Eco-tourism ‘damaging the environment’

Eco-tourism is causing damage to the environments and wildlife it is supposed to protect, according to research. According to The Times newspaper, a report in the New Scientist magazine states that many animal species, including gorillas, penguins, dolphins and polar bears are being harmed by over-exposure to tourists – and that while properly-regulated eco-tourism can be a good thing, many so-called “eco-projects” are “unaudited, unaccredited and merely hint that they are based on environmentally-friendly policies and operations”. The newspaper quotes Philip Sneddon, of New Zealand’s University of Otago, as saying that the full impact of eco-tourism is rarely considered. He reportedly said: “Transmission of disease to wildlife, or subtle changes to wildlife health through disturbance of daily routines or increased stress levels may lead to lowered survival and bredding.” With particular regard to polar bears, the report states that the creatures are easily disturbed by tourist vehicles, with a possible effect on heart rate and metabolism, which could lead to reduced fitness and body fat levels, which are “crucial” to survival. The report continues: “For slow-breeding animals, the effects could take years to detect, by which time it may be too late to reverse the damage.” Scientists reportedly said that the solution was to ensure that eco-tourism sites are properly managed; the report suggests that the Galapagos islands are a good example of this. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad