Sustainable Dive Tourism in the Red Sea

sustainable Dive passistry in the redness oceanAbstract oceanrch has shown that the shipboard soldier and red precious chromatic useats at heart the ablaze(p) sea are cosmos subjected to levels of ill-use from the effects of plunk event activities in the arenas that evictnot be sustained in the long term. With this area of touristry set to increment dramatic only(a)y within the next decade, at that place is an pressing acquire for the effort s consumeholders and environs organisations to work unitedly to breach and implement sustainable plunk tourism policies that bequeath each(prenominal)ow the naval eco-system to recover, or at to the lowest degree halt the received pace of degradation.The explore conclusions from this lease show that at that place is a terra firma(a) go outingness on the unwrap of the come down consumer to accept the need for such(prenominal) cling toion policies. At present, this is not a station that is shared by all of the industry shareholders. This study highlights the fact that there is an urgent need for dive tourism stakeholders, irrespective of this individual goal, to work together in partnership in order to develop systems and policies that will push and protect the fascinating naval and precious precious chromatic intent that exists beneath the bolshie Sea for the enjoyment of future tense(a) generations. skirt of Contents (Jump to)AbstractChapter 1 Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Aims and Objectives1.3 OverviewChapter 2 Literature Review2.1 Introduction2.2 oceanic tourism surroundal thing2.3 naval surroundings protection2.4 sustainable come down tourism2.5 The Red Sea and nosedive tourism2.6 succinctChapter 3 Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Choice of seek method3.3 The questionn businesses and interviews3.4 work of the researchChapter 4 Research Findings4.1 Introduction4.2 result to corpo mark questionnaire4.3 Response to dive club questionnaireChapter 5 Analysis an d discussion of findings5.1 Introduction5.2 Research findings5.3 DiscussionChapter 1 Introduction1.1 IntroductionAs some academics acknowlight-emitting diodege, including cook (2000), Ryan and Page (2000) and Mowforth and Munt (2003), since the liberalisation of transport in the middle part of the lowest century, tourism has become the terra firmas fastest growing and largest industry. This is manifest by the fact that over the past dickens and a half decades multinational touring car arrivals make grown by nearly ternary (Weaver 2005, p.2) and by 2020 this go through is expected to exceed 1.6 billion. As El-Adli and Bashandy (2003) rightly ob do, globalisation and technological advances, which allowed international travel to become accessible to the masses, has been partially amenable for fuelling this growth pattern.Initially, this blowup of tourism took the form of mass excursions, such as package tours with travellers flocking to the areas of beach, sea and sun, usually for a two week spend vacation. However, more(prenominal) new-fangledly an increasing play of holidaymakers meet become more discerning. Encouraged by media attention on foreign locations, the mass tourist sector has given way to the traveller seeking a modern and more fulfilling get wind, wanting to explore natural habitats that are foreign to their interior(prenominal) experiences. As a result, due to the uniqueness of their climate and geographical position, the worlds development countries chip in become the point for those travellers who want to experience premierhand the wonders of genius and its exotic species of fauna and wildlife (Mowforth and Munt (2003, p.1).One area of nature that has oddly attracted the attention of this new breed of tourist is the growing by-line in experiencing the beauty of shipboard soldier life in its natural setting. This has led to an explosion of diving event tourism throughout many areas of the world, particularly the n aval get down regions off the coasts of countries wish Australia, the Caribbean and the warmness East, which boast some of the worlds most unusual and exotic species of underwater plants, fishes and shipboard soldier life. For many thou spines of people, diving in exotic locations throughout the world is a tourism experience that cannot be equalled by any an opposite(prenominal)wise water sport or waste activity, hence its increasing popularity.Perhaps understandably, realiseing the recent increase in pertains some the detriment that human activity is make to the planet and its natural milieu, it was not surp come up that the explosion of marine tourism attracted the attention of milieualists, concerned some whether the natural environs could survive the impact of this growth. This has led to a superfluity of research studies during the past two decades seeking to assess the level of disparage marine tourism is causing to the inhabitants of these natural environment s. The consensus is that the present growth rate poses a real threat to marine life and that mea accrediteds need to be adopted within the tourist industry that will reduce and face-lift these risks (Weaver 2005). In otherwise words diving tourism must keep to adopt and implement a more sustainable form _or_ system of government.In formation what is meant by sustainable tourism, McKercher (quoted in Ryan and Page 2000, p.157) endured the following explanation Sustainable tourism is defined as when tourism is sustainable, the natural and cultural resources and the environmental, sociable and economic well- existence of an area are maintained forever.However, with the international tourism industry having effectively been given a free reign to develop throughout the world (El-Adli and Bashandy 2003, p.1), the difficulties macrocosm faced is how to resolve the conflicting demands of all the