KEY PRINCIPLES

FOR
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and one that heavily depends on the natural resource
base. Attractive coastal landscapes such as sandy beaches, dune areas, estuaries and coastal lakes
are preferred sites for tourism development. The coastal tourism industry makes significant
contributions to the economies of many small islands developing nations particularly to foreign
exchange earnings, employment and GDP.

Uncontrolled and ill planned tourism significantly degrades the coastal environment. The more severe
impacts of tourism however, stem from the infrastructure and construction activity it entails rather than
the recreational activities themselves. Wetlands have been drained and reclaimed and the coastline
significantly altered to make way for marinas and other mooring facilities. Hotels have been built too
close to the beach necessitating the construction of prohibitively costly erosion management
structures that often lead to habitat destruction. Increased sediment mobilisation, turbidity and
deterioration in water quality during construction and operation can be significant. Recreational
activities, if not well managed, can lead to destruction of coral reefs and sea grass beds.

The dynamic nature of the industry, the severity of the consequences of incompatible development
and the potential for environmental and social benefits from planned development demand that
governments, the tourism industry and all stakeholders assume proactive roles and implement a mix
of management strategies to shape and guide the industry in an environmentally suitable manner. In
guiding tourism development, self-regulation is likely to be more effective than statutory regulation
because the industry is more likely to take the responsibility and ownership for self-regulatory
approaches.

The key principles and the checklists as elaborated below are developed to increase understanding
and recognition of actions necessary to minimise the impacts of tourism development on the coastal
zone within an economically and socially sound structure. The principles are generic and thus do not
cover approaches designed for a particular regional setting.

1. Sustainable tourism development largely depends upon well

defined national tourism strategies and tourism development
plans at national and local levels.

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Governments must ensure that tourism development is balanced with broader economic, social and
environmental objectives at national and local levels. Well-defined national tourism strategies that
recognise the importance of a sustainable resource base and are integrated with national and regional
development plans will lend to maximised economic, social and environmental benefits. Tourism
development strategies will define the objectives of tourism development, form, scale and location of
development and roles and responsibilities of the government and the private sector. Local level
planning is required to limit cumulative impacts, undesirable forms of development, such as ribbon
development, and to protect vulnerable areas.

1.1. Has a National or regional Tourism Development Plan that establishes policies and plans for
the sector been prepared? Is it regularly updated?
1.2. Does the plan identify tourism development areas; types, scale and intensity of tourism
development; and recommended growth rates for tourism taking into account the carrying
capacities of the different areas, biophysical parameters of the coastal environment, the
recreational experience, and potential cumulative impacts? Are these plans regularly
updated?
1.3. Is the plan easily accessible to the prospective developers, and are they easily
understandable?
1.4. Does the plan promote protection of sensitive areas, encourage development in nodes and
discourage ribbon development?
1.5. Does the plan recognise that there should be equitable sharing of benefits arising out of
tourism?
1.6. Does the plan reflect the responsibilities of all parties concerned and is it regularly updated?
1.7. Does the plan recognise the importance of and define mechanisms for collaboration among
government, industry and local communities?

2. Tourism industry must endeavour to develop tourism in an

environmentally responsible manner recognising that the
maintenance of the natural resource base which supports the
industry is the ultimate responsibility of the industry.
Corporate policies reflecting a high level of commitment to environmental management, including
strategies to effectively limit social and environmental impacts both in short-term as well as in long-
term and to ensure equitable sharing of benefits among the community, are of central importance.
Strategies to comply with national regulations, development plans and national environmental
standards must be adopted. In addition, the industry is encouraged to adopt self-regulatory techniques
and voluntary management procedures such as environmental guidelines and codes of conduct rather
than be strictly regulated.

When the facility is located near a protected area, corporate policies must aim for the mutual long-
term benefit of protected areas, the tourism industry, local communities and visitors.

2.1. Has a corporate policy on environmentally sustainable tourism with defined goals been
developed and adopted?
2.2. Does the corporate policy identify specific strategies and actions to comply with national
environmental standards and regulations?
2.3. Does the developer co-operate with the local community, involve them and ensure that they
benefit from tourism?
2.4. Does the corporate policy recognise the need for responsible use of natural resources?
2.5. Does the corporate strategy recognise and adopt voluntary initiatives and self-regulatory
approaches?

3. Integration of tourism development into ICZM programmes

ensures that development is within the environmental
carrying capacity of the area and conflicts with other coastal
activities are minimised.

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Adoption of integrated management approaches will prevent ad hoc and incompatible coastal
development and yields many benefits. In addition, inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation among
different levels of government and different stakeholders in the industry and the community will be
facilitated. Integrated approaches can augment the environmental, economic and social benefits of
tourism and enable identification and resolution of conflicts over resource use.

