Retrieved from https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/349155/vanuatu-steps-up-fight-against-coastal-and-marine-pollution
There are currently issues from international engagement such as the increasing number of tourists effecting Vanuatu’s environment. Popular tourist attractions are mostly outdoor activities as Vanuatu has breathtaking natural experiences, mentioned in previous blogs, but this leads to both positive and negative consequences.
Positive effects can include the spreading awareness of natural disasters, global warming and environmental issues and how to help the country. Since the majority of tourists visit the beautiful islands, after experiencing and seeing the beauty, it would be easy to encourage people to help protect and preserve. This can be achieved through donations during tours or as simple as spreading the awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. Also, the increased economy from tourism can be spent on preserving the environment as well.
One major negative impact is the water pollution from pristine waters surrounding the islands leading to indirect negative effects as well. This includes, marine species effected, eco-system ruined, coral reefs being damaged, trees and pastures are being knocked down and removed. Since water-based activities are most common in Vanuatu, corals are being damaged from the anchors constantly, sand build ups from jets and other boat types. Also, new infrastructure and resorts for tourism being built creating stress. It is also causing land distribution and erosion of the island which can have future impacts as well.
Furthermore, waste management is becoming a growing issue with increase in litter in tourist hotspot areas. Currently, there are no comprehensive solutions for the rubbish being produced and should act on this.
As this is a major issue, a contribution I would be able to make is to spread awareness and be respectful of the area. For a larger impact, I would also suggest looking at how other countries or areas have successfully been able to conserve the place.
Reference:
https://tourisminvanuatu.weebly.com/consequences.html
Comments
11:43am 14/09/20: Jaylea Jin
The blogger’s writing was very clear and easy to understand. I also liked how she was able to identify both the positive and negative impact tourism has on Vanuatu. The video embedded at the end of the post was also really well done, as most often visual material is more engaging than just text. The post to a minimal extent engages with the concept and questions of this week. In particular, I felt that the second and third question of the module were vaguely answered. The writer didn’t specifically mention how she could contribute to the problem of water pollution or what practical skills she was going to use to work with other people/organizations. As well as, I felt like the post didn’t explore the theme for this week, which was about connection, collaboration and meaningful engagement with other countries through travelling. If this aspect was improved, the post would have been even better. The writer is able to use the blogging format well. I like how you have chosen an appropriate header image and added a short caption to it, altogether supporting the narrative nicely.
Vanuatu - home 