Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Resorts and golf courses increase environmental degradation and
pollution. Littering has taken place on beaches and scenic lookouts and
parks. Marine sanctuaries have been overrun and exploited by too many
tourists. Resorts have interfered with the hydrological cycle by changing
groundwater patterns, altering stream life, and engaging in excessive
ground-
Table 4.8:
Environmental and ecological impacts of
tourism on the Pacific islands
Environmental degradation and pollution
• degradation and pollution of the environment due to golf courses
• pollution by littering
Destruction of habitats and damage to ecosystems
• poorly managed tourism may result in destruction of high-quality natural environments
• unmanaged human interference of specific species of fauna and flora
• dynamite blasting and overfishing
Loss of coastal and marine resources
• interference with inland and coastal natural processes
- excessive ground-water extraction by large resorts induces salt-water intrusion and
deterioration of water quality and recharge of the aquifer
• coastal ecosystem damage and destruction through tourism development
• terrestrial runoff and dredging on coastal areas
- damage to coral reef and marine resources caused by the construction of tourist
infrastructure such as runways, marinas, harbours, parking areas and roads, and use of
coral limestone in hotels and resort developments
• destruction by tourist activities
- destruction of coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, salt-water marshes and wetlands due to
excessive visitation and/or unmanaged exploitation of those resources
- disturbance to near shore aquatic life due to thrill crafts and boat tours
• introduced exotic species
- increased sea and air inter-island traffic creates the danger of accidental importation of
exotic species, which can be very destructive to indigenous flora and fauna
- tourism enterprises alter the integrity of the environment and encroach on local
lifestyles with imported exotic species for safari hunting
• damaged to sand cay ecosystems
• damage to mangrove ecosystems
• damage to coastal rainforest ecosystems
• loss of sandy beaches and shoreline erosion
- loss of sandy beaches due to onshore development and construction of sea-walls
Coastal pollution
• waste-water discharge and sewage pollution
• coastal water pollution and siltation due to near shore resort construction and runoff from
resort areas results in the destruction of natural habitat, coral and feeding grounds for fish
• marine and harbour pollution
- coastal oil pollution due to motorised vehicles and ships
Surface water and ground-water diversion
