Handout 4

ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Environmental Tourism Impacts

The environment is a key resource for tourism. Tourism and the environment rely on each other for a mutually beneficial relationship. Tourism thrives in a well-preserved environment, while the environment benefits from efforts to protect and maintain it for tourism. The environment includes both natural elements, like climate, land, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems, and man-made features, such as buildings, infrastructure, and historical sites.

The environment can be divided into five connected aspects: SE

. Natural features are the physical elements of a natural landscape that contribute to the beauty and variety of the environment. These include mountains, rivers, valleys, lakes, and coastlines.

. Wildlife refers to the living organisms in their natural habitats. These are the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that play an important role in maintaining the ecosystems. Examples of flora include flowering plants, grass, and forest, while birds, reptiles, insects, and fish are some examples of fauna.

. Farmed landscapes are the areas of land used for agriculture and aquaculture. These include fields, orchards, fish farms, and other areas where crops and livestock are cultivated or raised.

. Built environments are man-made structures and spaces that are designed to support human activities and development. Examples are buildings (museums, malls, and theaters), infrastructure (roads, bridges, and airports), and public spaces (parks and plazas).

• Ecological resources are the materials and elements found in nature that humans use and that are essential for their survival. These are water (rivers, lakes, and oceans), air (atmosphere), and climate (weather patterns and temperature).

An understanding of the relationship between the environment and the tourism industry can help foster economic growth and environmental preservation. By recognizing their value and interconnectedness, strategies can be developed that mutually benefit tourism and the environment.

Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism

Tourism benefits the environment by raising awareness and funding preservation and conservation efforts, which help protect natural areas and wildlife, enabling them to be experienced by future generations. It also promotes eco-friendly practices and raises awareness about the importance of environmental preservation among tourism stakeholders. The positive environmental impacts of tourism are discussed as follows: