The Galapagos Islands are just one of the many places affected by the illnesses that humans have introduced into fragile habitats(Tourist-Killers BBC Environment).
Here is a map of some of the museums and government buildings that offer activities for tourists(Map of Washington D.C.).
The special talking trash cans as seen above were added around a city in Finland to ensure that tourists would keep the ground cleaner. The intention was a good one, but the trash cans were placed in places that disrupted the native goose population with the noise(Amandak, Mattila).
Cover PhotoThe cover photo is of the Ganges River and goes to show how much pollution is prominent in areas that many people decide to travel to(Fresh[water]).
|
Environmental Effects of TourismWith tourism comes an influx of people caring disease, using the resources of a place, and creating an increase in waste. The planning committees in tourist rich areas build pathways, shops, and attractions in certain places to allow for optimal traffic flow while bringing in money from tourists. The planning committees create all these things, but in doing so they need to claim new land (UNEP).
The main concern with the travel of humans is the spread of disease. Many diseases are introduced into countries by people who were unaware that they carried the disease. This is the case in the Galapagos Islands. Many of the animals have become sick and died from illnesses similar to those of humans. Many humans who wish to travel outside the country have to get the mandatory vaccines to prevent this type of situation. Unfortunately not all illnesses can be foreseen and prevented using vaccines. Besides illness, tourism creates a large amount of waste. Areas of increased population including tourist attractions produce waste from food, water bottles, and other one-time use goods. At historic sites and natural landscape attractions, the planners try to reduce the environmental impact of tourists by designating pathways, adding compost garbage cans, and adding bathrooms (Smith Culture). These objects, along with the buildings and attractions the planners build, can destroy the natural habitat for many animals. With more animals going instinct every year, tourisms footprints become even more prominent. At historic sites within parks planners try to keep the pathways to dirt or gravel to lessen the invasion caused by the paths. In Massachusetts along Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, tourists can see the many houses along the path. Tourists are not allowed to drive their cars onto the path. Tourists park and walk the path as far as the historic houses then they can move on to the next part of the path by either walking on the gravel path, or they can drive to the next parking lot. By not allowing cars, the planners are preserving the greenery and sites along Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. Another example of the planning of a city for tourism would be Washington D.C. Although the whole city was not built for tourism, the amount of museums and tours available are astounding. A tourist can spend a week in D.C. and never visit half the attractions the city has to offer. Because of the vast amount of buildings and highways, D.C. has very limited green space and limited wildlife compared to less tourist prone cities. |