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Environmental effects of tourism and its seasonality on Mediterranean islands: the contribution of the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project to build up an approach towards sustainable tourism

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Andolina

    (Università degli Studi di Palermo
    CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare)

  • Geraldina Signa

    (Università degli Studi di Palermo
    CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare)

  • Agostino Tomasello

    (Università degli Studi di Palermo)

  • Antonio Mazzola

    (Università degli Studi di Palermo
    CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare)

  • Salvatrice Vizzini

    (Università degli Studi di Palermo
    CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare)

Abstract

The Mediterranean basin is amongst the world’s main tourist destination, and its islands are a major attraction, being sites of historical, cultural and naturalistic importance. This is beneficial for the local economies, but it may also represent a great burden on the coastal environment, where other human pressures are concentrated. The awareness of detrimental side effects of tourism together with the importance to take into account social and economic facets has led to the concept of sustainable tourism, which, however, represents a goal far from being attained. A good opportunity to promote sustainable tourism was provided by the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project, whose main aim was to identify, address and mitigate the effects of the seasonal variation of waste generated by tourism on Mediterranean islands. Here, we present the methodological framework of the project aimed at biomonitoring coastal seawater in highly touristic sites using macroalgae as valuable bioindicators of seawater quality and improving its status through the implementation and assessment of mitigation measures that included also the involvement of stakeholders. Outcomes of the project highlighted the effectiveness of such an integrated approach, confirming the importance of choosing proper indicators and tools that can support the development of management plans aiming to mitigate environmental impact and foster sustainable tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Andolina & Geraldina Signa & Agostino Tomasello & Antonio Mazzola & Salvatrice Vizzini, 2021. "Environmental effects of tourism and its seasonality on Mediterranean islands: the contribution of the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project to build up an approach towards sustainable tourism," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 8601-8612, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00984-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00984-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gossling, Stefan & Hansson, Carina Borgstrom & Horstmeier, Oliver & Saggel, Stefan, 2002. "Ecological footprint analysis as a tool to assess tourism sustainability," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(2-3), pages 199-211, December.
    2. Franklin Torres-Bejarano & Luis C. González-Márquez & Beatriz Díaz-Solano & Ana C. Torregroza-Espinosa & Rubén Cantero-Rodelo, 2018. "Effects of beach tourists on bathing water and sand quality at Puerto Velero, Colombia," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 255-269, February.
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