Human Activity and Its Ecological impact - Essay Example

“The natural environment is one of the most fundamental aspects of tourism, and hence protecting and preserving the same, must hold top most priority and relevance” Cooper et al., (2005) Introduction: The rise in tourism, and the resultant environmental and ecological inconsistencies arising out of the same, has led to an increased concern regarding the sustainability of the tourist destinations, as well as the surrounding environment. Governments, across the globe are now increasingly and actively participating in efforts directed towards promoting eco-tourism, with a view to ensure maximum protection to the tourist destinations, and to reduce the adverse ecological impacts arising out of increased human activities. There is now an increased emphasis on developing and implementing sustainable practices in ski-resorts particularly owing to the increase in ski tourism over the years. This is because, Ski resorts which are mainly developed in mountainous regions where the impact of human activities is far more adverse as compared to other tourism destinations located in lower altitudes (Hudson 2000; Price et al., 1997). This paper on “Ecological impacts assessment” aims at assessing the ecological impacts of ski resorts, the impact on the surrounding environment; as well as on the birds' habitat and tries to discuss various mitigation plans and policies which can be implemented to prevent such adverse repercussions. Methodology: For the purpose of this study, two qualitative research methods will be used, namely Literature review and Case study. The literature review will help in laying a basic foundation for the study, with a complete and comprehensive description of the prototypical sustainability measures that has been and can be undertaken at various levels to ensure protection of wildlife habitat in and around ski-resorts. The validity of the claims made and observations as seen in the literature review can then be tested by way of case studies, and comparing the same with other available information on ski resorts. Potential Ecological Impacts over the surroundings: The increase in human activity in mountainous regions, have contributed to the rise in global warming, primarily owing to the adverse environmental impacts caused by the development and construction of ski resorts (Todd and Williams, 1996). The constant rush of tourists, and the over use of natural resources at popular ski resorts, take a toll on the surrounding environment, disturbing the natural habitat in the process (Waldron and Williams, 2002; Wilde 1998). Furthermore, the increasing popularity of ski resorts attract tourists in hordes, thus leading to an increased pressure on the natural resources by way of increased demand and consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources, thus further raising deep concerns regarding its sustainability in the long run. Ski resorts, rely heavily on energy to lift and pump water to high altitudes, provide drinking water, operate heavy machinery, and fuel vehicles used for transportation. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding soil degradation caused by construction and constant human activities in ski resorts (Ries, 1996); leading to loss of vegetation, soil erosion and may lead to increased chances of floods. Flora and fauna are deeply affected due to activities such as construction of ski slopes. The surrounding environment and the natural habitat of fauna, is disturbed due to increased sound levels and noise pollution caused by tourists (Mountain Wilderness, 2007). Ecological Impacts on the birds' habitat Almost all types of aspects of tourism have a direct or indirect impact on the wildlife in the surrounding areas. The bird species, be it resident or migratory, are largely affected due Ski runs in alpine areas, which are known to cause considerable damage to the natural habitat of several bird species, found in those areas (Rixen et al., 2004). According to a research conducted to study the adverse impact of ski resorts on bird habitats, it was observed that ski runs, led to a marked decline in the number of birds as compared to natural grasslands. Birds are increasingly being threatened due to the rising demand for high-altitude ski runs. Furthermore according to another research, it was proved that several bird habitats located in and around ski resorts, were in great danger as compared to those located in grasslands (BBC, 2007). The construction of hotels, and ski-resorts require clearing up forests, which leads to a significant loss to the natural habitat of a wide number of regular and rare species in and around the area. It destroys vegetation, and disturbs the ecological balances in the alpine areas, leading to a complete disappearance of fragile species such as the sea-birds (eg marbled murrelet). In a nutshell, the construction and maintenance of ski-resorts, trigger a series of negative consequences, beginning with destruction of natural vegetation and ending with a significant reduction and / or disappearance of rare and exotic bird species, plants, insect populations, and other innumerable mammals which form an important element in a food chain (Williams, 1998). Limitation of the Methodology (GIS) adopted for the assessment The case study method of qualitative research used for the purpose of this study, is regarded as having very little scientific significance, and is prone to generalization (Yin, 1994). Thus in order to justify and accurately estimate the recommendations made, through literature review and case studies is to apply a few of the 'sample' techniques in a ski resort, to ascertain its validity and reaffirm the credibility of the claims made. Furthermore, all ski resorts have different socio-cultural, physical and environmental settings. Thus the observations made by way of literature review cannot be considered 'optimum' for all resorts. Mitigation and Conclusion The environmental and ecological impact on ski-resorts has become more and more visible over the years. Its repercussions are now being felt and hence measures to prevent harmful human activities which interferes with the natural environment, must be taken. The ski industry, has grown by leaps and bounds, and regardless of damage caused to the environment, its contribution to the development of the local economy cannot be negated. Hence, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that sustainable practices are implemented across all levels. References: Cooper, C., Fletcher, J., Fyall, A., Gilbert, D., Wanhill, S., (2005). Tourism Principles and practice. 3rd ed. England: Pearson Education Limited Hudson, S. (2000). Snow Business: A Story of the International Industry. London: Cassell. Price, M.F., L.A.G. Moss and P.W. Williams (1 997). "Tourism and Amenity Migration," Pp. 249-280 in Mountains of the World: A Global Priority, edited by B. Messerli and J.D. Ives. New York: Parthenon Publications. Rixen, C., Casteller, A., Schweingruber, F.H. & Stoeckli, V. (2004) Age analysis helps to estimate plant performance on ski pistes. Botanica Helvetica, 114, 127–138. Ries, J. B., (1996). Landscape damage by skiing at the Schauinsland in the Balck Forest, Germany. Mountain research and development, 16(2), 27-40. Todd, S and P.W. Williams (1996). "From White to Green: A Proposed Environmental Management System Framework for Ski Areas." Journal of Sustainable Tourism 4: 147-173. Waldron, D. and P.W. Williams (2002). "Steps Towards Sustainability Monitoring: the Case of the Resort Municipality of Whistler." Pp. 180-194 in Sustainable Tourism: A Global Perspective, edited by R. Harris, T. Griffin, and P. Williams. New York: Butterworth Heinemann. Williams, S., (1998). Tourism geography, Routledge Publication, Pp. 103-104 Wilde, T.G. (1 998). Public Participation in the Environmental Assessment of the Jumbo Glacier Ski Area Proposal. Master of Natural Resources Paper, Report No. 224. Burnaby: The School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University. Yin, R.K. (1994). Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Third Edition. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications BBC (2007). High ski runs fuel habitat fears [Online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6268403.stm [Accessed: August 14, 2011] Mountain Wilderness France, Frapana, CIPRA France and FFCAM.(2007). Snow-Guns [online]. Mountain Wilderness. Available from: http://mountainwilderness.org/index.php?rub=173&art=39&lg=en. [Accessed 14 August 2011] Read More