3.1. Is the tourism project consistent with local/district ICZM plans and located away from
ecologically sensitive and physically unstable areas?
3.2. Are existing infrastructure facilities available in the area (waste and sewage disposal,
electricity and water supply, roads) adequate to support the proposed development?
3.3. Is there coordination and consultation between agencies responsible for coastal tourism
planning and the agencies responsible for planning and implementation of ICZM projects?
3.4. Is the coastal tourism sector identified as a major stakeholder in ICZM projects?
3.5. Do the coordinating mechanisms established for ICZM include a representative of the coastal
tourism sector?
3.6. Does the tourism project respect the continued access of artisanal fishers to the beach and
continued livelihoods of local communities?
3.7. Does the tourism project operate so as to not displace and marganalize traditional
communities that depend on coastal resources?

4. Environmental assessment provides a structured approach to

predict potential impacts and incorporate mitigation
measures during design, construction and operation phases.

Environmental assessment both at policy level (strategic environmental assessment (SEA)) and at
project level (EIA) is essential in view of the widespread nature and significance of potential impacts.
An important feature of SEA is that it addresses cumulative and cross-sectoral impacts. EIA is a
participatory project level process that can augment project planning, minimise environmental and
social impacts at the project level and maximise project benefits. An EIA is not a mere regulatory tool
but must be a part of the planning mechanism and should be integrated into the project cycle from the
initial planning stage through feasibility, design, construction and operation. The environment
management plan (EMP) and the monitoring plan developed, as a component of the EIA will guide
operation and management.

4.1. Does the existing legislation call for an EIA to be prepared for new coastal tourism projects?
4.2. Is there adequate guidance to assist coastal tourism developers to prepare an effective EIA?
4.3. Are there formal opportunities for the local community and other interest groups to express
their views on the project proposal?
4.4. Has a detailed assessment of the site according to recognised EIA guidelines been carried
out?
4.5. Does the site evaluation survey the existing flora and fauna, endangered/threatened species,
and the use of the site by migratory birds or other species during nesting, reproductive, or
other critical life stages?
4.6. Does the evaluation also examine the long-term climate record to determine the risk of
storms, flooding, storm surges, and droughts?
4.7. Does the EIA assess alternatives to the proposal which could mitigate the adverse and
unavoidable environmental and social impacts?
4.8. Has an environmental management plan (EMP) and a monitoring plan been prepared as a
component of the EIA process?

5. Tourism developers and national and local authorities must

cooperate in developing and implementing measures to
minimise physical alteration and its impacts during the
construction phase.
Coastal tourism development leads to a variety of impacts including loss of habitat, and landscape,
degradation of water quality, erosion of beaches and loss of beach access and income by traditional
resource users. Many of these impacts can be controlled through appropriate siting, the use of
improved engineering designs and appropriate construction management practices that respect the

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dynamic nature of the coastal areas and ecosystem function. Construction setbacks are one of the
most appropriate proactive means of reducing erosion and flood damage. Construction of maritime
structures such as marinas and erosion management measures should strictly follow internationally
recognised guidelines. National and local authorities must support the industry through public sector
planning, development control and provision of construction standards.

5.1. Are guidelines for construction of coastal tourism facilities available and accessible to the
developers?
5.2. Do the design and construction methods recognise and respect the dynamic nature of the
coastline and coastal processes?
5.3. Does the development avoid damage to the dunes and maintain their protective functions?
5.4. Does the development avoid degradation of the coastal habitats in the area?
5.5. Is the development consistent with the setback requirements applicable for the area?
5.6. Is the development designed so as to minimise risks from storms and flooding?
5.7. Are the plans for the construction of erosion management structures and marine structures
such as marinas consistent with recognised guidelines?
5.8. Does the construction of erosion management structures and marinas avoid increased coastal
instability or unacceptable levels of sediment mobilisation?

6. A range of management measures and technologies should

be utilised to limit negative impacts of coastal tourism during
the operational phase.
Coastal tourism generates a range of waste products, which if not managed properly, can lead to
significant degradation of coastal habitats and the coastal environment in general. The sustainability of
the industry itself can be threatened. Various technologies, treatment standards and discharge options
must be carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate system for each facility. Reduction,
reuse and recycling options for solid waste must be encouraged. Clear ambient environmental quality
standards conforming to national and international standards should be established and achieved.
Pollution impacts and waste disposal should be monitored routinely and early remedial measures
implemented when required.

A second imperative is to manage recreational activities and promote appropriate behaviour by

tourists to minimise impacts on the natural environment. Particular attention to boating, diving, reef
walking and other water sports activities and recreational fishing is required to ensure that these
activities are within the environmental carrying capacity. In general, extractive use should be
discouraged.

6.1. Does the development utilise the best available technologies and practices to minimise the
degradation of water quality in the adjacent areas?
6.2. Are measures used for effluent treatment and disposable consistent with national standards?
6.3. Have water quality standards for coastal waters and recreational waters been developed and
made available to the developer?
6.4. Has the developer taken necessary measures to minimise runoff to wetlands, lagoons and
other coastal waters during construction and operation?
6.5. Are there adequate mechanisms in place for local government oversight of the development
during the construction phase?
6.6. Is there consultation between the developer and agency responsible for managing marine and
coastal protected areas (MPA) to ensure that the development and associated recreational
activities are consistent with the management measures implemented within the MPA?
6.7. Has the developer and the local government taken all possible actions to promote responsible
behaviour by tourists?
6.8. Are the tourists well informed regarding prohibited activities such as damaging the reefs,
collection of coral, littering, etc.?
6.9. Are recreational activities such as boating, diving, snorkelling, etc. adequately regulated and
controlled?

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7. Long-term monitoring and assessment provides a
mechanism for detecting adverse environmental and social
effects that may arise, and to facilitate appropriate mitigation
measures in a timely manner.
Both the government and the industry need to make stronger commitments to monitoring and
assessment by developing indicators, investing in sustained monitoring programmes and incorporating
the results into their decision making processes. Long-term programmes that monitor the
environmental and social impacts at the project level and at local and national levels are crucial to
ensure that the industry develops in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Where
appropriate, monitoring programmes should adopt participatory approaches.

7.1. Is monitoring of the impacts on the natural environment and socio-economic impacts an
essential part of the operational procedures?
7.2. Is the monitoring plan submitted with the EIA being implemented?
7.3. Are the results of the monitoring programmes incorporated in the evaluation and reporting
procedures?
7.4. Do mechanisms exist at the national and regional levels to monitor and evaluate individual
development projects and their cumulative impacts on the environment?
7.5. Do the national or provincial agencies responsible for planning and management of the sector
utilise the results of monitoring of individual projects to evaluate the performance of the
sector?

8. Effective consultation with all primary stakeholders including

the local community contributes significantly to long-term
success of coastal tourism projects.
Community support of tourism projects is crucial and will depend upon the extent to which it disturbs
or enhances the livelihoods of the local residents and their environment. It is important to be
responsive to the needs of the local community and to earn their confidence to generate a positive
attitude towards the project. The developers must seek to ensure community participation and
community benefits and establish mutually beneficial relationships with the local community and
liaison with local environmental groups.

8.1. Has the developer established a meaningful dialogue with the local community from the initial
stages?
8.2. Has the developer taken all possible measures to minimise any negative impacts on the
livelihoods of the local communities?
8.3. Has the developer explored possible ways and means of involving the local community in the
development and associated recreational activities so that the economic benefits of tourism
are adequately distributed?
8.4. Have the local authorities taken necessary action to enable local communities to participate
effectively in addressing tourism development issues in the area?
8.5. Do local environmental groups have a role in tourism planning at the local level?
8.6. Are programmes aimed at enhancing community awareness on coastal tourism issues and
community benefits of tourism being implemented?

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9. Sustainable tourism development requires strengthening of
human resources, and institutional capacities amongst all
sectors involved and at several levels.
Capacity building programmes should involve the government sector at national and local levels, the
tourism sector and the local communities. Transfer of know-how and training in areas related to
environmental and social sustainability such as planning legal framework, standard setting and
application of EIA are important capacity building imperatives. They should also promote and facilitate
the transfer and application of new environmentally sound, socially acceptable and appropriate
technology. The local communities must be enabled to participate in tourism planning and secure
benefits from the industry.

9.1. Is there adequate institutional capacity at national, provincial and local levels to oversee the
planning and development of coastal tourism?
9.2. Has the capacity building needs within the state and private sector organisation at national
and local level been identified?
9.3. Are there regular training programmes aimed at enhancing skills within the state and the
private sector on environmentally sustainable coastal tourism development?
9.4. Have networks, newsletters, publications and other mechanisms for promoting the sharing of
information and expertise been established?
9.5. Are adequate financial resources allocated on a long-term basis for capacity building and
development of innovative technologies?
9.6. Do national and regional authorities provide advice and guidance to prospective developers to
ensure that the project is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable?

10. Governments, international and regional organisations,

industry and tourism related NGOs should cooperate in
development and transfer of environmentally sustainable
tourism methodologies and technologies.
Creation of and broad participation in open networks for research, dissemination of information,
available guidelines and environmentally sound technologies should be encouraged at all levels.
International and regional agencies should promote the development of appropriate methodologies
and technologies including indicators needed to measure and monitor their successful implementation
and support the application of self-regulatory techniques such as environmental certification
programmes.

10.1. Do the international and regional organisations assist and support governments in the
development of national strategies for sustainable tourism development?
10.2. Do international and regional programmes support the development, application and transfer
of guidelines, indicators for sustainable tourism development, best management practices and
voluntary self-regulatory measures such as “Codes of Conduct”?
10.3. Do the international and regional organisations and NGO actively facilitate the dissemination
of information and guidance already available to governments and the tourism industry?
10.4. Do international and regional organisations facilitate capacity building in sustainable tourism
development?

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For additional information, contact
Dr. Anjan Datta
Programme Officer
UNEP/GPA Coordination Office
Kortenaerkade 1,2518 AX The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 311 4468; Fax:+31 70 345 6648
Email: a.datta@unep.nl
Website: www.gpa.unep.org