo, in turn has a three-level scoring system.
This allows members to display a combination of logos as they progress to different levels in each
of the five areas
48
All programs state, at least on paper, that logos will be withdrawn if the company fails to comply with the certification system or if the
programs themselves adopt more stringent certification criteria and policing has proved difficult. It is estimated that hundreds of
companies that originally signed up for Green Globe [link to www.greenglobe21.com/] membership may be using the logo. Even though
they have not been through and may not quality for certification under Green Globe 21.
3. Criteria that comply with regulations or go beyond
All certification programs require, at a minimum, that members comply with local, national, regional, international regulations and many
have criteria that require companies go beyond these baselines.
4. Published Commitment to Sustainable Development
All tourism businesses that undertake certification make a broad statement about their commitment to sustainable development,
although they can differ widely in what practices they say are necessary for sustainable development. Those involved in tourism
certification programs tend to have policy statements that refer only to their internal operations. With a focus on water and air quality,
waste and energy use; companies involved in sustainable tourism, will have broader statements that also encompass their impacts on
conservation and the host community.
5. Assessment and Auditing
All certification programs award logos based on some kind of assessment. Assessment or auditing can be first-, second-, or third-party,
it can be done by the business itself, by an industry trade association or by an independent firm like NGO or even the government.
There are an estimated 200 certifying agencies around the world and most of which are for-profit companies. Some are accredited, they
are recognized by a national accreditation body and others are not.
6. Membership and Fees
Many certification programs enrol participants as members and charge a fee to those businesses applying for certification. This money is
used to run the program and to support advertising and promotion of the logo and of the companies that are certified. The certification
programs, and/or auditing bodies. Also charge fees for the assessments they provide and for auditing services, usually structured
according to the size and income of the company. These fees vary widely and tend to be highest for those using ISO 14001 or other
types of environmental management systems. To set up an environmental management system, go through a training program for
implementing the EMS and finally have a third-party audit can add up to many thousands of dollars. This making cost the biggest barrier
to certification for small and medium-sized companies. Some programs — Blue Flag [link to www.blueflag.org], for instance—have
received government funding and allowing them to do audits either free or at a minimal cost. However, such government funding may
not be available in the long term and financing of certification programs remains a major issue for further discussion.
49
Eco-labelling
Eco-labelling is a voluntary system of awarding a logo to products judged to be less harmful to the environment than comparable products.
Eco-labels inform consumers about a specific product/service, whereas certification schemes tell them something about the companies (or
parts thereof) that produce the products/services.
An "eco-label" is a label which identifies the overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific product/service category
based on life cycle considerations. In contrast to green" symbols or claim statements developed by manufacturers and service providers. An
eco-label is awarded by an impartial third-party in relation to certain products or services that are independently determined to meet
environmental leadership criteria.
Why Eco-labelling?
• Eco-labels can help tourism suppliers identify critical environmental issues, speed up the implementation of eco- efficient solutions, lead
to effective ways of monitoring and reporting on environmental performance
• While eco-labels can help sell tourism products, they also mark products and services that can decrease the use of resources such as
energy or water and reducing costs for the operator
• Eco-labels can play a direct role in linking socio-economic concerns with environmental protection. For example encouraging the use of
more regional products would benefit the local economy and reduce the need for transport
• Eco-labels can also help to raise awareness of environmental protection among the regional and local population as well as highlighting
the importance of tourism for the environment in general
There has been a significant increase since 1990 in the use of eco-labels.
Number of Blue Flags for European beaches
(Source: Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe)
50
In Europe there are over 10 recognized, credible eco-labelling and certification programs offering labels or logos designed
to signify environmental, socio-cultural and economic practices in coastal zones that are superior.
Visit
Europe
Blue Flag Campaign International
Description
VISIT is the joint European initiative for the promotion of
eco-labels and sustainable tourism development. VISIT
has a dual meaning as an invitation to consumers, "Your
VISIT makes the difference - the choice is yours!" and as
an invitation to tourism providers to use VISIT as platform
for "Voluntary Initiatives for Sustainability in Tourism".
Website www.yourvisit.info
Contact
European Centre for Eco Agro Tourism
P.O. Box 10899
1001 EW Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: + 31 20 6630479
Fax: + 31 20 4630594
E-mail: k.kuitert@eceat.nl
o
Description
Since 1987, Blue Flag has symbolized high environmental
standards for water quality, beach cleanliness and waste
disposal, providing up-to-date information for visitors,
environmental education and a commitment to preserving
coastal ecosystems.
In 2004, 2312 beaches and 605 marinas were awarded
the Blue Flag. 25 countries are currently participating in
the Blue Flag Campaign.
Website www.blueflag.org
Contact
FEE
Scandiagade 13
2450 Copenhagen SV
Denmark
Tel +45-33790079
Fax +45-33790179
e-mail: blueflag@blueflag.org
51
Milieubarometer
Hiiumaa Green
Label
The
Netherlands
Description
Since 1998, on the Dutch coast and islands in the national
parks and inland waters Milieubarometer's
("Environmental Barometer") has shown visitors the level
of environmental quality awarded to tourism providers
with three different categories of its eco-label: Bronze,
Silver and Gold which fulfils even the high standards of the
state ecolabel "Milieukeur". Bronze is good, Silver is even
better and Gold fulfils even the high standards of
"Milieukeur" and the state ecolabel.
Website www.milieubarometer.com
Contact
Stichting Keurmerk Milieu, Veiligheid en Kwaliteit,
Postbus 102,
3970 AC Driebergen
Tel: +31 (06) 53 92 41 45,
Fax: +31 (0343) 52 47 01,
E-mail : info@milieubarometer.com
Estonia
Description
Hiiumaa Green Label marks an accommodation or catering
enterprise that is managing on a sustainable way i.e. doing
its best not to add to the load of Hiiumaa`s clean nature. A
service enterprise marked with the Green Label undertakes
to fulfil the self-taken duties of sustainable management
and asks the guests of Hiiumaa to do the same.
Website www.bka.hiiuloodus.ee/roh_mark/greenlab.html
Contact
Vabrikuväljak 1
92411 Kärdla
Hiiumaa
ESTONIA
Tel: +372 46 22101
Fax: +372 46 32169
52
Green Globe 21
La Clef Verte
France
Description
France is a paradise for camping enthusiasts in Europe.
There are around 10,000 campsites offering visitors a vast
choice, from basic, idyllic camping on farms to luxurious
sites by the sea or near a tourist attraction with every
conceivable facility. Since 1999 the La Clef Vert (Green
Key) has awarded its eco-label to campgrounds that adopt
responsible business practices, maintain biodiversity and
preserve their resources guaranteeing that they respect
the environment.
Website www.laclefverte.org
Contact
La Clef Verte F.E.E.E.
6, Avenue du Maine,
F- 75015 Paris
Tel: + 33 (0)1 45 49 40 50,
Fax: + 33 (0)1 45 49 27 69
E-mail : contact@laclefverte.org
International
Description
It is the worldwide benchmarking and certification
program that facilitates sustainable travel and tourism for
consumers, companies and communities. It is based on
Agenda 21 and principles for Sustainable Development
endorsed by 182 governments at the United Nations Rio
de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. There are four Green
Globe 21 Standards.
Website www.greenglobe21.com
Contact
Suite 8,
Southern Cross House
9 McKay Street
TURNER, ACT, 2612
AUSTRALIA
Tel: (+61) (2) 6257 9102
Fax: (+61) (2) 6257 9103
E-mail: customer.services@greenglobe21.com
53
PAN Parks
Europe
The Green Key
Description
PAN Parks guarantee nature protection for Europe's
natural capital by certifying parks that pass verification
carried out by independent experts in accordance with
PAN Parks' core Principles, Criteria & Indicators. These
principles cover relevant environmental, social, economic,
cultural aspects, ensure new standards for conservation
and sustainable development.
Website www.panparks.org
Contact
PF 264,
9002 Gyor,
Hungary
Tel: +36 96 433925
Fax: +36 96 519786
E-mail: info@panparks.org
Denmark,
Estonia,
Greenland, and
Sweden
Description
Since 1994 The Green Key (Den Groenne Noegle) offered
a "diploma" to responsible tourism providers who fulfil a
long list of environmental criteria including those related
to company policy and action plans. Frequent inspection
visits help to ensure the credibility of this eco-label. Since
2001 the first Green Keys have been awarded to
establishments in Estonia, Greenland and Sweden.
Website www.green-key.org
Contact
Vodroffsvej 32
1900 Frederiksberg C
Tel: +45 35248080
Fax: +45 35248086
E-mail: miljoe@horesta.dk
54
The Swan
Denmark,
Iceland,
Finland,
Norway and
Sweden
The Green
Certificate
Latvia
Description
1989 consumers in the Nordic countries, Sweden,
Denmark, Island, Finland and Norway got the possibility to
choose environmentally friendly products with high quality
and helped by the official eco label the Nordic Swan. Since
1999, this eco-label has guaranteed that products and
services meet extremely high environmental standards
taking into consideration their lifecycle, impacts, quality
and performance. Environmental criteria are regularly
revised to ensure that eco-labeled products and services
are well above industry standards.
Description
The "Green Certificate" is an environmental quality ecolabel for tourism establishments, who protect nature and
landscape, use water and energy resources rationally,
practice environment friendly waste collection and
management. Also offer environment friendly tourist
activities, healthy, locally produced food and thorough
information on local nature attractions, historical and
cultural heritage sites.
Website www.svanen.nu
Contact
Rural Tourism Association of Latvia "Lauku celotajs"
Kugu Str. 11, Riga LV-1048
Tel.: +371 7617600
Fax: +371 7830041
E-mail: lauku@celotajs.lv
Contact
Ecolabelling,
SE-118 80 Stockholm,
Sweden,
Tel: +46 (0)8-55 55 24 00
E-mail: svanen@sismab.se
Website www.eco.celotajs.lv
55
ECOTEL
International
Legambiente
Turismo
Description
Since 1994, ECOTEL® has defined the concept of
environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry.
The ECOTEL® Certification helps to establish a benchmark
for environmental performance as well as a way for hotels'
own environmental claims to be independently verified.
ECOTEL® Evaluation can help to highlight potential
environmental and conservation opportunities that can
result in significant cost savings.
Website www.ecotels.com
Contact
372, Willis Avenue Mineola,
New York 11501
Tel.: 01-516-248-8828
Fax.: 01-516-742-3059
E-mail: cbalfe@hvsinternational.com
Italy
Description
The certification system "Recommended eco-friendly
places to stay" was launched in 1997 in the bathing resort
of Riccione. There are now 135 hotels, 8 campsites and 11
other accommodation establishments (totalling over
33.000 beds) along the coast, in the mountains of the
Emilia Romagna and Marche regions which have been
awarded this ecolabel. The criteria include good regional
cuisine made from organic ingredients, tips to help visitors
become acquainted with the local culture and natural
environment and cycle hire which is generally free of
charge.
Website www.legambienteturismo.it
Contact
LEGAMBIENTE TURISMO
c/o Legambiente Emilia Romagna
P.zza XX Settembre 7, IT - 40121 Bologna
Tel: + 39 051 241324,
Fax: + 39 051 4210514
E-mail: info@legambienteturismo.it
56
Indicators for sustainable tourism
To monitor the process of sustainable development and to improve the planning process there is a need to have indicators that help to
evaluate and co-ordinate sustainable development. Indicators have been identified for all three aspects of sustainable tourism
development - ecological, economic and social. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) recently proposed the use of selected indicators
for sustainable tourism. In order to be useful to tourism sector managers and administrators. The selected indicators are demand-driven;
they respond to decision-makers’ need to know and they are practical for most nations or regions.
Indicators should show the real performance in destinations, for example:
"The ratio of environmentally friendly arrivals" and not the "existence of pick-up systems from airports and train stations" which may
not be used by tourists.
The indicators should allow us to derive comparable values for all destinations. Northern or mountain destinations, for instance, need
more energy for the heating of accommodation and facilities than sun or beach destinations. It would not make sense to measure only
the amount of energy used - as the values depend on the circumstances of the destination. If we look at that part of total energy use,
which comes from renewable resources, we have a valid indicator for all destinations
A draft set of indicators was identified by the VISIT initiative and tested in 10 destinations all over Europe. The testing results led to the
core set of indicators (pop-up window). They are recommended as "priority indicators" for which data are available or relatively easy to
provide by the destination.
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Indicators developed by the European VISIT initiative
A) Indicators for political implementation of sustainability concepts
Key questions for sustainability:
• Existence and evaluation of the effectiveness of environmental management and monitoring tools for a more integrated tourism
strategy?