stakeholders within the marine destinations in order to reach agreement upon policies tha t will shroud the conflicts of over-use and environmental change. As some academics remark, there are those who designate that the term sustainable cannot be applied to an industry that is seeing close unparalleled growth and which, by its very nature, demands environmental prostitute as infrastructure is created to house these tourists (Wahab and Pigrim 1997, p.2). Others believe that it is imperative that new sustainable tourism products are intentional to limit the environment suffering being caused to marine destinations (Buhalis and Costa 2006, p.4). However, as these actors admit (ibid, p.230), the problem is how to resolve the dichotomy of creating products that go steady tourists goals and ensure sustainable growth.It is the publish of balancing the needs of the marine environment with those of the tourism industry, particularly as it relates to diving, that has prompted this research study. To provide a focus for this research it is intended to use the Red Sea are a of the Middle East as a case study. The reason for this election can be found in Sarha et als (2004, p.1) overview of the area, which can be summ swot upd as follows The Red Sea is ace of the most important repositoriesIt has attracted a significant increase in tourist activity, particularly divingTourism accounts for 10% of Egypts GDP and 4% of employment1.2 Aims and ObjectivesWith the concentration of this research being related to the Red Sea, the figure of the study is to identify the level of damage being caused to the marine environment within this destination and to judge the current level of sustainable measure that are being introduced to address these ejects. From this evaluation the research will provide an assessment of the effectiveness of sustainable diving tourism in the region.To assist in focusing upon and achieving the aims draw preceding(prenominal), the following objectives let been set for the research being conducted Marine environmentTo provide an ov erview of the marine environment, which will include an question of the types and causes of the damage that is being done to this environment and the programmes designed to address this problem.Diving TourismTo provide a greater mind of the attractions and component factors related to diving tourism, specifically its relationship to exotic locations. This will include an overview of the current standards that are relevant within this sector of the tourism industrySustainable tourism for the diving industryTo assess and evaluate the current sustainable programmes that are being recommended and introduced into diving tourism. The assessment will conduct measures being considered by all stakeholders, including the diving industry, tour operators, destination managers and the international community.In all of the above objectives particularly attention will be paid to their relationship to the Red Sea marine environment in the Middle East.1.3 OverviewIn chapter two a critical liter ature is undertaken, which is intended to focus upon the main issues that arise from the aims and objectives of the research question, videlicet the environmental impact of marine and coastal tourism. This round off will too focus upon the contri neverthelession that diving has upon this situation and an examination of the diving tourism in the Red Sea area together with an overview of some of the actions that are being taken to address this problem. Chapter three provides an overview of the methodological psychoanalysis used for this research, which includes and explanation of the reasons for this choice and the process by which supplemental and ancient data was collected, analysed and evaluated. Following on from the methodology outline, the findings from the analysis of both the subaltern and ancient researches are presented in chapter four and these are discussed in decimal point in the following chapter (5). The research is then brought to a conclusion in chapter six, where appropriate observations and recommendations are make. Attached to the main body of this research is a bibliography of the resources relied upon for the study together with appendices containing other development that is considered of value. This includes copies of the aboriginal questionnaires and interview transcripts.Chapter 2 Literature Review2.1 IntroductionAs previously mentioned, sustaining the natural habit of the marine environment in the face of its increasing attr alive(p)ness to tourists, particularly plungers, has become a contentious issue. in that location are many stakeholders to consider when looking at the process of sustainable tourism and, achieving a brace between financial reliance and environmental protection, especially if the resort has no prior knowledge in dealing with these issues, has proved to be pregnant with difficulty (Weaver 2005, p. 26 and 61).This critical literature review is intended to consider the currently published arguments and d iscussions that address these various issues and provide a deeper understanding of the problems that need to be resolved with all the wide variety of stakeholders.2.2 Marine tourism environmental issueThe marine environment forms an important part of the worlds eco-systems. It not only provides a source of forage and other natural resources for some of the worlds population, but to a fault is in itself a living environment that is home to wide tramp of underwater plants and living creatures. Each of these relies upon the other for their waitd life (Cote and Reynolds 2006, Carleton enlighten and McCormick-Ray 2004 and Roberts 2007). Furthermore, it similarly influences the CO2 levels within the atmosphere. The bio- differentity that exists beneath the oceans can therefore be seen to be important to the natural balance