Tourism and Ecosystem

This paper aims at describing the impact of tourism on the ecosystem. This paper will begin by defining tourism and the ecosystem. Thereafter, it will give examples of how tourism affects the ecosystem. This paper will then sum up its discussion by providing a number of recommendations.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Tourism and Ecosystem specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Jax, â€Å"an ecosystem is a community of living organisms together with the physical processes which occur within an environment† (20). On the other hand, Tourism, according to Goeldner, â€Å"arises from the movement of people to and their stay in, various destinations† (10). Goeldner defines tourism as â€Å"the temporary, short term movement of people to destinations outside the places where they normally live and work, and their activities during their stay at these destinations; it includes movement for all purposes as well as day visits or excursions† (10). Basically, tourism occurs in two forms: â€Å"the journey to the destination and the stay including the activities at the destination† (Goeldner 10). It is important to note that the journey and the stay take place in an area distant from the normal place of work or stay. Tourists usually engage in activities which are different from those done while at work or at home. The interaction between humans and the ecosystem has contributed to various changes in the ecosystem. Tourism, which is a popular human activity, continues to change the ecosystem. However, detecting changes in the ecosystem, which have been caused by tourism can be challenging. The impact of tourism on the ecosystem is not only hard to predict, but also hard to detect. In addition, environmentalists find it challenging to distinguish between those components of change which are part of a natural process and ecosystem dynamics, and those which are as a result of human activities. It is important to understand how tourism affects the ecosystem in order to sustain the ecosystem function and prevent irreparable damage to the biosphere. The impact of tourism on the ecosystem is usually evaluated in terms of an ecological footprint. An ecological footprint, according to Johnson, â€Å"examines the amount of natural resources required to support a specific type of behavior, business or process† (2). Experts argue that many people tend to consume more when they are on vacation or holiday thus tourism heightens this phenomenon (Johnson 1).Advertising Looking for research paper on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A number of studies have highlighted that the ecological footprint of tourists in various tourist destinations is same as that of the locals. Environmentalists hold the opinion that when arrival transport is put into consideration, this ecological footpri nt escalates. Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner for many countries across the globe. Although, tourism is a major source of income for many countries, it has been found that it exerts indirect and direct pressure on species and habitats and, as a result, tourism poses a significant threat to the ecosystem. As mentioned earlier, people tend to consume more when they are on vacation. Thus, Johnson notes that the negative effects of tourism on the ecosystem are likely to increase in tourist destinations where tourists consume more than the local communities (1). A study was conducted recently in Cape Town, South Africa, to evaluate the ecological footprint of tourists in this region. Cape Town is a popular tourist destination in South Africa and it is believed that close to 50 000 tourists visit this town per year. As a result, the local population is increased by 4 percent. During the study, the researchers â€Å"gathered data on arrival transport, on food and fibre consumpt ion, on accommodation, on land use, utilities and waste, on local transport and on activities of tourists on holiday in Cape Town† (Science Direct 1). The researchers found out that arrival transport contributes 75 per cent of the total tourist impact on ecosystem. The study revealed that â€Å"the total impact of one tourist is 45.67gha/per year† (Science Direct 1). Tourist activities often alter the aquatic habitat by interfering with predator prey interactions. Ecotourism Today argues â€Å"off highway vehicles, including all terrain vehicles, Argos, dirt bikes, and off road vehicles, driven trough or across steams and other water bodies can lead to habitat destruction and degradation, including loss of stream bank stability and erosion† (5). Aquatic habitat is likely to be distorted by pollution and alterations in the neighboring habitats. Ecotourism Today (1) agues â€Å"while recreational activities that take place in lakes, streams, wetlands, and their ri parian areas are most likely to negatively impact the aquatic environment, land based activities can also impact the environment† (Ecotourism Today 1).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Tourism and Ecosystem specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ecotourism Today indicates that tourist activities such as fishing and hunting of sea animals often lead to the decline in the pollution of aquatic species (Ecotourism Today 5). Environment protectionists warn that the growth of tourism around the globe has overlooked concerns of increasing ecological resource use (Johnson 2). These claims have been boosted by results from recent studies which indicate that tourist attraction sites and infrastructures are sites of resource overconsumption. For example, a recent study was conducted in the Bahamas to evaluate the impact of tourism on ecosystem. The study collected data â€Å"on bioreproductive land, Bioreproductiv e Sea, built land, energy land, and area for biodiversity† (Johnson 6). During the study, â€Å"the ecological footprint of each resort was broken into a number of key areas of ecological impact; air travel, waste, food, and hotel energy use† (Johnson 6). The study revealed that tourism has a total impact of a 56.89 