• Are different stakeholders involved in the process?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Is there a continuous reporting and monitoring system designed to improve or maintain the destination’s quality?
No. Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
A-1 Existence of a local policy for enhancing sustainability in the Existence of a political strategy decision (Yes/No)
destination
Existence of an action plan (Yes/No)
Number of the following issues covered by this action plan:
transport, land use and biodiversity, energy, water, waste, social
issues, economic issues
A-2 Involvement of stakeholders
Are there stakeholders continuously involved in designing, revising
and monitoring the sustainability strategy (Yes/No)
Are there extra staff employed for the implementation (number of
staff)
A-3 Existence of an inventory of sites of cultural interest
e.g. monuments, buildings, UNESCO heritage sites: (Yes/No)
A-4 Existence of an inventory of sites of natural interest
e.g. protected areas, habitats, especially vulnerable areas, Natura
2000: (Yes/No)
A-5 Number of eco-labelled tourism facilities or facilities
applying environmental management schemes (such as
EMAS or ISO 14000)
Including hotels, restaurants, campsites or other tourism services
A-6 Number of sites monitored with Blue-Flag-System and total
number of bathing sites (if applicable)
Environmental performance indicators
B1. Tourism transport (access to destination and return travel, local mobility)
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Key questions for sustainability:
• Is the amount of "transport pressure caused by tourism" decreasing?
• Are tourists arriving by more sustainable means of transport? Current situation and evolution in time to see whether there is
change towards improvement or not.
• Are the length of stays increasing? More same-day visitors or longer staying tourists?
• What are the main means transport tourists are using during their stay at the destination?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Impact of transport on noise and air quality, traffic jams?
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
B1-1
Share of environmentally friendly
modes of transport in all arrivals
How many tourists (staying at least for one night) used the following main means of
transport: car, airplane, train, bus, ship or bicycle to come to destinations (total
figures per year if available, percentage in case of guest surveys or estimates).How
many day visitors used the following main means of transport: car, airplane, train,
bus, ship or bicycle to come to destinations (total figures per year if available,
percentage in case of guest surveys or estimates).
B1-2
Number of same-day visitors per km²
Monthly table of same-day visitors (total figures, if no data available figures from
previous visitor surveys or estimates).Monthly table of meals sold in all restaurants (if
available).
B1-3
Local mobility
Monthly table of the number of passengers transported by local public
transport.Percentage of accommodations, tourism facilities and other tourist
attractions accessible by public transport (less than 10 minutes walking distance to
next station/stop).Extra means of transport especially set up for tourists (type of
transport and number of passenger places available per month)
B2. Carrying capacity - land use, bio-diversity and tourism activities
Key questions for sustainability:
• How much land is taken up by tourism accommodation?
• What area is occupied by second homes?
• Does the destination try to protect and preserve natural areas?
• What is theimpact of different tourism activities on bio-diversity?
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Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Degree of urban sprawl, reducing the attractiveness of destinations?
• Amount of natural areas, raising the attractiveness of the site?
Coastal destinations:
Key questions for sustainability:
• What is the pressure on aquatic systems (coastal and lake destinations)?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Are coasts in danger of becoming overcrowded?
Mountain destinations:
Key questions for sustainability:
Tourist pressure in mountain destinations?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Are mountain destinations in danger of becoming overcrowded?
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
B2-1
Maximum population density (peak
season) per km²
Table of number of total population (incl. tourists) per month
B2-2
Beds in secondary residences (in % of
total lodging capacity)
Lodging capacity (by means of accommodation)
B2-3
Ratio of built-up area to natural areas
Types of area of destination (built-up, reserved for building, green land, forest,
water, other) in km²
60
vertical meters/year)
• Number of tourists transported by helicopters
• Capacity of harbours and marinas (number of motor boats)
• Number of hydro speeds or similar water sports equipment
B2-6
Percentage of natural coastline (if
applicable)
Percentage of length of natural coastline (not built-up within a zone of 1 km from
the water) on total coastline
B3. Use of energy
Key questions for sustainability:
• How effective is the use of energy in the destination (total amount of energy used for tourism and source of energy)?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• No direct quality issue - but necessary to reduce effects of climate change, which may have a long-term impact on the quality of
the destination.
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
B3-1
Percentage of renewable energy in total
energy consumption (entire destination,
locally produced or imported)
Ratio of energy consumption per year covered by renewable resources.
B3-2
Energy use by type of tourism facility
and per tourist
Total consumption of energy per year per type of tourism facility (accommodation,
facilities, sport, tourist transport means) divided by total number of persons using
this type of facility.
B4. Use of water
Key questions for sustainability:
• What is the pressure on the local water resources?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Is there enough water available for tourists?
• Are the water bodies (groundwater and surface water) of good quality?
61
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
B4-1
Sustainable use of water resource
Ratio of water imported (pipelines, ships etc.) or coming from processed sea water
to total water sources Average development of ground water table in the last 5
years (in +/- cm)
B4-2
Percentage of houses and facilities
connected to waste water treatment
plants
Percentage of houses and facilities connected to waste water treatment plants
B5. Solid waste management
Key questions for sustainability:
• Is there a system of effective waste management?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Is waste illegally dumped and are there negative effects of waste treatment on health (for example caused by waste
incineration)?
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
B5-1
Percentage of solid waste separated
for recycling
Percentage of households where solid waste is separated for recycling
Percentage of solid waste separated collected in comparison with the solid waste total)
B5-2
Total of solid waste land-filled and/or
incinerated (in tonnes)
Total of solid waste land-filled and/or incinerated (in tonnes)
B5-3
Monthly table of waste production
Monthly table of waste production
C. Social and cultural performance indicators
Key questions for sustainability:
• Development of living conditions for local population?
• Are developments driven by external influences?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Do tourists feel accepted by residents?
• General safety of tourists?
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No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
C-1
Percentage of non-resident employees Seasonal percentage of non-resident employees in total number of tourism employees
in total number of tourism employees
C-2
Average length of contracts of tourism
personnel
C-3
Percentage of land owned by nonresidents
C-4
Number of recorded thefts
C-5
Tourist/host population ratio
D. Economic performance indicators
Key questions for sustainability:
• Economic viability of tourism sector?
Key questions for the quality of the region:
• Dependence of economy on tourism sector?
• Seasonal variation of tourism income?
No.
Description of Indicator
How to measure, further explanations
D-1
Seasonal variation of tourism-related
employment
Tourism-related employment in peak season/low season in total employment in the
destination
D-2
Share of tourism in overall destination
GDP
D-3
Seasonal variation of accommodation
occupancy
D-4
Total accommodation capacity per
capita of resident population
D-5
Average length of stay
Monthly table of nights spent in the destination
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Sustainable Tourism Indicators for Lake Balaton, Hungary
The study sponsored by the World Tourism Organization, which began in 1999 focusing on the Keszthely sub-region at the eastern end of the lake,
adopted five criteria for indicators:
• Relevance
• Data availability
• Comprehensibility and credibility
• Comparability
• Predictive ability
Indicators selected:
Water quality: Faecal coliform count at beaches; chlorophyll-A algae count; tourist complaints about water at beaches
Environmental education: Number of environmental modules offered by schools in the region in conjunction with a count of the number of students
who receive the modules
Preservation of nature: Number of rare/endangered species
Overcrowding and congestion in the beach area: Persons per square metre in the peak period
Social impact: Ratio of tourists to locals in peak period
Image of the region: Level of satisfaction by locals
Seasonality: Tourist numbers in peak month
Variety of attractions: Percentage of service establishments open year round
Solid waste management: Percentage of households using official garbage removal (voucher purchase)
Consumer satisfaction: Based on exit questionnaire
Cleanliness of water and bushes: Number of toilets per tourist on beach in peak times
Cleanliness of restaurants: Number of tourists with reported salmonella poisoning from local restaurants and eating outlets
Crime: Number of crimes reported by non-residents/residents
Pricing: Monthly average price of rooms
Public access to beaches: Percentage of usable beach open to public
Protection of biological resources: Category of site protection using IUCN index; number of rare/endangered species; existence of an organized
plan for region
Black market accommodation: Based on survey of visitors
Funding for protection: percentage of hot spot revenues that are dedicated to protection
Overall attitudes towards the destination: Based on visitor questionnaire
To assist in interpretation, three composite indicators were identified:
• Carrying capacity index based on: accessible beach area (30%); number of official beds (20%); parking and road capacity (20%); change in
index of local attitudes (30%)
• Site stress index, for tourism ‘hot spots’, based on: number of tourists (30%); number of tourists per square metre (30%); local response
(20%); damage measures (20%)
• Destination attractivity index, based on: water quality (30%); water access (20%); variety of attractions (30%); visitor response (20%)
64
EcoTaxes, EcoCharges, Fees
EcoTaxes, EcoCharges, Fees
Tourist eco-taxes and charges are defined as being those which
are raised on tourists for environmental purposes. They may or
may not have a direct impact on the incentives provided to the
tourist to pollute, but must in any event be used for
environmental purposes.
Cove at Portals Vells - Mallorca Island
Jon Davison (Lonely Planet Images)
Example: Tourism eco-tax in the Balearic Islands
Almost 12 million people arrive on the Balearic Islands in Spain
each year and compared with a permanent population of only
760.000. The tourists contribute significantly to the local economy,
but there are social and environmental costs. The regional
government wants to move to a more sustainable form of tourism
and plans to finance its programme through a tax on hotel stays.
From May 2002, tourists are charged EUR 1 per night eco-tax on
all hotel bills. The EUR 24 million that this is expected to raise in
the first year will be spent on environmentally friendly projects.
The hotel industry was required to cooperate with the introduction
of the new measure when it became apparent that the tax enjoyed
strong support among residents. Tourists appear to agree with the
aim of the tax once it is explained to them. However, the pressure
of the hotel sector has led to a failure in its implementation.
Source: Govern de les illes Balears
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The main reasons for using environmental taxes and charges
are:
• They are particularly effective instruments for the
internalisation of externalities, i.e., the incorporation of
the costs of environmental services and damages (and
their repairs) directly into the prices of the goods and
services or activities which cause them
• They can provide incentives for tourists and
administrators to change their behaviour towards a more
'eco-efficient' use of resources; to stimulate innovation
and structural changes; and to reinforce compliance with
regulations
• They can raise revenue which are used to improve
environmental expenditures. The funds collected on the
basis of the tourist eco-taxes and charges are earmarked
exclusively for the improvement of the environmental
quality, consequently and basic offer of a tourist
destination.
They can be used for the following activities:
o Cleaning up of beaches and other parts of coastal
area
o Cleaning up of the sea and shallow waters
o Quality control of sea, beaches and water
o Collection and deposition of municipal waste
o Preservation of natural resources, potable water
and space in particular
o Protection of sea and shallow waters, etc.
Example
A diving tax (EUR 2.30 per dive) in the natural reserve in Medes
Islands (Catalunya, Spain) generated EUR 130.000 in 1996, i.e.
68% of the budget of the reserve.
Source : EEA, 2003.
Example
The territory of the Cinque Terra located on the coast of northeastern Italy has established a sustainable tourism project to
protect the culture, heritage and environment. Cinque Terra is
famous for the five villages that are accessible only by train or trail:
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggore. The
large number of tourists has a significant impact on the
sustainability of the region. The region was recognized as a National
Park in 1999 and as a UNESCO protected territory since 1997. The
Sustainable Tourism project has established an Environmental
Quality Brand for accommodation facilities, a Cinque Terra card,
guidelines for tourists and public information about conservation. In
order to control tourist numbers, a Cinque Terra Card is provided
which includes access to all paths, nature observations centres,
botanic paths, picnic areas and bird watching areas. Tourists
exploring the region can purchase a 1, 3 or 7-day card which also
provides unlimited access to the train and bus between villages. The
fee goes to protect the trails, marine and national park Consorzio
Turistico Cinque Terre.
66
Environmental education and awareness programmes
Environmental education and awareness programmes
Effective implementation of coastal management and
conservation programmes depends on the full support of local
actors, which depends on a certain level of education, awareness
raising and training in the relevant areas. Education and
awareness raising have been identified in Agenda 21 as keay
areas for working towards sustainable development. Once
awareness is raised, the necessary values and attitudes, skills
and behaviour can be developed.
Environmental education is a learning process that increases
people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and
associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and
expertise to address the challenges, fosters attitudes,
motivations and commitments to make informed decisions and
take responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978).