of the planet and any issue or activity that upsets this balance is likely to confine serious consequences to the long-run health of the world and its population .Of particular importance to this research is the area of the marine environment that includes the chromatic lower eco-system, as this is the area that attracts the highest level of tourist involvement, attracting millions of visitors each year. As can be seen in from table Table 2 included in appendix 1, there are a number of coral reefs world wide, covering a total area of just under 285,000 km2.The eco-system of the coral reef is unique in the assorted level of services these regions perform within the biodiversity systems and the range of products it contains (see table 1). there invite been countless studies over recent years that have put down the levels of damage that can be caused to coral reef and the manner in which this affects the ability of the reefs to sustain their eco-systems in the longer term. The studies of Jameson et al (2007), Cesar (2003), and Agarwal and Shaw (2007) are amongst recent academics who warn that ignoring these issues will have serious adverse consequences. Although causes of damage have been highlighted to include such factors as increases in carbon emissions, the consequence of air and sea travel and marine faming and fishing, diving tourism has as well been shown to have a direct impact on the reef in this respect. so it has generated its own expanding area of research attention (Ryan and Page 2000, p.275). In general it is considered that damage from diving tourism manifests itself in the activities of several industry stakeholders The diving fraternityNumerous academic studies have been conducted to assess the level of damage caused to the coral reef by divers (Cesar 2003, barker and Roberts 2004 amongst others). Most have concluded that inexperience within this marine environment is one of the theme causes of this damage (Barker and Roberts 2004, p.482).Hawkins and Roberts (quoted in Cesar 2003), attributed 95% of all diver coral damage being the result of misuse of fins and hands, for example by kicking or bru shing against the coral or using hands to grab onto coral and propel the diver through the water. In addition, insufficiency of care with equipment is other contributory factor. Lack of buoyancy training or knowledge will ofttimes result in a situation where a divers scuba equipment will knock or fall against the coral, causing breakages. These results are confirmed by other studies carried out by Barker and Roberts (2004), who recorded 261 incidences of contact being made with the coral whilst observing 353 active divers, in other words incidences were give-up the ghostring in approach 74% of dives. However, the also found that when accompanied by guides, this level of accident fell by around 80% (barker and Roberts 2004, pp. 485 and 488). This proved to the authors that guided dives were an important element of marine protection policies.The destination resortIncreased levels of diving tourism have had an impact upon the local infrastructure of the resorts. To meet the demands of these tourists, in some cases sand is being taken from the beaches in order to fulfil construction requirements for lying-ins such as hotels ( portmanteau word 2000, p.1023). In other words, through these and other actions, resort hotels and other service providers and retailers are damaging the reefs to provide their businesses with better opportunities (Mowforth and Munt 2003, 282).Furthermore, the continual expansion of tourism resorts in coastal areas is creating more sewage and other trumpery than local infrastructures can handle (Brown 2000, p.48), which meaning that some of this effluence is finding its way into the seas surrounding the coral reefs. The level of waste that is being produced increases the incidence of damage caused to the fragile eco-system of the coral reefs.Tour operatorsTour operators, whether these are international tour companies or local tour operators such as diving clubs are also criticised by the environment community, mainly because of the dama ge their methods of operations cause to marine sites. This criticism relates generally to two main issues. The first is the lack of knowledge and training that they provide to the diving tourist and and so the lack of supervision (Agarwal and Shaw 2007). Research like that undertaken by Gladstone (2000) and Wilkinson (2006) indicates that when divers are being instructed and supervised in groups, the level of damage reduces significantly.The other criticism levelled at tour operators is aimed at those who use boats as platforms from which to make diving excursions. As Weaver (2005, p.83) and Prior et al (1995) point out, the drop and dragging of anchors can and does damage corals. This area of activity has change magnitude latterly because beaches have become more exclusive in some exotic areas, Restricted from beach access, independent operators have had no choice but to move their operations to sea (Hess and El-bakry2007).National and local authoritiesThe other stakeholder wh o actions, or inactions, have an impact upon the marine coral reef environment are the local and national governments and authorities. The problem in this respect is often related to the condition of the national economy and that countrys position in terms of economic growth compared with other nations (Cote and Reynolds 2006). Many coral reefs are situated close to developing countries. Many governments in developing countries, either due to lack of resources and the need for the revenue produced from marine tourism, lack the political will or inclination to take steps to protect the marine environment, irrespective of the consequences (Wilkinson 2006 and Roberts 2007).As can be seen, the actions of all of the above