Balancing Development and Conservation
- Imagine standing on a pristine beach, the waves gently lapping at the shore.
- Now picture a luxury resort rising behind you, its construction disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
- This scenario captures a common dilemma: how do we balance economic development with environmental conservation?
Commercial Land Uses: Competing for Coastal Space
- Coastal areas are highly sought after for tourism, housing, and industry.
- However, these activities often conflict with the need to preserve natural ecosystems.
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is the movement of people to a new place for pleasure involving at least one overnight stay outside of the usual place of residence.
- Tourism is an important engine of economic growth creating jobs and increasing income among many coastal communities, especially in LICs and MIs.
- However, the influx of tourists can lead to:
- Coral Damage: Activities like snorkelling and diving can harm coral reefs.
- Pollution: Waste from hotels and boats can degrade water quality.
- Habitat Disruption: Infrastructure development often destroys natural habitats.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia generates approximately A$4.6 billion annually through tourism.
Housing and Urban Development
- Coastal areas are popular for residential development, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
- However, this demand leads to:
- Habitat Loss: Wetlands and mangroves are often cleared for construction.
- Increased Pollution: Urban runoff introduces pollutants into marine ecosystems.
- Erosion and Flooding: Removing natural buffers like dunes increases vulnerability to storms.
Spanish coastline has experienced significant pressure from housing and urban development related to growth of tourism, as well as domestic and international migrations and growth of "second house" phenomenon.
Industry
- Industries such as shipping, fishing, and energy extraction also compete for coastal space.
The Great Barrier Reef faces threats from shipping lanes and agricultural runoff, which introduce pollutants and sediments into the water.
Conservation Measures: Protecting Coastal Ecosystems
- To counteract these pressures, conservation strategies like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and activity restrictions are implemented.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
MPAs are designated zones where human activities are regulated to protect marine biodiversity.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the largest MPAs in the world, restricts fishing, mining, and tourism in sensitive areas.
Benefits of MPAs
- Biodiversity Preservation: Protects habitats for endangered species.