The components of environmental education are:
1. Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and
environmental challenges
2. Knowledge and understanding of the environment and
environmental challenges
3. Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to
improve or maintain environmental quality
4. Skills to identify and help resolving environmental
challenges
Example: Education Programme for Staff, Aurinkomatkat, a
Finnish Outbound Tour Operator
To encourage and promote sustainable and environmentally sound
tourism within its internal operations, Aurinkomatkat, a Finnish
outbound tour operator has created an education programme for
staff. The topics are the environmental, economic, cultural, social
impacts of tourism, destination-specific issues, sustainability
actions and recommended practices to combat the commercial
sexual exploitation of children.
Benefits
Aurinkomatkat has seen a number of benefits of having its entire
staff continuously trained and informed on sustainability issues.
Including:
• Staff members are now taking their own initiatives to
improve sustainability performance in the office and in
destinations
• The training sessions encourage participation and sharing
ideas
• There is increased information on sustainability for
customers;
• Aurinkomatkat has improved its relationship with partners
by showing that it is concerned
• There is a feeling of commitment among staff
• The circulation of the newsletter enables staff to be informed
of the progress that is being made and what difficulties are
faced.
67
Education and awareness programmes need to be addressed to
both the professional sector and the general public and should
inform them about the direct and indirect impacts of tourism,
the causes and effects, the global and local issues, the
immediate and long-term issues and good practices in the area.
The private sector and especially tour operators could provide
information more widely to their clients - the tourists - about
sustainable tourism issues, encourage them to conserve, avoid
negative impacts on biodiversity and cultural heritage to respect
national legislation of the visited area as well as traditions of
local communities.
Education and awareness-raising also is required at all levels of
government. This should include processes for increasing mutual
understanding between relevant ministries, including joint and
innovative approaches for dealing with tourism and
environmental issues. It is quite important to raise awareness
within the academic sector responsible for training and research
on issues regarding sustainable tourism.
Example: Public Awareness Strategy, Danube Delta
Biosphere Reserve (DDBR)
A variety of different groups of people have an interest in the
Danube Delta or influence it in some way or other. The Public
Awareness Strategy of the DDBR has been designed to support the
conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources
of the Danube Delta while improving socio-economic benefits for
the local population. The financial sustainability of the DDBR,
through the implementation of an integrated and clearly targeted
plan for public awareness activities.
Example: The contribution of Information Centres to
sustainable tourism in protected areas (the case of
Strymonikos Gulf)
The main role of the Centre consists in contributing to information
and public awareness in matters of coastal zone functions and
values. Using as examples the Strymonikos Gulf and the Gulf of
Ierissos, whose coastal zone diversity is typical for Greece. It is the
first IC in Greece dealing exclusively with matters associated with
the coastal zone.
68
Example: The contribution of Information Centres in the sustainable tourism in protected areas: the case of
Strymonikos Gulf
Dr. Koutrakis Emmanuil
National Agricultural Research Foundation - Fisheries Research Institute
The «Information Centre for the coastal zone of the Strymonikos Gulf and the Gulf of Ierissos» was established in 1998
under the LIFE project "Concerted actions for the management of the Strymonikos coastal zone", which was carried out
by the Fisheries Research Institute of the National Agricultural Research Foundation and the Greek Biotope/Wetland
Centre of the Goulandris Natural History Museum. The Information Centre (IC) is now under the responsibility of the
Municipality of Agios Georgios (Central Macedonia, Greece).
The main role of the Centre consists in contributing to information and public awareness in matters of coastal zone
functions and values, using as examples the Strymonikos Gulf and the Gulf of Ierissos, whose coastal zone diversity is
typical for Greece. It is the first IC in Greece dealing exclusively with matters associated to the coastal zone.
Visitors of the IC have the opportunity to see an exhibition area with dashboards organised in 10 thematic units and rich
photographic material clarifying the term "coastal zone". It provides information about the sea life, local plants and
animals, stresses its historic and cultural value and highlights the potential environmental problems that may arise from
human activities. Three aquaria host local fish species, while the shell exhibition puts forward the shell diversity of the
area and the entire Greek coastal territory. In the centre of the hall 3D
presentations (models) present the bas-relief of the area, the estuary of the
Strymon River and a characteristic rocky coast of the area. At the same time, in
the projection room, visitors can watch a 25-minute educational film about the
coastal zone of the Strymonikos Gulf.
The success of the IC is noted by the record of about 3,000 visitors per year,
primarily from schools of the area, who visit the IC outside the main tourist
season. This case shows clearly how the information or interpretation centres
can contribute to the public awareness and the education of the visitors of a
protected area, by briefing them with a first description of the area (through
maps and photos), by showing them the functions and values of the area and
by explaining them how they should behave during their visit in an
environmentally sensitive area. Moreover the ICs can work as focal points for
alerting authorities on emerging threats and finally can attract a large number
of visitors (schools, organised groups, etc.) in an area, where they can be
informed and guided during their visit, promoting the sustainable tourism.
69
Environmental education and awareness programmes
Cooperation of actors
Cooperation of actors is an on-going arrangement between two
or more parties, based upon satisfying specially identified and
mutual needs. Such cooperation is characterised by durability
over time, inclusiveness and flexibility.
Potential actors include:
• Organisations within the established tourism industry,
particularly tour operators
• The government tourism bureau and natural resource
agencies, especially the park service
• Aborigines community that often has clashed with tourists
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially those
involved with environmental issues and small business
management and traditional community development
• Universities and other research organisations
• Other communities, including those with a history of
tourism and also those that are just beginning
• Public and private funding institutions and national
cultural committees, etc.
Example: The International Conference on Sustainable
Tourism in Rimini
The Conference in Italy, 28-30 June 2001 , ended with the
endorsement of a charter which promotes crucial ICZM elements
such as public participation as a fundamental success factor of
sustainable management, treating the coast as a whole, not
splitting it into land and sea territory. A workshop entitled
"Integrated planning for a sustainable land use policy" analysed the
success factors and stumbling blocks of ICZM projects and some of
the available tools. These include the importance of involving all
stakeholders from the beginning and maintaining their motivation
by embedding results from public participation processes into
existing democratic structures in order to ensure that personal
engagement leads to political impact. In this context it must be
ensured that the tourism sector - industry, tourism boards, etc. and tourists themselves are represented appropriately. Equally
important is to maintain coordination of the process beyond the
lifetime of limited ICZM projects. Policy tools such as assessing the
tourism carrying capacity of coastal and other areas have been
developed. Application should start, although further research
needs to be done in cooperation with local actors.
In Belek, a touristic town on the Turkish coast, a management
association (Beytuyab) was founded in 1988 to realize the
coordination and cooperation among the investors: The local
inhabitants, the official associations and establishments and the
relevant ministries (Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment,
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Forestry, etc.). Every company
investing in Belek is obligated to be a member of Beytuyab. The
association is responsible for the management of the infrastructure
of the region (water supply, wastewater collection and treatment,
communication, transportation, solid waste management, etc.) in
addition to other issues such as public awareness, biodiversity
conservation and controlling forest fires
70
Codes of Conduct and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism
Codes of Conduct are non-legislated guidelines that one or more organization agrees to follow. Also referred to as "voluntary code" or
"code of practice," it typically outlines service standards that you can expect when dealing with a company subscribed to the code (Source
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada).
• WWF’s Code of conduct The file includes 10 principles for Mediterranean Tourism, WWF’s codes of conduct for Mediterranean
tourists, measures for tourists, WWF’s codes of conduct for industry (tour operators- hotels- airlines), measures for tour
operators-hotels-airlines, WWF’ recommendations for local authorities and measures for local authorities. Similar Codes of
Conduct for Arctic tourists are published by WWF
• The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) of WTO, which is also referred to in the recent EU Communication on tourism
(COM(2003)716). The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of principles whose purpose is to guide
the stakeholders in tourism development: central and local governments, local communities, the tourism industry and its
professionals, as well as visitors, both international and domestic
• ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CHARTER for Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks (1996) published by EFCO (The European
Federation of Campingsite Organisations)
• ENTERPRISE: Selection of Codes of Conduct for Ecotourism Providers from Around the World, META (2001)
• Sample of Codes of Conduct for Ecotourists, META (2001)
• Many case studies of tour operators which show good practices in sustainable tourism. This was published by Tour Operators
Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
• AGENDA 21 for the Travel & Tourism Industry Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development
• “Statement of Principles for the Balanced Development of Cultural Tourism”. The International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) UK recommends seven principles for the balanced development of tourism to everyone.
• UNEP Principles on the Implementation of Sustainable Tourism
• Code for Environmentally Responsible Tourism - PATA
• Environmental Guidelines, WTTC
• Guidelines for community based ecotourism development - WWF international
71
Involvement of Civil Society institutions
Involvement of civil society institutions is a very efficient way of
stimulating public participation in coastal decision making.
Civil society includes all stakeholders with interests in the coastal
sector
Consumers
When consumer societies are involved in the coastal tourism
management:
a) The efficiency is better in using of natural resources
b) More transparency regarding information
c) Staff has more responsibility
d) Service is more equitable
e) Pressure to improve service, etc.
Role of Academics
Academics can keep an eye on a big picture. They can
evaluate possible consequence of tourism activities. Also they
can analyse natural resources of the coastal area to see
where resources is being used and lost. At last they should
contribute to the development of policies and plans for the
tourism industry, etc.
.
Role of NGO's
NGO play a vital role in coastal tourism management.
Their tasks are:
• Ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are
taken into account
• Initiating consumer societies
• In cooperation with academics, journalists,
regulators, NGOs can contribute to the
development of policies and plans for the coastal
tourism industry
• Assist the government in developing a standard
for responsible tourism
• Assist the government, private sector and
communities in implementing, monitoring and
evaluating responsible tourism
• Attract funding from donor agencies to develop
specific community-based tourism projects
• Assist communities and community groups in
organising themselves, preparing themselves for
tourism and implementing tourism projects
• Assist the government in conducting tourism and
environmental awareness programmes among
communities and the tourism industry at large
• Liaise between the private sector and
communities to generate more community
involvement in the tourism sector and stronger
private sector commitment deliver education,
training and bridging courses to local
communities
Communicating sustainability
72
It is essential to inform tourists in a positive way about
sustainability efforts by making people aware that environmental
quality means quality tourism experience. Environmental quality
should be associated with positive feelings and experiences, such
as: small-scale, quality service, personal relations, traditions,
intact and protected nature, rest, modern lifestyle and healthy
(organic) and local food.
Quality and environment are naturally two sides of the same
coin: eco-labelled products provide good quality service and
quality products should respect the environment. Eco-labelled
products are "Quality +" products.
Example
Communication efforts of VISIT
The European VISIT initiative developed its own communication
strategy for environmental quality in tourism. In 2002, the UN Year
of Eco-tourism, the VISIT image campaign was launched under the
motto: "Caring for the Environment … is caring for the Visitor".
This slogan connects environmental quality with the quality of the
product and experiences. The pictures combine the "visitor" with
the "environmental quality". The short text raises awareness and
can easily be understood and accepted. Published in many
languages the slogan contributes to raise the overall awareness of
the issues and the image of eco-labels complying with the VISIT
standard. It is complementary to individual promotional activities
on a national level or with focus on specific target groups. It is an
ongoing process to disseminate this message in strong
collaboration with print and online media at international travel
fairs and conferences in tour operators’ catalogues and brochures.
In brochures and websites of the VISIT eco-labels and on VISIT
publications (see also the back of this publication).
The VISIT Holiday Guide was launched in 2003 under the motto
"Your visit makes the difference". It is available online in English,
German and Dutch. It provides a detailed and structured
description of more than 1,000 hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday
houses, youth hostels, camping sites and restaurants. This
combined with attractive pictures as added value to their
environmental certificate they all offer a 'Plus' in quality. For the
first time ever consumers can find appropriate environmentallyfriendly accommodation for their next holiday just by clicking on
holiday destinations on the map of Europe.
The NGO Friends of Nature International highlights the VISIT
Holiday Guide in their online information service on
environmentally-friendly tourism: www.eco-tour.org
73
Marketing sustainable tourism products
As intermediaries between tourists and tourism service providers,
tour operators bring together a variety of tourism-related
services to form a complete holiday package which is then
marketed to customers either directly or through travel agents.
Each package generally consists of accommodation (often
including some food provision), transport both to and from the
destination, ground transport within the destination and events
or activities such as excursions and social activities. Tour
operators are not always in direct control of the environmental
and social impacts of those products. Yet, consumers increasingly
expect the tour operators they buy from to ensure that their
products provide not just quality and value-for-money, but also
safeguard environmental and social sustainability.
