The Effects of Tourism and Recreation on Biodiversity

Points covered:

• What is the impact of tourism and recreation on biodiversity?
• What is ecotourism?

Words to know:

• MINIMUM IMPACT GUIDELINES - guidelines set by the Commonwealth Government for ecotour operators, in the "National Ecotourism Strategy".

Although tourism and recreation are considered to be clean industries, they can have significant impacts on the environment. People come from all over the world to observe the flora and fauna that is unique to the Australian continent and, like many Australians, take advantage of our extensive coastline. The areas that are particularly appealing to tourists are often places with high biodiversity. However, tourist make noise, disturb the environment and need services such as accommodation, food, transport, fuel and waste disposal. All this can result in the destruction of the qualities of an area that attracted tourists in the first place.

Any change made to an environment, even if it seems insignificant, can have an effect on biodiversity. For example, in some areas the availability of food in rubbish dumps has increased the number of scavenging birds such as Silver Gulls. Consequently, many species they compete with have become rare or have disappeared altogether. Another example is the reduction of large marine animals, such as many shark species, rays, dolphins and turtles, due to shark netting off popular beaches.

There are many ways resorts, hotels and other recreational facilities can decrease the biodiversity of surrounding natural areas. For example, food scraps and waste water add unwanted nutrients to waterways; facilities encroach on and destry habitats; visitors can disturb feeding and breeding behaviour of native animals; soil, beaches and dunes are eroded by four wheel drives; reefs are trampled by snorklers; intertidal plants and animals are collected; wildlife and fisheries are depleted; seabeds are damaged by boat anchors and moorings; and pollution and vandalism have adversely affected many natural areas.

In response to the negative effects of tourism and recreation, people have developed a type of tourism called 'ecotourism', which is sensitive to the environment. The demand for ecotourism is increasing, suggesting more people are recognising the value of ecologically sensitive, nature-based holidays and recreational activities.

While ecotourism is not yet strictly regulated (almost anyone can call themselves an "ecotour operator", and not all travel services adhere to minimum impact guidelines), some States and Territories are beginning to recognise its values and are contributing some of the revenue gained from natural resources into the management of those resources. However, the challenge remains to design and implement systems that will link the growth of tourism with the conservation of biodiversity.

Katy Crass
Australian Museum