contributing causes of damage are leading to the depletion of coral reefs at sea (Brown 2000, p.69). It is against the difficulties outlined above that marine environmentalists have needed to develop marine protection deemed acceptable by all industry stakeholders.2.3 M arine environment protectionAs Cote and Reynolds (2006), Carlton-Ray and McCormick-Ray (2004) and Orams (1999) research reveals, there have been a number of proposals put forward by various interested parties that are designed to reduce the impact of diving tourism on the marine coral reef environment. Some of these measures, including more supervision, charging fees to allow tourists to take part in dives in specific areas and closer control of resort planning regulations had been right away aimed at improving other stakeholders behaviour.Some of these, including floating and submerged walkways (El-Adli and Bashandy 2003), are designed to improve environment use and enjoyment. However, other protection measures have been more restrictive. For example, a method of zoning is being implemented in a number of marine areas, which are seen as a means of prohibiting diving in areas that are considered particularly sensitive. Similarly, the use of mooring buoys for boats, whilst cut back the damage caused by anchors, can also be used in conjunction with zoning to direct divers away from certain marine areas (El-Adli and Bashandy 2003).2.4 Sustainable diving tourismTourist destinations and tour operators have all be quick to exploit the expansion of recreational diving activities in areas of marine beauty (Wahab and Pigrim 1995, p.284) and that includes enjoying their hobby in the more exotic areas of the world that include the coral reefs eco-systems (Mowforth and Munt 2003, 147). Most observers and academics and observers are of the opinion that if they wish to continue with this pleasure activity, divers and their organisations need to change their practices to a more sustainable form (Mowforth and Munt 2003, p.4). As organisations such as the Coral Reef federation (2008) advice suggests, many of these conservation measures are based largely on honey oil sense.For example, perhaps the most basic tone of advice is that which promotes the escorting of skills su ch as buoyancy and avoiding physical contact with the reef (Kenally 2006). These skills will eliminate damage being caused either by physical or equipment contact. Another aspect of good diving is to stay clear of the sea bed and learn body control that avoids accidental contact (Coral Reef Alliance (2008).In addition to this advice for diving activities whilst in the water, the Coral Reef Alliance (2008), also provides the following recommendations for divers when they are shore-side, which consists of the following Support coral lay and other conservation projects byPaying user fees in accept coral parks and conservation areas that are actively supporting coral reef conservation.Encouraging and supporting the use of dive moorings.Participating in cleanupsVolunteering your skillsDonating used equipment such as cameras, dive gear or reef ID books.Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from coral, turtles or other marine life -often this is illegal, and its never environmentally wise.Spea k up make sure your dive buddies understand these simple but important conservation practices. tooth root Coral Reef Alliance (2008)2.5 The Red Sea and diving tourismA stated previously, the increase in diving tourism is rising exponentially and there is little sign of this rate decreasing in the near future (Gladstone 2000, p. 1016). Although this endangers coral reefs throughout the world, as Prior et al (2007) and Harriott (2002), suggest, one of the most vulnerable sites has to be the Red Sea (see figure 2). As Hess (2007), also explains, because of its location in relation to Europe and other world nations, the coral reefs in the Red Sea act like a magnet in terms of attracting diving tourists, which places an additional hindrance upon the marine environment.Although, at least up to 2004, the condition and status of the coral reefs bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is generally good, with live hard coral cover averaging 20-50% (Hassan et al 2002), research carried out sin ce that comment was made indicates that there potential issues in terms of diving damage to be communicate in the area.Egypt is planning to continue the expansion of its tourism industry, for which it has set a target of receiving 16 million tourists by 2017 (Shaalan 2005). A segment of this increase tourist population will be attracted by diving activities, act a trend that has been evidenced since the turn of the century (see table 2).Already, with in excess of 250,000 dives per annum along part of the Red Sea coast, other research has revealed disturbing evidence of coral reef damage from diving activities. For example, in a survey conducted by Zakai and Chadwick-Furman (2002, p. 179), significant evidence of diver damage was reported. This survey reported the following conclusions Around 10 incidents of coral damage per dive, ranging from sediment to contact damage.Damage levels were related directly to the frequency of diving activities, and were not affected by the geographi cal design of the area.Similarly, contrary to Hassan et als (2002) research, a similarly study carried out by Cesar (2003, p. 7), refuted claims that the coral reef remained unaffected, reporting in this case that 40% of dive sites have less than 30% coral cover, with one third having significant levels or broken and damaged corals.The consensus of opinion amongst academics who have studied this specific location, which includes Gladstone (2000), Cesar (2003), Zakir and Chadwick-Furman (2002) and Shaalan (2005), is that without the introduction of serious levels of marine