Example
The Green Travel Market
The Green Travel Market is a global facility to integrate sustainable
products into the packages of European and Northern American
tour operators. Green Travel Market - including hundreds of
sustainable products - was launched on the internet as a "business
to business" service.
Green Travel Market gives up-to-date and reliable information on
existing sustainable tourism products. Different types of highly
sustainable tourism products along the "tourism supply chain"
participate in the Green Travel Market: destinations, protected
areas, accommodation networks, individual accommodation,
community based tourism networks, visitor attractions and
activities, excursions or tours, incoming tour operators and
transport services. The Green Travel Market offers a wide array of
services to help local products, services to reach the European and
US tour operators and media. Green Travel Marker is in contact
with more than 1.500 touroperators.
www.greentravelmarket.info
74
Case studies
The Vä inameri project – Estonia
Location
The area of Väinameri is located in Estonia, in the Eastern part of
the Baltic Sea between the major islands and the mainland. The
area represents a rural coastal zone with high nature values.
Area description
Extensive beaches with widespread reed areas, coastal grasslands
and limestone plains represent habitats for thousands of birds,
mammal species and rare plants. A shallow clean sea, where light
reaches the bottom along thousands of square kilometres and
which also contains a rich organic world. However, the Estonian
coastal landscapes have never been all natural. Humans have
inhabited the area over the last couple of centuries and have
developed their agricultural activities. Grazing and mewing have
always existed along the coastline.
During the second half of the twentieth century, degradation of
local coastal economies has led to the degradation of many
valuable habitats. The opened coastal areas like wooded
meadows, limestone meadows and extensive coastal grasslands
which are full of species have been overgrown by bushes. To
revive these types of ecosystems, sensible management of
ecosystems is needed in the first place. Several Estonian nongovernmental organisations and the WWF-Sweden have initiated
the Väinameri project to restore and conserve seminatural coastal
ecosystems by assisting the local people in developing small-scale
economies. Main areas of the project applications are in farming,
handicrafts and eco-tourism. Awareness building and ecological
education are also considered to be of high priority in this project.
75
Project Description
The ecotourism component is a part of a holistic approach to
sustainable nature use in the area. The idea of the project is to
some extent similar to the food chain concept in ecology. Local
inhabitants, through their economic activities use various
resources of the coastal area by changing the landscape into a
more diverse state. The sustainable character of the human
activities will keep the agro-environmental system in equilibrium.
By assisting new practices in the coastal area, the Väinameri
project will support restoration of valuable areas, but also lead to
the improvement of social aspects.
76
Results of the project
The project has resulted in a significant improvement in coastal
landscape management and the protection of natural values.
Thousands of hectares of valuable coastal grasslands have been
restored and are now managed by more than 300 high quality
beef cattle and sheep. New jobs have been created in traditional
handicrafts and tourism industries within the local communities.
Three small businesses and several societies have been created
as a result of the project.
The main result of the project is the establishment of the
unformal co-operation network of actors which encompasses
about 100 people.
The project has carried out the following:
2900 hectar of coastal grasslands grazed, 2800 hectar has been
mowed and 110 hectar has been cleared of bushes. The project
has created 7 nature study trails and 4 demonstaration sites.
Also, three different ecotourism packages, which include birdwatching, botany, local handicrafts, local food and
accommodation have been launched
(www.arhipelaag.ee/vainameri/).
Ecotourism, alongside with farming and handicrafts, provides for
re-creation of the viable coastal farmers society, by creating extra
income and divercification of activities.
77
Slovenian coast
Location
The Slovenian coast is situated at the far northern end of the
Mediterranean, along the Gulf of Trieste which is the
northernmost part of the Adriatic Sea. The Slovenian coast is
only 46 km long and is heavily urbanised. The proximity of
Trieste and other bigger cities of Northern Italy, Austria and
mainland Slovenia makes the area interesting for tourists. They
are attracted by the diverse natural beauties (cliffs, marshes,
caves, beaches etc.) and rich cultural heritage (historic
settlements, salt-pans, traditional food etc).
The historic town of Piran at Cape Madona, Slovenia. Foto: Jaka
Adamic.
78
Problems / Conflicts / Opportunities
Tourism and recreation
The area has a well developed tourist infrastructure, which includes
dozens of hotels, sports facilities and public beaches. Most of them are
in perfect condition. The area has 21.000 tourist beds, most of them in
the municipality of Piran. It receives about 400,000 tourists a year.
Besides beach tourism, the focus of Slovenian coastal tourism is placed
on conferences, health and casino tourism throughout the whole year.
During the last few years, eco-tourism and cultural tourism have
become increasingly important. Therefore, tourism development of the
coast sprawls outside the city into the natural parts of the coast, into
the coastal hinterland developing new tourist attractions which can
easily go beyond the carrying capacity of the environment.
Urbanisation
The coast is heavily populated. The region spans over an area of 344
km2 with a population of just under 80.000 people (232
inhabitants/km2). Most of the population (over 80%) lives within the
1,5 kilometre wide strip along the coast. The urbanisation of the coastal
strip together with the increasing employment opportunities led to
intensive migration of inhabitants from hinterland to the coast. Among
the direct consequences of this exodus were deserted villages, the
decay of urban buildings, poor maintenance of infrastructure,
abandonment of farming and the decay of the typical cultural
landscape.
In the eighties the migration process reversed, mainly due to the
greater private housing possibilities. The change had positive effects on
the revitalisation of the hinterland. At the same time, due to poor
planning and insufficient control over building activities, the process led
to a serious degradation of the cultural landscape. Today, the major
problem of coastal cities and settlernents lies in their extensive and
dispersed expansion into the surrounding space over the last decades.
The major changes in the narrow coastal strip over these years
(abandoning of salt production, the construction of tourist facilities
including yachtmarinas, the development of the port of Koper and
infrastructure) resulted in a serious loss of natural coastline and
degradation of the coastal ecosystems.
The cliffs of Strunjan nature reserve.
(Foto Hanc J.)
79
Project Description
In the past decade there were several projects focused on the
protection of natural and cultural environments from
deterioration through development of eco-tourism and cultural
tourism. There were also a number of projects that looked at
various aspects of regional development and sought for more
integrated and sustainable solutions. With the creation of the
new Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP) the area is
going to get an important document for sustainable
development of the coastal zone together with its hinterland.
Part of the CAMP will also be the Strategy for Development of
Sustainable Tourism along the Slovenian Coast. The difference
of this particular project from similar projects is that the area
includes a large part of the hinterland and that the process of
preparing the documents anticipates extensive community
involvement.
Salt-pans of Secovlje. (Foto: Klemenc S.)
COMMENTS AND THEORY
An important strategy of sustainable tourism is diversification of the
tourism product from beach tourism to other types of tourism which
are not linked only to the coast but also to its hinterland.
The saltpans of Secovlje, Slovenia. Foto: Jaka Adamic.
80
Results
The most important result of regional development and heritage
protection activities in the coastal area has been the recognition
that there is a need for cooperation among all stakeholders to be
able to solve growing environmental problems. Furthermore,
preparation of a fully integrated aproach towards sustainable
development is essential.
Another important result of the last-decade-activities are
extensive protected areas of natural and historical sites along the
coast. Nature reserves include cliffs, lagoons, underwater
habitats, salt marshes, salt-pans, reserves of Mediterranean
terrestial flora and fauna and as well as freshwater lakes.
Protected nature heritage sites are:
1. Secovlje natural resort that includes salt-pan and Seca
peninsula - it is also Ramsar locality
2. Strunjan natural resort that includes steep cliffs along the
seashore
3. Skocjanski Zatok; and others that are not yet fully protected.
These sites are not only managed because of their intrinsic
ecological value. They are also regarded as part of a valuable
network of attractive areas that are used for diversifying the
tourism product
Who, Where and When
There is no coordinating body for the sustainable tourism process
yet. The whole process of moving towards sustainable tourism
started in early 90s because of the need to protect natural
heritage sites along the coast. At that time, the sustainable
tourism concept seemed to offer the right directions for protection
and development of sensitive areas with high ecological or cultural
value. The initial steps to develop Integrated Regional
Development Plan for Coastal Area of Slovenia were concluded in
March 2002. In September 2003, a new phase of this process
started with the preparation of CAMP which will be concluded by
the end of 2005. The project is prepared in the framework of the
Barcelona Convention and the Mediterranean Action Plan
(UNEP/MAP). It is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment,
Physical Planning and Energy of Slovenia. Financial resources are
also contributed by the coastal municipalities.
Exercise for user
What kind of tourism can be developed to
diversify the tourism product and to unburden
the coast?
81
Belek - Turkey
DESCRIPTION
Keywords
Sustainable tourism, private investors, stakeholder involvement,
cooperation of actors
Who, Where, When
Coordinating body: Belek Tourism Investors Association
(Betuyab). Betuyab is a management association founded in 1988
by the investor companies of the region with the support of the
Ministry of Tourism which also leads it. Every company investing
in the Belek Tourism Center is
obligated to be a member of Betuyab.
Location: Antalya, Serik, Turkey
When: The process started in 1988 and is still ongoing.
How
Betuyab's goals and activities are realized through cooperation
among the investors, the local inhabitants, the official association
and establishments, and the relevant ministries (Ministry of
Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of
Forestry etc.). Support has been given by the consulting services
of various universities, including Hacettepe University and
Mediterranean University. An infrastructural participation share
was collected from each Betuyab member at the beginning of the
project, and a monthly subscription has been collected since then.
Projects with high costs are financed equally (1:3) by the
Ministries, the public establishments, and the Betuyab investors.
Caracterisation
The project aims to establish "sustainable tourism" in the Belek
Tourism Centre.
The project marks that, for the first time in Turkey, all the
investors of a region have handed over the management to an
establishment like Betuyab to develop the region.
82
Results Achieved
The project marks that, for the first time in Turkey, all the investors of a region have handed over the management to an
establishment like Betuyab to develop the region.
• As the Ministry of Tourism has decided that the sustainable tourism development of the regions can not support any further
tourism investments, new investments will not be allowed.
• All tourism establishments are connected to three wastewater purification plants. Some of the wastewater is used for irrigation,
while the remaining water is completely cleaned and released back into nature
• Infrastructure projects which required high financial costs and timely planning were finished before the completion of the Belek
Tourism Center.
• Supported by the scientific consulting services of the universities, the campaign against mosquitoes,
houseflies and sand flies continues, achieving a success rate of 90%.
• The universities continue investigating the ecological infrastructure and its regional diversity, and to publish documents on
biological diversity.
• Awareness-raising studies have also been produced, including three books and various posters, ("100 Birds of Belek", "250 Plants
of Belek" and "20 Endemic Plants of Belek").
• Fire hydrants have been placed in the forests under the protection of the region, and fire fighting equipment capable of mastering
the regional topography has been purchased.
• Two firemen, hired and paid by Betuyab, are on duty throughout the year, reinforced by four additional men during the season
when forest fire risks are high. To prevent fire and dangers, communication systems have been installed, with Betuyabs office
serving as their centre.
• Various projects, protocols and collective works have been done in cooperation with NGOs
83
Lessons learnt
The success of the Belek Tourism Center is related to the new and
different nature of the organization and to the consultative
support from universities.
It is important to have studies that are scientifically based, and
directed towards the future.
The lack of private and public separation of the investors fostered
an attitude of trust by the state. The private sector and local
public are very excited towards Betuyab, encouraging them to
work together.
Conclusion
Cooperation of actors is an important tool for sustainable tourism.
Contact details
Sirer Aydin, General Manager Head Office: Belek Tourism
Investors Association Kuzgun Sokak no. 88/1 06540 A. Ayranc1Ankara Turkey Tel. 0312 441 54 27 - 441 67 22-23; Fax 0312.
441 54 28
Antalya Office Belek Tourism Center Iskele Mevkii P.K. 3207500
Serik-Antalya Turkey Tel. (0242) 725 56 92-93; Fax (0242) 725
56 94
Source
www.un.org/esa/sustdev/mgroups/success/tour3.htm
Comments
A tourism carrying capacity should be carried out as it looks like
the regions ecosystems and infrastructure can not support any
further tourism investments. However, tourism in the low season
should be encouraged. Especially Belek is well known as an
international Golf Center.
84
Mamaia - Romania
Area description
The Romanian Black Sea Coast is well known for its fine soft sand
and safe gently sloping beaches. The water of the Black Sea has a
low salinity in comparison with other inland seas (only 17%).
There is a virtual absence of tides and currents, indeed on most
days during the summer the sea is calm. The medium latitude
and the low altitude are favorable to a dry climate and determine
a long season, lasting from May to October. The eastern exposure
of the coast provides for spectacular sunrises and maximum
luminosity, amounting to over 14 hours a day at the height of
summer. Mamaia is particularly suitable for families because of its
safe 8 km beach, fringed by wild pear trees and renowned for its
fine soft sand.