gha/per year on the selected region (Johnson 6). According to McGraw, the chief editor of Bio Intelligence Service, tourism causes trampling. Vegetation and soil are often disturbed when tourists use the same route frequently. McGraw notes that anchoring activities also degrade the ecosystem: â€Å"Anchoring, snorkeling, sport fishing, scuba diving, yachting and cruising, are some of the activities which can cause direct degradation of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, and subsequent impacts on coastal protection and fisheries† (McGraw 1). In addition, â€Å"when tourists come too close to animals, they alter the animals’ natural behavior s† (McGraw 2). As the numbers of tourist destinations continue to grow, the impact of tourism on the ecosystem also increases. Many private companies are investing heavily in the construction of recreational centers. Initially, the tourism industry in many countries was controlled by local governments. However, many private firms have entered into the tourism industry.Advertising Looking for research paper on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The tourism industry has been revolutionized by the private sector but at the expense of the environment. According to (McGraw 5), a total of 40 recreational centers have constructed in South Africa in the last five years. In Kenya, a country whose economy relies heavily on tourism, 20 recreational centers have been constructed in the last three years (McGraw 6). In addition, the Kenyan government has taken control of all other small natural reserves, which have any form of wildlife. According to (McGraw 6), Kenya’s Tourism minister argues that taking control of all the natural habitats will enhance the country’s tourism sector in many ways as the number of tourist destinations will increase. This data shows how the natural environment is being altered by tourism. These developments have a significant impact on nearby ecosystems. Many natural lands located close to wildlife ecosystems are being cleared to create space for the construction of centers which will accommod ate the growing number of tourists. Confining wild animals in national parks and game reserves significantly affects their behaviors. The reproduction of these animals is restricted and this can result into the extinction of the confined species. This also affects the animals’ natural feeding habits. Moreover, the confining of wild animals into national parks alters food chains and food webs in the natural world. Recreational centers which are located close to water bodies often discharge wastes into these water bodies thus affecting the aquatic ecosystem. In summary, Tourism, according to Goeldner, â€Å"arises from the movement of people to and their stay in, various destinations† (10). Goeldner defines tourism as â€Å"the temporary, short term movement of people to destinations outside the places where they normally live and work, and their activities during their stay at these destinations; it includes movement for all purposes as well as day visits or excursions † (10). Basically, tourism occurs in two forms: â€Å"the journey to the destination and the stay including the activities at the destination† (Goeldner 10). The impact of tourism on the ecosystem is usually evaluated in terms of an ecological footprint. An ecological footprint, according to Johnson, â€Å"examines the amount of natural resources required to support a specific type of behavior, business or process† (2). Experts argue that many people tend to consume more when they are on vacation or holiday thus tourism heightens this phenomenon (Johnson 1). As the numbers of tourist destinations continue to grow, the impact of tourism on the ecosystem also increases. Many natural lands located close to wildlife ecosystems are being cleared to create space for the construction of centers which will accommodate the growing number of tourists. Confining wild animals in national parks and game reserves significantly affects their behaviors. Environment protectionist s warn that the growth of tourism around the globe has overlooked concerns of increasing ecological resource use (Johnson 2). These claims have been boosted by results from recent studies which indicate that tourist attraction sites and infrastructures are sites of resource overconsumption. Tourist activities often alter the aquatic habitat by interfering with predator prey interactions. Ecotourism Today argues â€Å"off highway vehicles, including all terrain vehicles, Argos, dirt bikes, and off road vehicles, driven trough or across steams and other water bodies can lead to habitat destruction and degradation, including loss of stream bank stability and erosion† (Ecotourism Today 1). Environmental protectionists also argue that it is important to understand how tourism affects the ecosystem in order to sustain the ecosystem function and prevent irreparable damage to the biosphere. However, detecting changes in the ecosystem, which have been caused by tourism can be challeng ing. The impact of tourism on the ecosystem is not only hard to predict, but also hard to detect. In addition, environmentalists find it challenging to distinguish between those components of change which are part of a natural process and ecosystem dynamics, and those which are as a result of human activities. Works Cited Ecotourism Today. ‘Potential Effects from Tourism and Recreation on Aquatic Ecosystems.’ August 2012.Web. Goeldner, Charles. Tourism: Principles, Practices and Philosophies. London: Oxford Press, 2010. Print. Jax, Maxwell. Ecosystems: Basic Principles. Cape Town: Oxford, 2010. Print. Johnson, Allan. Exploring The Ecological Footprint Of Tourism In Ontario. Waterloo, Ontario: Oxford Press, 2010. McGrew, John. â€Å"Environmental Impacts of Tourism†. Bio Intelligence Science 6 June 2010: 1-10. Web. Science Direct. Effects of Tourism on the Ecosystem. March 2012. Web. https://www.sciencedirect.com/. This research paper on Tourism and Ecosystem was written and submitted by user Gloria F. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.