I always err on the side of optimism when it comes to tourism. After all, I am an avid traveler and have been for the past decade or so. I am bombarded by stories on how ecotourism has saved such and such endangered species or natural resource. However, tourism can be a double-edged sword bringing both wealth and challenges to many communities around the world. Humans have often short term needs while nature has decidedly long term needs.

On a recent cruise vacation to the Caribbean, passengers were assured that our cruise company followed the strictest of environmental standards but exactly what those standards were, was never fully disclosed. The Dominican’s beaches are swimming in garbage, from the cruise industry or the businesses set up to cater to the cruise industry. I couldn’t tell which. However, things are starting to turn around right in the nick of time.

Consider the case of corral reefs and the cruise industry. In the Caribbean, coral is highly endangered. Increased ocean acidification has been further eroding fragile reefs, and warmer sea-surface temperatures via global warming are causing even more degradation.

The cruise industry, which is a considerable source of negative impacts on the environment due to traffic, waste-disposal and other pollution, is now doing its part to counter these effects through various efforts to protect reefs through conservation agreements and raising awareness. Now, the cruise ship industry, Mexican government, and Conservation International have joined forces to try to protect coral reefs and other ecosystems in Cozumel, the world’s most-visited cruise destination. The plan has four major goals: environmental awareness and education; improved management of the infrastructure for tourism; ensuring that environmental laws are enforced; and protecting the reef itself.

Naturally, the cruise industry has every incentive to protect such treasures as that is precisely what attracts so many tourists to these areas each year; natural resources in the form of barrier reefs, mangrove forests and wildlife. The Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative or MARTI agreement is aimed at preserving some of the most endangered biodiversity the world’s most visited cruise destination as well as world’s second largest barrier reef. Cozumel is a forging new ground in demonstrating its commitment to protecting natural resources and biodiversity. Perhaps, this agreement will lead the way towards more sustainable cruising for all in the future.

www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/26/travel/trreefs.php
nytimes.com/2008/01/15/can-cruise-ships-and-coral-coexist/
www.treehugger.com/files/2008/01/coral_reef_crui.php
honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Sep/12/bz/FP609120363.html
www.forthesea.com