MAMAIA: According to legend, the gods created Mamaia to
reunite a kidnapped princess with her daughter who was trapped
on the shore crying Mamaia! Mamaia! It is the oldest of all
Romanian Black Sea resorts. It was developed in 1906, on a
narrow spit of land between Siutghiol Lake (one of the largest
fresh water lakes in Romania) and the Black Sea, just 5 km north
of Constanta. The resort blossomed after 1919, with the
establishment of a casino and opulent villas and it became a
summer residence of King Ferdinand.
85
Mamaia Beach has the highest concentration of tourism
activities and has been experiencing severe erosion.
Erosion Causes
Hydrotechnical works built on the Danube and its tributaries
have resulted in a serious decrease of Danube sediment load,
imposing negative consequences on the littoral sediment
balance. In addition, hydrotehnical and harbour works
intercepted the longshore drift which meant a decrease of the
littoral sediments and caused acute erosion especially on
Mamaia beach. Different types of hydrotehnical protection
works have been built in the southern part of the coast which
was most affected by the erosion.
Erosion affecting the Mamaia beach
Coastal erosion is a particular problem at Mamaia, due to the
Midia harbour extension dike (5 Km long) which acts as a
barrier to longshore currents running from north to south. This
dike is deflecting the longshore sediments drifting offshore to
the south-east and thus Mamaia beach was transformed in a
bay, almost totally lacking natural sediment supply. There was a
general decrease of the sediment supply in the littoral zone
after damning the Danube river which also added to the
erosion.
In winter of 1988, the southern part of the beach was severely
destroyed by erosion. The coastline retreated to 59 m, between
1966 and 1988 and 88900 sq m of the beach surface eroded.
Urgent protection measures were required (6 longshore
breakwaters and an artificial nourishment) for Mamaia beach.
After the implementation of coastal protection the shoreline
retreated to only 35 m and in a small area. Accumulation was
registered with maximum value of 15 m between 1978 and
1995
The southern part of Mamaia Beach
a) in 1961 before the Midia harbour construction
b) in 1986 - after that
86
Effects of coastal protection
Beach nourishment is increasingly being used as a more
acceptable 'soft' management option as opposed to the 'harder'
engineered breakwaters and groins.
The advantages of beach nourishment as a management option
include the positive aesthetic results which often enhance
recreational value and the minimal probability of causing downdrift erosion. Beach nourishment at Mamaia was applied to recharge the eroded beach with appropriate sand material, but
unfortunately the sand material that was used turned out to be
very fine and it was not possible to obtain an exact match. Basic
guidelines include the principle that the material used for
replenishment must correspond in form and size to the local
beach material. In the case of Mamaia beach this element was
neglected. Another important and elementary principle which
was overlooked is that extremes should be avoided because
when the beach material is too fine (e. g. sand from Siutghiol
Lake) this results in local turbidity and water retention problems.
The results were enhanced erosion rates which were higher than
normal for this sort of environment.
The effects of the breakwaters are moderately positive,
dissipating the energy of incoming waves and reducing the wave
force. As a consequence, the southern part of Mamaia beach is
partially protected against erosion, but only the parts in shadow
of the breakwaters which allow the beach to restore. The
underwater profiles in the shallow water of the protected area of
Mamaia beach reveals the modification of the isobaths (-1 up to
- 4) position seaward at the back of the breakwaters.
Negative aspects of the breakwaters could be
mentioned:
• Anaesthetic view of the detached breakwaters
• Breakwaters extremities fall down due to erosion process
• Changes in current direction induce beach erosion
between breakwaters
• Erosion process extended in the unprotected beach area
Undesirable effects:
• Changes of current regime
• Important changes in beach profile
• Decrease the sediment transport
• Bathing water quality in summer season
• Migration of the tetrapods from the breakwaters
87
A potential risk of coastal erosion
Tourist capacity
The erosion risk exists in Mamaia beach because it is a narrow
sand bar which is exposed to hydrodynamic forces and lacks
sediment supply. Coastal protection measures have been carried
out during the communism regime when Mamaia was severly
affected by erosion. The infrastructure and the touristic activities
were damaged. A large part of the beach disappeared and so did
the promenade. If the erosion process continues and no proper
action to protect the beaches is taken. There is a potential risk for
the beach and the resort to be damaged in case of an eventual
strong storm in the future.
Mamaia resort has the largest tourism capacity along the
Romanian Black Sea Coast, representing 26 474 beds in 61 hotels
(1 to 5 stars), 14 villas and 3 camps in 2002. It is situated
between Siutghiol Lake and the Black Sea north of Constanta is
linked with it. It was founded in 1906 when the first balneal
building was built. After 1919 a Casino and residential villas of
Ferdinand King were built. In the second stage at the beginning of
sixties the first hotels have been built. The new resort became
famous in the southern east part of the Europe because of the fine
sandy beach.
Consequences of the beach erosion on tourism
Mamaias beach surface calculated on a shore length of 1.5 km has
diminished around 65% between 1966 –1988. With a figure of 4
sq. m of beach area per tourist. This amount of beach loss means
a total decrease of tourist capacity of about 11 000 tourists over
the next 22 years.
For all the seaside resorts from the southern part of the Romanian coast including Mamaia
Tourist fluxes
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Overseas tourist
72452
61998
48275
43817
58025
Native tourists
782084
844056
720648
713927
687479
Total tourists
854536
906054
768923
757789
745504
88
Danube Delta, Ukraine and Rumania
Description
The Danube Delta is one of Europe's largest wetlands. About
twenty percent of the Danube Delta is situated in Ukraine and
eighty percent in Romania. It consists of 150.000 ha of alluvial
islands, marshes, tributaries, canals and lakes. With an
internationally recognized importance for biodiversity (there are
three RAMSAR wetlands in the Ukrainian part alone and one in
Romania). The area supports more than 70 fish species, 225 bird
species, 500 plant species and 22 mammal species. Also
including several endangered birds, like the Dalmatian pelican,
Pygmy cormorant and White-tailed Eagle. Dynamic natural
processes give this area its unique character. More than 46,000
ha of the delta was included in the Danube Biosphere Reserve in
August 1998. The abundance of wildlife, especially birds, makes
the Danube Delta a potential top destination for eco-tourism.
Who, Where and When
Gura Portitei is located in the southern part of the Danube Delta
Biosphere Reserve on a sand spit bar between the lagoon system
Razelm Sinoe and the Black Sea. Recently, a small touristic
resort has been developed at Gura Portitei with a minihotel,
pension, floating boats accommodation, several wooden
bungalows and a camp site.
Gura Portita is well known for the beauty and the wildness of its
landscapes. Being situated on a natural sand split offers the
possibility of a holiday into the biosphere's reservation and the
littoral. There are beaches, which are mostly visited by young
people in particular those who love nature and fishing. Varied,
plentiful bird life and varied fauna can be found in the vicinity of
these beaches which are located in the Danube Delta Biosphere
Reserve. Access to Gura Portitei is possible only by boat from
Jurilovca village, situated on the other side of the lake. Besides
tourists that spend their holiday in Gura Portita, the beaches are
visited daily by tourists.
89
Risk
Coastal erosion tendency has been noticed on the Portita shore
since 1980. This phenomenon appeared as a consequence of the
hydrotechnical works carried out northwards, in the Sulina area.
Extension seawards of the jetties from Sulina branch mouth to
prevent navigation channel silting changed the marine currents
direction seaward and consequently Portita beach received
diminished sand quantities.
Additionally, hydro-meteorological conditions were not favorable
and so erosion of the beach became stronger. At that time,
decision makers considered it useful to build hard coastal
protection structures to prevent the creation of a sand bar at
Portita, the most fragile area which separates Razim lagoon by
the sea.
Gura Portitei beach is a beach which is situated at a small resort. It
provides toilets, meals, drinks, ice cream and there are lifeguards
at busy weekends. The largest amount of tourists prefer to visit a
beach with some facilities. While people also want to enjoy the
environment of the Danube Delta and the sea at the same time.
Access to this resort is only possible by boats which depart from
Jurilovca (a small village situated on the western shore of Razim
Lake)
This beach is well managed by a private company which developed
beach facilities such as: toilets- (more than three, all very clean),
showers (with hot water, also very clean), restaurants (meal and
drink offers), presence of lifeguard, rent of boats and pedal boats.
Coastal protection projects for the Gura Portitei have been
developed to ensure coastal stability for the next fifty years. For
the moment, the erosion phenomenon in this area has been
halted, but further south, where no coastal protection exists, the
erosion process became stronger.
Beach design and comfort are highly appreciated by tourists at
Portita beach due to the wild landscape and environment. A small
sewage treatment plant has been installed, as well as potable
water treatment. Showers with hot water, toilets and wooden
bungalows together with a small pension and mini hotel exist.
Taking into consideration that this area is protected for
conservation, tourism development is not allowed everywhere. The
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration which is managing
the area, including the beaches, prevents the economical agents
from developing significant tourist activities. This is the reason for
the low number of tourist in this area. They enjoy the beaches as
they are quiet and not highly developed. At Portita, an office of
DDBRA for ecological inspection of the area is the main local point
for survey and observation.
90
Comments and theory
In many wetland areas there is potential for growth of forms of
tourism that protect and enhance the environment. This kind of
tourism is sometimes referred to as eco-tourism. This term
concentrates on the goal of protecting the environment without
reference to the means for its achievement. It is a more recent
term that seeks to include the means as well as the goals of
responsible tourism. Responsible tourism refers to a situation
where all the stakeholders, local people, business and institutions
gain from the development of an industry which is set up and run
according to sustainable environmental principles. Such an
approach which recognizes the needs of the local people as well as
their environments can be glossed as "ecotourism for people". It
reflects the growing acknowledgement among ecologists that local
people cannot be left out of the equation and must be
beneficiaries if environmentally friendly development is to
succeed.
Lessons learnt
Besides the natural environment, the Danube Delta offers tourists
unique historical monuments and cultural traditions that add to
the experience. Ecotourism developments are very much
dependant upon the protection of natural ecosystems and their
associated cultural values. With the benefits of well-managed
tourism flowing into the local community through local based
operators, guides and facilities, eco-tourism will add activities that
sustain the Danube Delta’s population to the spectrum of wetlands
activities and also it will encourage their conservation.
Conclusions
No other development projects or actions are planned in this area
due to its specific aim concerning nature conservation. During the
last years, a remarkable investment has been made following the
sustainable tourism principles. A the new touristic site with an
accommodation capacity of 230 places which is made up out of 72
places for bungalows, 158 places in wooden huts and a three
stars hotel has been built. Suitable areas have been arranged for
tent settlements. The touristic development plan includes all the
required facilities for ecological and sustainable tourism in this
natural reserve; Sewage,freshwater networks, a sewage
treatment station and freashwater treatment have been installed
recently. Toilets and warm water showers, an observation tower
for lifeguards and reed umbrellas for tourist have been placed on
the beach .
For the short term, no threats exist which directly affect the
touristic infrastructure and fishery activities. On the other hand,
there have been conflicts between users and the DDBR
Administration. However, beach protection and preservation
needs more attention from local and governmental authorities in
this particular area and pilot projects are necessary to avoid the
potential risks that could appear in the future.
The population around this area is very interested in preservation
and conservation of this area. At the same time, the development
of eco-tourism creates new jobs for the locals and this represents
an alternative income resource for them besides the ones from
fisheries and agriculture.
Further information
Claudia Coman e-mail: claudiac@datanet.ro
NIMRD" Grigore Antipa" Constanta, Romania
Pictures are developed by Claudia Coman
Exercise for user
What types of tourism are allowed in Danube
Delta Biosphere Reserve ?
91
Did you know that?
1. Tourism activities in DDBR are authorized by the Regulation, Licenses Department within DDBRA.
2. Tourists access in DDBR is allowed only on the basis of an access permit, issued by DDBRA Tulcea and is conditioned by the
payment of an access fee. The access permit is issued by the Regulation, Licenses Dept. of DDBRA Tulcea.
3. Tourism in RBDD is allowed only along the approved routes. The tourists have no access to strictly protected areas. Access in
the adjacent areas to the established routes is allowed on the basis of a requested authorization from the Regulation, Licenses
Dept. of DDBRA, for a limited time period.