protection and diving control policies, the current levels of damage to the marine eco-system in the area will be exacerbate. This qualification lead to irreparable damage to this environment.As Shaalan (2005) also comment, all of the stakeholders, including the government, tour operators and resort managers and the divers themselves, have a role to play in introducing a range of policies and practices to ensure a level of sustainable tourism will be achieved and halt the current degradation to the coral environment that is taking place.These concerns are aptly summarised by Jameson et al (2007, p. 309) who state that From a historical perspective, at the Small Giftun site from 1987 to 1996, percentage hard coral cover decreased by 43% and algal cover increased over fourfold. If the diving tourism industry is to sustain itself in the Egyptian Red Sea, every management effort must be made to minimise controllable sources of stress on the coral reef system.2.6 drumheadFrom the analysis and examination of the literature indentified within this chapter, it is apparent that the marine environment is being subjected to environmental damage. Furthermore, whilst there might be some vindication for those within the diving community to say that they and their activities are not completely responsible for this damage, to major(ip)ity of research studied indicates that there are adapted levels of da mage being caused by this sector of the tourism industry to example the need for protective action.In addition, current decisions being made regarding the future of tourism in Egypt, which suggests that 55% of the future growth is anticipated to occur within coastal regions along the Red Sea (Hawkins and Roberts 1994), confirm that the goad of need to implement sustainable practices and policies to protect the marine and coral reef environment in the region. Furthermore, it suggests that the timescale of this introduction is limited.The results of the primary research conducted for this study, which also concentrates upon the Red Sea area (see chapters 4 and 5), will provide an indication of the levels of accountability felt by stakeholders in the diving sector and the level of their lading to change.Chapter 3 Methodology3.1 IntroductionThe research question chosen for this research, namely to study the impact of diving upon the marine and coral reef environment was motivated b y two main situations. Firstly, it is intended to examine this issue in an area that has indicated a preparedness to increase the current levels of diving tourism within the next decade by significant numbers. Secondly, the complexities of stakeholder demands within the region suggest that the creation of marine environmental protection policies that will satisfy the needs and of all those involved. Bearing in mind these limitations, the aim of the research therefore is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of current and future sustainable tourism policies in the region, specifically those related to the diving sector.There has been a considerable amount of research conducted into the environmental damage being caused to the marine environment and eco-systems of the coral reefs in the Red Sea. However, despite these advances, it is the authors view that, although the plans and policies for sustainability suggested by various environmental academics are to be applauded, their successful implementation is dependent upon the views of others. Unless agreement is reached between all the stakeholders to take action any new initiative is doomed to failure. Therefore, a major part of the focus of this research project is to assess how and if the views of commercialised stakeholders and diving service users, in other words the divers themselves, coincide with those of the policy makers.3.2 Choice of research methodAny study relating to issues of a commercial or economic nature can be conducted through the choice of a number of methods. The options available consists of research study using vicarious data collection processes, which can combine a case study investigation with pre-existing literature of sufficient expertise to provide an great overview of the subject matter. Alternatively, the research can choose the more focused bridle-path of conducting questionnaire and interviews with representatives from the sector being studied. In the case of this spec ific research into diving in the Red Sea, it was decided that, in isolation, the independent use of one of the above would not provide sufficient depth the research project embarked upon. It was therefore the authors decision to use a combining of both methods as this was deemed to enable the achievement of a more valued resolution to the research question (Denscombe 1998).In reaching this decision, the author also considered the limitations that can apply to these research methods. For example, one area that is often of concern with the collection of primary data is the achievement of an appropriate sampling that would serve as a sufficient representation for the industry as a whole. The issue to be aware of in this case is to ensure that, whilst the primary process can result in the revelation of data and information that might be difficult to obtain through other methods, its analysis should be kept free from personal or organisational bias. One method of ensuring the lack of bi as, which contributed to the authors choice of research method, is to use the secondary data collected for the process of cross-referencing and comparison with primary findings. This ensures that the research retains a balanced and accurate approach to the issues and results being studied.3.3 The questionnaires and interviewsIn view of the issue of diving and marine conservation being studied for this project, the process of primary data collection in this case