There are different impacts that the development of tourism has on a destination, for instance,
natural or environmental, economical, political or socio-cultural. The environment is one of
the most important issues for the development and promotion of a tourist destination, and also
the most fragile (Franco and Garcia, 1999).
Due to the huge influx of tourists known as “mass tourism”, the impacts of the development
can be positive and negative. Positive economic impacts are the improvement of infrastructure
and the attraction of more investment in the area; negative the increase of prices and of
income inequality. Positive socio-cultural impacts enhance the increase of cultural exchange
and restoration of buildings; negative socio-cultural like immigration and assumption of the
stereotypes of tourist; and finally, negative environmental impacts like noise, pollution,
destruction of the natural environment, huge buildings in natural areas, overuse of water,
problems with the treatment of wastes, water pollution by liquid waste, destruction of
historical monuments, air pollution from the use of vehicles and heating, changes in the
landscape to promote activities entertainment and sports such as golf; etc. But not only mass
tourism affects on the environment, alternative tourism can also make an unsustainable use of
resources (Garcia and Sancho, 1999).
This essay will examine critically the natural impacts that the development of tourism has
upon the destination Lanzarote. This Spanish island is famous for its unique volcanic
landscape and its biosphere reserve. The island of Lanzarote is within the 10 most popular
islands of Europe (Trivago, 2009) and personally one of my favourite travel destinations due
to family reasons. (1606 words)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Lanzarote: location and characteristics
3. Environmental aspects of Lanzarote
3.1. Biosphere reserve by UNESCO
3.2. Natural impacts and key environmental sectors
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The main objective of this academic essay is to critically analyze the environmental and natural impacts resulting from the development of tourism on the island of Lanzarote. The work explores the duality of tourism as both an economic driver and a potential threat to the island's fragile ecosystem and its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Analysis of the unique geographical and environmental characteristics of Lanzarote.
- Evaluation of the impact of sustainable development strategies influenced by César Manrique.
- Examination of the threats posed by mass tourism to the local ecosystem.
- Discussion of critical environmental sectors: water management, energy consumption, waste production, and transport.
- Assessment of the potential risks to Lanzarote's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. Natural impacts and key environmental sectors
Despite owning this biological and landscape richness and the several efforts to prevent the environment, numerous factors provoked significant landscape and ecological degradations.
The huge dimension and fast growth of tourism on Lanzarote, with an increase from 450,000 visitors per year to more than 1,500,000, had important impacts on the ecosystems, landscape, cultural values and the island population.
The fast urban constructions and in some cases illegal development have destroyed coastal and inland areas. The main tourist resorts have been developed in the coastal areas of the south and east of the island. In a decade, the fast growth in tourism and the construction of new buildings on the coast the occupied island ground has increased in 5% and the territorial density has increased more than 60%. And this despite the Insular Plan of Territorial Distribution which in 1991 declassified more than 200,000 tourist beds on the whole island.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the general impact of tourism on destinations and defines the scope of the study focusing on the natural impacts observed in Lanzarote.
2. Lanzarote: location and characteristics: This chapter provides an overview of the island's geography, its history as a volcanic destination, and the significant influence of César Manrique on its sustainable tourism approach.
3. Environmental aspects of Lanzarote: This section covers the island's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and examines the primary environmental challenges associated with modern tourism development.
4. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, highlighting the urgent need for effective, sustainable strategies to balance economic growth with the preservation of the island's fragile natural resources.
Keywords
Lanzarote, Tourism Development, Natural Impacts, Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO, Sustainability, Volcanic Landscape, Environmental Degradation, Mass Tourism, César Manrique, Water Consumption, Waste Management, Carbon Footprint, Island Ecosystem, Territorial Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic work?
The work focuses on critically examining the natural and environmental impacts that the development of tourism has imposed on the island of Lanzarote.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The primary themes include the geographical features of Lanzarote, the role of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve status, and the environmental pressures caused by infrastructure and mass tourism.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to analyze whether the current model of tourism development on Lanzarote is sustainable given the observed negative impacts on the island's delicate natural environment.
Which scientific method is employed in the study?
The study utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing existing literature, environmental reports, and policy documents related to tourism and conservation on the island.
What is treated in the main body of the work?
The main body details the environmental history of the island, the influence of local figures like César Manrique, and a sector-by-sector analysis of water, energy, waste, and transportation challenges.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include Lanzarote, Biosphere Reserve, Sustainable Tourism, Environmental Impact, and Ecosystem Preservation.
How does tourism specifically affect Lanzarote's water and energy resources?
The essay notes that tourism places an unsustainable burden on these resources; desalination is energy-intensive and causes air pollution, while energy demand significantly exceeds local renewable production.
Why is the status of Lanzarote as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve currently at risk?
The status is threatened by excessive mass tourism, illegal coastal construction, and the resulting ecological degradation, which have prompted international concern about the preservation of the island's environment.
- Quote paper
- Dilara Torun (Author), 2011, Examination of the natural impacts to the development of the tourist destination: Lanzarote, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183441