4. The Biosphere Reserve Authority recommends employment of DDBR specialized guides on the approved routes.
5. DDBRA recommends utilization of small capacity boats with electric propulsion for the transport of tourist groups.
6. Access on other routes than the main ones is allowed only with row boats.
7. The recommended speed limit for the tourist transport boats is of 10 Km/ hour.
8. The environmental authorization for hotels, bungalows and camping is issued by DDBRA.
9. Camping is allowed only in areas designated for this purpose.
10. The floating hotels used for tourists accommodation and transport in the reserve must be endowed with dejection storing tanks
and containers for domestic wastes. This will be stored or evacuated outside the reserve in special arranged places.
11. For the tourist transportation boats is obligatory the endowment with special wastes and garbage collecting systems.
12. Individual tourists must remove outside the reserve all the plastic, paper, metal or glass wraps in which they brought their food
supplies.
13. DDBRA calls tourists attention especially on the drowning danger and ill-taking risk by using under boiled water for
consumption.
14. Tourists access in bird colonies and disturbance of solitary nests and young ones is prohibited.
15. DDBRA recommends the utilization of the birdwatching towers and special shelters built in this purpose.
16. It is forbidden to pick up any kind of plants.
17. Tree-cutting is not allowed for tourists.
18. Angling is organized by the legal constituted fishing associations and is allowed only in the approved areas.
19. Hunting is organized only by the legal constituted hunting associations in the hunting areas authorized by DDBRA.
20. Any other additional information you can obtain by visiting the DDBRA Information and Visitor Centers from Crisan, Sulina and
Tulcea.
92
Arctic tourism
DESCRIPTION
Keywords
Problems and conflicts of high-latitude tourism.
Recently, European high-latitude tourism has become more and
more popular. Due to economical problems in Russia, even the
largest icebreakers of the world have started to be involved in
the Arctic tourist cruises. High-latitude coastal areas are
attractive for tourists. The Russian sector of Europe may be
subdivided into two main groups:
• Coasts of the Barents and the White Seas.This is more
or less inhabited land. However, basic roads, hunting
houses or deserted settlements of previous times still
remain here.
• High-latitude archipelagos. Cruises to Franz Josef Land
and the Nova Zembla islands may include even a visit to
the North Pole on nuclear icebreakers (e.g. Yamal) or
helicopters (sometimes - with last kilometres on skies).
These areas have no permanent population.
Infrastructure here is completely absent or undeveloped.
93
The main problems
Conflicts concerning the high-latitude tourism are as follows:
Inadequate infrastructure. Visiting the so called Arctic deserts, tourists sometimes cannot behave in a sustainable way even if they
wanted to. For example, absence of specially constructed planked footways on some Arctic islands (see below) leads to the trampling
down of the thin vegetation cover. This worries tourists but they cannot avoid or change the situation. Furthermore, infrastructure
development is not projected, since the few tour operators dealing with Arctic tourism are not interested in large investments. Nobody
can force them since there are no controlling entities in the area. Another example is the Franz Josef Land, legally speaking a Protected
Area but permanent protecting service is absent here. So, the tourism in the area is actually uncontrolled. Formally, special observers
representing the regional nature protection authorities are included into the staff of the Arctic cruises. Yet, those people are usually not
qualified for the job (it is not their main speciality) and they depend on the tour organisers because the firm provides them with services
on a level with all tourists (including feeding in the high-class restaurant) free of charge.
Neglecting of natural processes. In high-latitude areas life is highly concentrated on small sites (vegetation, bird colonies, sealrookeries, walrus shore and ice grounds). These sites are both the most attractive for tourists and for nature. However, guides
frequently visit them in the course of foot or boat excursions. Moreover, such sites are specially visited during the helicopter excursions
from the tourist icebreakers.
Tourism development is not well planned. Activities are planned only for short-term perspective.
Insufficient environmental knowledge of tour providers. Icebreaker based excursions to bird colonies located on coastal cliffs are
not harmful while helicopter excursions are extremely dangerous to nestlings and young birds. Pursuit of walruses or polar bears on
motorboats with tourists willing to take pictures of these animals as close as possible leads to stress them. However, that is exactly the
attraction for which the tourists pay good money. Therefore, the environmental knowledge of tour operators in insufficient and their
tendency is just to please the tourists.
Low level of education. Environmental knowledge of tour operators and guides working in the Arctic is not always high enough.
Usually they have no special professional training and certification. A Special Code of Conduct for the Arctic Coasts (for both tour
organisers and tourists) is absent. Even if a tour organiser does not possess all required documents nobody controls his activities.
Neglected carrying capacity. High Arctic vegetation is extremely vulnerable and its rehabilitation is extremely slow. Visiting highlatitude areas by lots of tourist leads to the impact on vegetation (e.g. some islands of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago are visited by
approximately a thousand tourists during summer).
Deterioration of natural resources. Environmental deterioration of the Arctic may be caused by the use of inadequate transport
(teams of hunters-tourists are transported to the hunting places by caterpillar tractors). In many cases that causes disturbance or even
destruction of the abundant permafrost layer in the Arctic, besides soil erosion and consequent ravine formation.
94
Actors, location and Time
The Agency VICAAR ( "Victory in the Arctic and Antarctic
Research") was founded in 1991 in St. Petersburg. The director of
the agency is Dr. Victor Boyarsky, a famous polar explorer,
member of the International TRANSANTARCTICA Expedition, the
International Arctic Project Expedition, having crossed the Arctic
Ocean with dog-sled and canoe from the Russian Arctic via the
North Pole to Canada. The personnel consist of professional
scientists and polar explorers working as logistics supervisors,
guides producers and programs managers.
Concerning tourism, VICAAR focuses on education and
preservation of the nature values. It enables tourists to enjoy,
appreciate and learn about the unique and fascinating Wild Nature
regions. Its programs are aimed at providing maximum safety for
all participants with minimum impact on the environment. VICAAR
intends to develop this form of tourism in a more sustainable way.
Approach
The initiatives in the field of the sustainable Arctic tourism
development are not specifically financed. Instead, it is the team
view which is moving VICAAR towards an environmentally friendly
behaviour.
Characterisation
In order to make the Arctic tourism more sustainable it is
intended to use the following main forms of activity:
• Development of environmental education during the tours
and cruises
• Application of "best practice"
• Raising local population awareness regarding nature
protection issues
• Creation of appropriate infrastructure where it is possible
Further information
On line: http://www.vicaar.spb.ru/company.htm;
E-mail: vicaar@mail.wplus.net
95
Curonian lagoon, Lithuania
Location
The non-tidal Curonian lagoon is a shallow semi-locked and
almost fresh-water body which is located on the southeastern
rim of the Baltic Sea. It is the largest Baltic Sea lagoon (surface
area 1,584 sq. km). The Nemunas river provides the main water
inflow into the Curonian lagoon, which discharges to the Baltic
Sea. July and August are the warmest months of the year with
the main daily air temperature reaching +17ºC.
Politically, the Curonian lagoon region is divided in two parts:
The northern one belongs to Lithuania and the southern part to
Kaliningrad Oblast, which is the exclusive territory of Russian
Federation.
Geographically, the Curonian lagoon and the adjacent region
form a huge natural entity. The southeastern Baltic coastal
accumulative plain includes three major parts: The Nemunas
delta, the Curonian spit and the Sambian peninsula. The total
area of this region is app. 4.000 sq. km.
The Curonian spit is famous for its 31 km long coastal ridge of
40-60 m high drifting barchans. In 2000 the entire Curonian spit
has been included into the UNESCO World Heritage List as a
cultural landscape of outstanding value. It is protected within the
national parks of Kuriunerija (Lithuania) and Kurshskayakosa
(Russia). The sandy marine beaches of the Curonian spit
together with nice traditional resorts, mature pinewoods and the
magnificent vistas over the drifting dunes and the Curonian
lagoon form the most valuable tourism attraction of the whole
region. Thus Curonian lagoon has become an international
tourism destination.
The Nemunas delta with a maze of river branches, canals,
polders and wetlands is protected as a wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar convention and as a regional park.
The Nemunas delta is important for the migrating and breeding
birds, particularly, geese, ducks and waders. The long list of
species, the high concentrations recorded highlights the unique
international importance of the Nemunas delta for the
development of eco-tourism.
Management of sustainable tourism
The Department of Recreation and Tourism at Klaipeda University
together with the EUCC Baltic Office are the leading institutions
facilitating the sustainable tourism development in the Curonian
lagoon area. The whole process started in 1993 when efforts aimed
at fostering the sustainable development of Rusne island in the
Nemunas delta got support from the EUCC - The Coastal Union and
the promotion of sustainable tourism became one of the key
priorities of the program.
The promotion of sustainable tourism development in the Curonian
Lagoon area is supported mainly by the external aid sources
provided by the European Commission within the PHARE and TACIS
programs (PHARE Partnership, PHARE ACCESS, PHARE and TACIS
Small Project Facility programs). Support obtained from the Royal
Netherlands Embassy (MATRA KNIP program) and the Baltic
American Partnership Program is also acknowledged gratefully.
The particular projects mentioned above were based on the
farmers to farmers principle and focused on the development of the
sustainable tourism development plan for the Curonian lagoon
region, on the sustainable tourism demonstration programs in the
Nemunas delta and on the Curonian spit (pictures). As a result
several projects were established in the area: Rusne Rural Tourism
Organization, Rusne Rural Tourism Information and Consultation
Center, Water Tourism Center in Minge. Facilitation of sustainable
tourism development was ensured through a variety of activities
with local communities of Curonian spit and with administrations of
national parks Kursiunerija(Lithuania) and Kurshskajakosa (Russia)
96
Comments and theory
In both the Lithuanian and Russian parts of the Curonian lagoon
region fishing and agriculture have maintained their leading roles
in the local economy during the 1990s and early 2000s. The
economic performance of these sectors and their capacity to
provide a decent living for the local population has declined
dramatically because of the emergence of the market economy
and the change of mechanisms behind the production from a
matter of central planning to local decisions affected by prices of
resources needed and products manufactured.
Tourism is a new emerging opportunity for a truly sustainable and
decent future of the region if its development is based on the key
strengths of the Curonian lagoon region as an area with
outstanding natural amenities.
The Curonian spit is by far the most suitable area for tourism
development in the region, but its status as a national park
appears to ensure a strong legal protection against large-scale
developments outside the areas already developed. It seems very
important to discuss whether the spit should be reserved mainly
for low-scale exclusive tourism, affordable only to foreigners and
rich locals, or whether there should also be facilities for locals with
"normal" incomes. At present the trend seems to be the first.
From the rural, agro-, eco-, and water-tourism perspectives, the
Nemunas delta is much more attractive than the Curonian spit.
But whether the expected sustainable tourism development
opportunities will be realized and remains open to questioning.
The utilization of rich natural resources for sustainable tourism
development in the Curonian lagoon region and its economic and
social recovery will be possible only if the region bases its
development on essential principles of sustainability.
Without deliberate positive actions quite a few events might have
detrimental effects upon the tourism development and thereby on
the social welfare and the long-term economic growth of the
region. A particularly harmful situation might occur if the region
lacks the proper attention and support from the central
governments of Russia and Lithuania, because the bureaucracy
can strangle local enterprising initiatives.
Efforts should be made to endorse tourism development in the
Curonian lagoon region towards a sustainable use of local natural
resources and maintenance of cultural heritage, facilitation of
site-specific development of small-scale leisure facilities according
to local peculiarities and carrying capacity of landscapes and
ecosystems. This could increase the local knowledge on the
sustainable use of natural resources through special training
programs, the local 'centers of excellence' diverse programs of
education and social integration for different target groups.
97
Further information
Further information on sustainable tourism development in the
Curonian lagoon region can be obtained from the following
sources:
Department of Recreation and Tourism, Klaipeda University, H.
Manto street, 84, KLAIPEDA, LT-5808, Lithuania, e-mail:
rektur@gmf.ku.lt
Lithuanian Tourism Fund, Ukmerges street, 20, VILNIUS, LT2600, Lithuania.
Exercise for user
What priority actions might be particularly
beneficial to the sustainable tourism
development in the Curonian lagoon region?
Curonian lagoon web-based information system
http://lagoon.service.lt
Exercise for user
Exercise for user
What essential principles of sustainability should
be followed in order to utilize rich natural
resources for sustainable tourism development in
the Curonian lagoon region?
What are the key prerequisites for the successful
implementation of the sustainable tourism
development program in the Curonian lagoon
region?
98
Kingisepp District, Russia
Location
Along many parts of the Russia’s coastline, tourism (if any) has
been developed in a haphazard and unplanned way and causes
major environmental and social problems. Western and Russian
tourist activity significantly differ mainly in terms of
infrastructure development and objectives.
Russian leisure time is often spent in nature, e.g. on natural
beaches, and involves gathering berries and mushrooms for
winter, amateur fishery (recently by inexpensive and effective
monofilament nets) and less often hunting (including in
prohibited season). These activities are deeply rooted in
traditions and history.
99
Coastal code assessment
Assessment of the Coastal Code approach in Northwest Russia
included the issue of sustainable tourism and was done in the
framework of a pilot project for integrated development of the
coastal zone of Kingisepp District (Leningrad Region). It was
implemented jointly by EUCC and Baltic Fund for Nature (BFN).
Sponsor of the project was the 1998 Pin-Matra programme of the
Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries.
How
The project determined whether the guidelines proposed in the
European Code of Conduct for Coastal Zones are adequately
reflected in the existing strategic and development plans of the
area.
Objectives
Main objectives of the project were:
• Characterise the environment of the coastal zone
• Analyse common practice and trends of coastal zone
management
• Assess the ecological status of coastal habitats and
biological communities and determine negative human
impacts
• Select those approaches of the Coastal Code, which are
best suited to tackle problems related to biodiversity loss
in Kingisepp District
• Work out recommendations on optimising the Coastal Code
taking Russian specificities into consideration.
Conclusions
Analysis of the situation in Kingisepp District had shown that
organised tourism was developed poorly in the area.
Only 50% of Coastal Code guidelines had been applied in
management practices of Kingisepp District. In particular, the
following ones were not respected:
• Integrate sectoral development in coastal zone
management
• Non-development zones
• Protected coastal land and seascapes
• Realisation of polluter pays principle
The most suitable areas for development of tourism in the district
are those adjacent to the Gulf. Taking that into account, the
administration of the district took the decision to construct a
tourist complex at the shore of Narva Bay. The projected area is
4,500 ha and its recreation capacity is 50.000 person per day. The
project will require large investments from the local goverment.
Difficulties
Main difficulties of realising Coastal Code principles in practice
were formulated as follows:
• Recent economical difficulties in Russia
• Lack of effective instruments for motivating inhabitants and
businesses to apply nature-friendly methods of
management
• Lack of traditions of environmentally friendly behaviour
among population.
100
Further information
Incorporation (1999) of the principles and guidelines of the
Coastal Code and ECMEN into the ICZM programme being
developed in the Kingisepp District, Russia. St. Petersburg, BFN.
Contact: Dr. Vladimir B. Pogrebov - baltic@teia.org
101
Conclusions
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:
a. First, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the
beaches (see glossary). Beaches are meant to be areas
that are comprised from the submarine area to the dunes.
This implies the reorganization of the whole territory and
even of its periphery, in a way that the natural areas can
benefit from that process and provide a concentration of
tourism in a specific area. It is also necessary for
sustainable development, that the incorporation of the
costs of environmental services and damages (and their
repairs) fall directly into the prices of the goods, services
or activities which cause them. Thereby contributing to the
implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle in the coast.
Beaches have an economic and an environmental value
and they help to protect the coast against coastal erosion,
so a greater investment is needed.
b. 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. Also, the
information should be accessible to everyone. Concerning
the latter aspect, scientific journalism has to be protected
and favoured, as well as seminars where all the agents
related with the coast can exchange their opinions, results
or methodologies.
c. Third, an improvement of the environmental education
is essential for a sustainable development of the coast.
102
Sources
References
References
• Cicin-Sain B and Knecht R. W, 1998, Integrated coastal and
Ocean Management, Concepts and Practices. Island Press.
• European Commission, DG XXIII. 1998. Fact and figures on
the Europeans on holiday 1997–98. Eurobarometer, 48,
Brussels.
• European Communities. 2000. Towards quality coastal
tourism. Integrated quality management (IQM) of coastal
tourist destinations. Luxemburg: Office for Official
Publications of the European Communities, 156 pp.
• German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 1997.
Biodiversity and Tourism: conflicts on the world’s
seacoasts and strategies for their solution. Springer-Verlag
Berlin Heidelberg, 343 pp.
• Hall, CM (2001) Geography of Tourism. Florence, KY and
USA Routledge.
• International Friends of Nature. Position paper of the
International Friends of Nature on the role of tourism in
the context of sustainable development (1998), edited by
Manfred Pils and International Friends of Nature;
presented to the seventh meeting of the Commission on
Sustainable Development (CSD-7) in New York, April
1999, 22pp.
• NOAA (1997) 1998 Year of the Ocean - Coastal tourism and
recreation.
• Sproule, K.W., 1996. ‘Community-based ecotourism
development: identifying partners in the process’, Paper
presented at the Ecotourism Equation: Measuring the
Impacts (ISTF) Conference, Yale School of Forestry and
Environmental Studies, April 12-14.
• Theodoropoulos M., Salman A. & Koutrakis E.T., 2002.
'Coastal Guide, Country File: Greece', EUCC, Leiden.
• Uhlik, K.S., 1995. ‘Partnership step by step: a practical
model of partnership formation’ and Journal of Park and
Recreation Administration 13 (4): p.13.
103
Abbreviations
• MAP: Mediterranean Action Plan
• CBSS: Council of the Baltic Sea States
• MORI: Market and Opinion Research International
• DDBR: Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
• NCAA: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority
• EA: Environmental Auditing
• NGO: Non-Governmental Organization
• EC: European Commission
• NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• EEA: European Environment Agency
• PAP: Priority Actions Programme
• EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment
• RSIS: Red Sea Information System
• EU: European Union
• SEA: Strategic Environmental Assessment
• FREE: Foundation for Environmental Education
• TCC: Tourism Carrying Capacity
• FTO: Federation of Tour Operators
• UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme
• GCET: Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
• UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
• GNP: Gross National Product
• IC: Information Centre
• UNDP: United Nations Development Programme
• ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability
• WCED: World Commission on Environment and
Development
• ICOMOS: International Council on Monuments and Sites
• WTO: World Tourism Organisation
• ICZM: Integrated Coastal Zone Management
• WTTC.: World Travel and Tourism Council
• ISO: International Organization for Standardization
• WWF: World Wide Fund for Nature
• kWh: Kilowatt-hour
104
• Tours Operators Initiative: www.toinitiative.org
Websites
• United Nations Environment Programme: www.unep.org
Internationaal
• United Nations Development Programme: www.undp.org
• Best Practices Data Base: www.bestpractices.org/
• United Nations Division for Sustainable Development:
www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21/english/agenda21toc.h
tm
• Blue Flag Campaign: www.blueflag.org
• Earth Council: www.ecouncil.ac.cr
• World Tourism Barometer : www.worldtourism.org/market_research/facts/barometer/WTOBarom04_1_enExc
erpts.pdf
• ECOTEL®: www.ecotels.com/
• Global Eco-labelling Network: www.gen.gr.jp/eco.html
• World Tourism Organisation: www.world-tourism.org
• Green Globe: www.greenglobe21.com
• World Travel & Tourism Council: www.wttc.org
• International Cooperation Network: www.omt.uned.es
• World Wild Fund for Nature: www.panda.org
• International Labour Organisation: www.ilo.org
• International Institute for Peace Through Tourism:
www.iipt.org
EU
• INTOSAI. Working group on environmental auditing:
www.environmental-auditing.org
• European Commission: http://europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm
• Local Governments for Sustainability: www.iclei.org
• Market and Opinión Research Market: www.mori.com
• EEA multilingual environmental glossary:
http://glossary.eea.eu.int/EEAGlossary
• SEA. Participatory:
www.participate.org/publications/Participatory_SEA.pdf
• European ICZM Homepage:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/iczm/home.htm
• Sustainable Tourism: www.sustainabletourism.net
• European Union: http://europa.eu.int
• The Green Audit Kit: www.greenauditkit.org
• European Union Eco-Label:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm
• Tourism Concern: www.tourismconcern.org.uk
• European Environment Agency: www.eea.eu.int
• PAN Parks®: www.panparks.org/
• VISIT: www.yourvisit.info
105
Regional
• Milieubarometer: www.milieubarometer.com
• Agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea Region: www.baltic21.org
• Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona: www.costabrava.org
• Alpine Convention: www.convenzionedellealpi.org/
• Priority Action Programme: www.pap-thecoastcentre.org
• Aurinkomatkat-Suntours: Staff Training on Sustainable
Development:
http://www.toinitiative.org/good_practices/case%20studie
s/31.pdf
• Sitges: www.sitges.com
• Calvià: www.calvia.com
• Consorzio Turistico Cinque Terre: www.cinqueterre.it/de/
• Ecological Society of America: www.esa.org
• Sustainability In Hungarian Rural Tourism:
www.ratztamara.com/rural2.html
• Sustainable Tourism and Economic Instruments: the case of Hvar,
Croatia: www.bath.ac.uk/cpe/workingpapers/economic-instrumentstaylor-fredotovic-povh_Markandya.pdf
• Generalitat de Catalunya: www.gencat.net
• Svenska Naturskyddsföreningen (Swedish Society for Nature
Conservation):
www.stockholm.snf.se/utinaturen/Omraden/varmdo/hjalmo.htm
• Govern de les Illes Balears: www.caib.es/root/index.ct.jsp
• The Brundlandt Report: www.brundtlandnet.com/brundtlandreport.htm
• Hiiumaa Green Label:
www.bka.hiiuloodus.ee/roh_mark/greenlab.html
• The Green Key : www.green-key.org
• La Clef Verte: www.laclefverte.org
• Legambiente Turismo: www.legambienteturismo.it
• www.lloret.org, www.lloretdemar.net (Lloret de Mar)
• Lloret de Mar, Agenda 21:
www.lloret.org/cat/agendaxxi/presentacio.htm
• Local Governments for Sustainability: www.iclei.org
• Mediterranean Action Plan: www.unepmap.gr/
• The Green Certificate: http://eco.celotajs.lv
• The Swan: www.svanen.nu
• Tourism eco-tax in the Balearic Islands: www.caib.es
106
Glossary
• Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations Governments
System, and Major Groups in every area in which humans impact the environment
• Agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea Region
An agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea region is the Baltic 21. A regional multi-stakeholder process for sustainable development initiated in 1996 by
the Prime Ministers from the eleven member states of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). Baltic 21 members are the CBSS member
states, the European Commission, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, international sub regional, city and
business community networks and other international non-governmental networks.
• Alpine Convention
Convention on the Protection of the Alps (1991).
• Barcelona convention
Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (1976).
• Beach restoration
Beach restoration can involve the use of various techniques to restore, stabilize, enhance and maintain a beach. These techniques may include
sand nourishment, groynes and sea walls etc.
• Biodiversity
The generic variety of faunal and floral species living in the biosphere. Biological diversity is critical for maintaining the biosphere’s lifesustaining systems.
• Biosphere reserve
A biosphere reserve is a unique concept which includes one or more protected areas and surrounding lands that are managed to combine both
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Each biosphere reserve conserves examples of characteristic ecosystems of one of the
world's natural regions, managed for their protection and study.
• Bloom algae: Throughout the world, large areas of our coastal waters are becoming so polluted that they lack sufficient oxygen, one of the
basic building blocks of life. This condition is called hypoxia. Although this is sometimes a natural condition, the increased area of water
affected, extended length of each episode and higher frequency in recent decades are due to human activities. Overenrichment of estuaries
and coastal waters with nutrients, especially nitrogen, stimulates outbreaks or "blooms" of algae that consume vital oxygen from the water
when they decompose. The effects of hypoxia include fish kills and shellfish bed losses. These losses can have significant detrimental effects on
the ecological and economic health and stability of coastal regions.
• Codes of conduct
Recommended, voluntary codes of behavior. Often best practice.
• Carrying capacity
Refers to the size of a population that can live indefinitely in an environment without doing that environment any harm. This applies to plants,
animals and people. If the carrying capacity of the environment is exceeded, organisms die and the environment may be permanently
destroyed.
107
• Current account balance
The amount of a resource that is currently available for use.
• Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Environmental assessment is a procedure that ensures that the environmental implications of decisions are taken into account before the
decisions are made. The process involves an analysis of the likely effects on the environment, recording those effects in a report, undertaking a
public consultation exercise on the report, taking into account the comments and the report when making the final decision and informing the
public about that decision afterwards. In principle, environmental assessment can be undertaken for individual projects such as building a dam,
motorway, airport or factory (‘Environmental Impact Assessment’) or for plans, programmes and policies (‘Strategic Environmental
Assessment’). This website provides information on the European Community’s laws on Environmental Impact Assessment of projects and the
Environmental Assessment of certain plans and programmes together with other related information.
