Ecotourism, marine science and the environment

Abstract EN

Ecotourism is the single fastest-growing sector within one of the world’s booming multinational industries, and yet its credentials are fast slipping, its links with science and the environment are often minimal.

So-called ecotours are now available to the most remote parts of Earth’s wilderness the snowfields of Antarctica and the Himalayan roof of the world as well as some of the most popular the pyramids of Egypt and wildlife reserves of East Africa.

Even lunar tourism is now being mooted.

Whereas mass tourism usually spells extreme environmental stress and ultimate disaster, ecotourism is supposedly more sensitive and environmentally friendly but does it work and can it be sustained? The marine environment is particularly popular amongst ecotourists remote island locations, Galapagos wildlife oddities, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, whale-watching cruises, sea-kayaking between the tropical islands of the Kingdom of Tonga, Red Sea diving, and many many more.

As marine scientists, I believe we have a responsibility to engage in a dialogue with industry and government what is and what is not ecotourism, what is best practise, what are the environmental consequences and where is it going in the 21st century?