• Ecotax
One of the main aims of a green economy would be to make prices reflect true costs. At present, prices place an artificially low value on nonrenewable natural resources and completely ignore external costs - to the air, the water, the soil, to future generations and to workers health.
The whole economic system is geared to keeping these costs ‘externalized’. A green economy would adjust prices to include real costs and
would institute a system known as Ecotax to drive this forward.
• Eco-labeling scheme
The voluntary eco-label established in 1992, is intended to promote products with a reduced environmental impact and provide consumers with
environmental information.
• Ecoregions
In general terms, ecological regions can be mapped according to associations of biotic and environmental factors that directly affect or
indirectly express energy, moisture, and nutrient gradients, which regulate the structure and function of ecosystems. These factors include
climate, physiography, water, soils, air, hydrology, and potential natural communities.
• European Blue Flag
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FREE) in Europe is the organisation behind the European Blue Flag award. It has become a
reliable source of information on clean, safe and enjoyable environments for coastal recreation and has made a significant contribution to
public awareness of environmental issues.
• International tourist receipt
The annual amount of profit made by a country from tourism.
• Earth Council
The Earth Council is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that was founded in September 1992 to promote and advance the
implementation of the Earth Summit Agreements. It is led by a body of 18 Members, drawn from the world's political, business, scientific and
non-governmental communities. The mission of he Earth Council is to support and empower people in building a more, secure, equitable and
sustainable future.
• Ecosystems
The linked system of interactive relationships among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment in a
given geographical unit.
108
•
Environmentally friendly material
Materials that do not harm the environment when produced.
• Ethical consumerism
Being an ethical consumer means buying products which were ethically produced and/or which are not harmful to the environment and society.
This can be as simple as buying free-range eggs or as complex as boycotting goods produced by child labour. Products which fall into the
ethical category include organic produce, fair trade goods, energy-efficient light bulbs, electricity from renewable energy, recycled paper and
wood products with Forest Stewardship Council approval.
• GNP
Gross National Product (GNP) is the value of all the goods and services produced in an economy, plus the value of the goods and services
imported, less the goods and services exported.
• Green Globe
Green Globe is the global bench marking, certification and improvement system for sustainable travel and tourism. It is based on agenda 21
and its principles for sustainable development endorsed by 182 heads of state at the United Nations Rio de Jeneiro Earth Summit. It provides
companies, communities and consumers with a path to sustainable travel and tourism.
• Habitat fragmentation
When native vegetation is cleared for agriculture, habitats, which were once continuous, becomes divided into separate fragments. After
intensive clearing, the separate fragments tend to be very small islands, isolated from each other by crop, land and pasture. Small fragments
of habitat can only support small populations of fauna and these are more vulnerable to extinction. Fragments of habitat that are separated
from each other are unlikely to be re-colonised.
• Hypoxia
Hypoxia is the medical name for insufficient oxygen in the blood. Normally it is caused by a cardiac or pulmonary disease.
• Indicator
Observed value representative of a phenomenon to study. In general, indicators quantify information by aggregating different and multiple
data. The resulting information is therefore synthesised. In short, indicators simplify information that can help to reveal complex phenomena.
• Infrastructure
The basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. Such as transportation and communications
systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices and prisons.
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• Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to
promote sustainable management of coastal zones. It covers the full cycle of information collection, planning (in its broadest sense), decision
making, management and monitoring of implementation. ICZM uses the informed participation and cooperation of all stakeholders to assess
the goals in a given coastal area and to take action towards meeting these objectives. ICZM seeks, over the long-term, to balance
environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreational objectives. All within the limits set by natural dynamics. 'Integrated' in ICZM refers
to the integration of objectives and also to the integration of the many instruments needed to meet these objectives. It means integration of all
relevant policy areas, sectors and levels of administration. It means integration of the terrestrial and marine components of the target territory,
in both time and space.
• Macro economic
The study of the overall aspects and workings of a national economy, such as income, output and the interrelationship among diverse economic
sectors.
• Market-based approach
Approaching a situation based on current market trends.
• Mediterranean action plan
The Mediterranean action plan (MAP) strives to protect the environment and to foster sustainable development in the Mediterranean Sea. It
was adopted in Barcelona, Spain, in 1975 by 16 Mediterranean States and the EC, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). Its legal framework comprises the Barcelona Convention which was adopted in 1976. It was revised in 1995 with six
protocols covering specific aspects of environmental protection. A Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development was also
established by MAP in 1995 to facilitate the participation of all stakeholders in the Mediterranean area.
• Natural protected areas
An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, of natural, associated cultural
resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.
• Nesting grounds
Are generally safe areas where birds, fish, insects and other animals deposit eggs or keep their young.
• Non-renewable natural resources
Natural resources that cannot be replaced within a short time span (if at all) eg. Coal, peat and oil etc.
• Periphery
The bounding line or surface. A surrounding region.
• Polluter pays principle
The Principle that the cost of controlling environmental pollution should be internalized (ie. borne by the polluter developer or consumer) rather
than imposed on society as a whole.
• Renewable natural resources
Natural resources that can be replaced or renewed within a short time span eg. Soft pine wood trees
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• Standardization
To bring into conformity with a standard.
• Shareholder
One that owns or holds a share or shares of stock; a stockholder. Also called shareowner.
• Stakeholder
Any party that has an interest in an organisation. Stakeholders of a company include stockholders, bondholders, customers, suppliers,
employees and etc.
• Spatial planning
Planning strategies between the land and ocean sides of the coastal zone.
• Territory
Posessions in land. The whole or a portion of the land belonging to the state. A dependency, a region, a jurisdiction and a field of activity.
• Tourism industry’s assets
Something that will be of economic benefit to the tourist industry eg. Clean sandy beaches, good views, etc.
• Tourism revenue
Money made from tourism.
• Waste collection and separation
Where waste is separated according to its composition. For example the separation of plastic, paper, tin and glass. This makes waste collection
and recycling much easier.
• Wastewater treatment facilities
Treatment facilities that are able to clean and make wastewater safe.
• World Tourism Organization
The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is a UN agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. Its head quarters are in Madrid, Spain.
• WWF
World Wildlife Fund for Nature
• Zoning
A regulatory process that divides a given geographical area into sub areas and each of which is designated for a particular use or uses.
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Anwers
Exercise for user
What are the top tourist destinations for Europeans?
The correct answer is:
To stay in their home country is the rule for many European
holiday makers. This is remarkable in the southern countries
(Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and France), but also in
Finland.
For the others to go to another European Union country is the
principal alternative. This is particularly true for Luxembourg
(91% of responses designate another European Union country), Belgium (74%) and Germany (73%).
Exercise for user
Tourism is:
a. the movement of people, spatially and temporally, out
of their own communities for leisure and business
purposes.
b. Any travel of people out of their homes longer than 24
hours.
The correct answer is:
The movement of people, spatially and temporally and out of
their own communities for leisure and business purposes.
Exercise for user
Do you think that the ageing population has an effect on
tourism?
The correct answer is:
Yes, one particular feature for Europe is that within the next
20 years the population above the age of 65 will increase by
17 million. People who are coming into a certain age category
above fifty or sixty have previous experience with travelling
and will continue to travel which has not been the case for
this group in the past. This is an important fact for the
tourism industry, in particular because they demand a specific
form of tourism. Tourism related to natural and cultural
heritage which is therefore rapidly expanding and in fact is the
most rapidly growing type of tourism in the EU.
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Exercise for user
With specific reference to coastal use, make a list of a set of potential positive environmental effects and a set of potential negative
environmental effects associated with tourism development.
Your list may have included the following:
Positive
Powerful economic reason to preserve natural areas in
order to continue to reap economic benefits from tourism and
in particular eco-tourism (e.g. bird and whale watching).
Changing peoples attitudes towards the resource, both
amongst the tourists themselves and the communities that
host them. The former may be educated on the value and
importance of the resource and whereas the latter may see the
resource as having increasing economic value.
More financial income which might enable the funding of
conservation.
Tourism development may hold back industrial and urban
development due to the conflict between the two.
Negative
Biodiversity is deteriorating because sustainable forms of
economic activities as traditional agriculture are abandoned.
Overcrowding together with the construction of buildings and
infrastructure can adversely affect the cultural environment and
despoiled destinations become less attractive.
Misuse of natural resources as water and for non-essential
uses. Physical habitat destruction and disturbance can result in
biodiversity loss and tourism can also be a significant agent
adding stresses already imposed upon fragile coastal resources.
Pollution resulting from inadequate disposal or pressure on natural
ecosystems.
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Exercise for user
Exercise for user
ICZM is:
List at least six typical problems caused by recreational
activities in coastal areas.
a. A dynamic, multidimensional and continuous process
b. A dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process
c. A constant, interdisciplinary and incessant process
The correct answer is: b
Possible answers:
• Waste from pleasure boats, holiday homes, campsites
and hotels contribute to eutrophication
• Boating and jet-skiing result in petrol and oil emissions
• Noisy activities such as pleasure boating and jet-skiing
can disturb wildlife and especially during then breeding
season
• The anti-fouling paints used on boats can be harmful to
marine life
• Recreational fishing may harm fish populations
• Poor planning and unsuitable recreational land uses can
destroy valuable habitats and landscapes
• Ground water reserves are being depleted due to high
tourist demand
• Destruction and fragmentation of the living
environment causes biodiversity loss
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Exercise for user
Considering the drawing elements from definitions of
sustainable tourism as quoted above, make a check list of
criteria that you would use to asses the sustainability of
coastal tourism
Some possible criteria:
Satisfied enthusiastic visitors bring new knowledge
back home and encourage friends to share their
experiences, providing continuing business for the
destination.
The need to respect certain traditions and customs is
understood in order that these survive so that local
people are not offended.
Communities measure tourism success not by sheer
numbers of visitors but by length of stay, money
spent and quality of experience.
Tourists not only learn about the destination. They
learn how to help retain its character while deepening
their own travel experiences.
Development and tourist numbers are kept within
acceptable resource limits and are managed so as to
minimise any detrimental effects on the environment.
The needs of the host population are met by
maximising participation and involvement in decisionmaking. Tourism businesses do their best to employ
and train local people, buy local supplies and use local
services.
Biodiversity is maintained or enhanced and allowing
inheritance of natural capital for future generations.
Exercise for user
What kind of tourism can be developed to diversify the
tourism product and to unburden the coast?
Possible answers:
Conference tourism, health tourism (thermal and hot springs,
mud baths, wellness centres), sport tourism (climbing cliffs,
speleology, horse riding trails, cycling, biking), cultural
tourism (historic towns and villages, salt production sites),
ecological (marshes, caves, bird-watching sites), educational
tourism (learning paths), hunting tourism, casino tourism and
other types of tourism;
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Exercise for user
Exercise for user
What types of tourism are allowed in Danube Delta Biosphere
Reserve
What essential principles of sustainability should be followed
in order to utilize rich natural resources for sustainable
tourism development in the Curonian lagoon region?
Answer:
• Recreational trips (offered by the tourism companies,
with accommodation in one of the hotels on the DDBR
territory or on floating hotels)
• Individual (practiced individually, or through organized
trips)
Possible answers:
• Waste from pleasure boats, holiday homes, campsites
and hotels contribute to eutrophication
• Boating, jet-skiing result in petrol and oil emissions
• Specialized - scientific tourism (for ornithologists,
specialists, researchers, students)
• Noisy activities such as pleasure boating and jet-skiing
can disturb wildlife and especially during the breeding
season
• Special Youth programmes (for nature knowledge,
understanding and appreciation)
• The anti-fouling paints used on boats can be harmful to
marine life
• Rural -ecotourism tourism (when the tourists are
hosted and guided by the local people)
• Recreational fishing may harm fish populations
• For aquatic sports
• For angling.
• Poor planning, unsuitable recreational land uses can
destroy valuable habitats and landscapes
• Ground water reserves are being depleted due to high
tourist demand
• Destruction and fragmentation of the living
environment causes biodiversity loss
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Exercise for user
Exercise for user
What priority actions might be particularly beneficial to the
sustainable tourism development in the Curonian lagoon
region?
What are the key prerequisites for the successful
implementation of the sustainable tourism development
program in the Curonian lagoon region?
Answer:
Answer:
• Particularly beneficial is the promotion of the ecofarming and nature tourism
• Facilitating the creation of traditional crafts- and
heritage centers
• Creation of a network of biking, hiking paths, nature
observation and education trails and water-tourism
routes
The key prerequisites for the successful implementation of the
sustainable tourism development program in the Curonian
lagoon region are:
1. Facilitation of public participation and networking in localscale tourism development
2. Creation of a coherent regional system of tourism
information