Tourism in Mallorca: Is Water Supply a Major Constraint - Essay Example

of the Proposal: Tourism in Mallorca: Is water supply a major constraint Background/Rationale: Mallorca ,which is also called Majorca, is thebiggest islands of Spain located in the Mediterranean. It is a part of the Balearic Islands Archipelago and is a very popular tourist destination. Since 1950, it has attracted a large number of foreign visitors has completed changed the physiognomy of the island. It is estimated that more than19 million people have visited this island during 2001 and tourism is the main source of income for the local inhabitants of Mallorca. The total land area of Mallorca is 3640.16 sq. kms. Since the year 1955, Mass tourism and migration of people from rural to urban settings has affected the economic and social structures of Mallorca and the rapid and unexpected tourist boom has let to chaotic development of the tourist facilities. “Water economy in the region is beset by two specific problems: high irrigation needs and changes in consumer demands.” (L, Araus. J. 2006). Add to this, huge constructions around the coastal zone has caused erosion of the beach dune system. Add to this, the peak season demand has resulted in rapid exhaustion of the groundwater reserves of the island. As a direct result of this, tourism in Mallorca is fast becoming not sustainable, and unless drastic measures are taken with regard to the water and coastal management policies, it would become extremely difficult to sustain future tourist traffic.” Due to high water demand, groundwater resources are depleted and new water resources should be developed.” (Brissand., & Salgot. 2006). The dwelling capacity in the island has far exceeded the present level of demand for water and has led to degradation of the beaches. Therefore it has become necessary to address the problem with regard to better management of aquifers and establishment of a comprehensive water management policy to tackle the problem of acute water scarcities, since water is "a limited natural resource and a public commodity fundamental to life and health." (Gustavo, 2002). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Hypothesis : High concentration of tourist traffic and its fallouts has caused infrastructural damage to Mallorca Key Aims and objectives To analyze the causes for acute water shortage in Mallorca To assess the impact of rapid tourist growth in the environment of Mallorca To arrive at the best alternative solution – whether sea water desalination or water recharge and reuse is to be used, in the context of Mallorca’s water crisis. To suggest ways and means for increasing performance through recharge of aquifers as water sources. To design a comprehensive plan for water policies and integrated planning. Methodology: We would recommend using of the Field Analysis and Investigation method along with Laboratory Analysis. We would propose visits to the specific areas which have suffered from drought conditions and water scarcity and make relevant investigation in line with our hypothesis. Also the specific methods for the field analysis and investigation, whether through primary data collection methods such as questionnaires, interviews etc also has to be made, and also secondary methods such as study of available statistical data for our research proposal and datas available from Governmental and quasi-governmental organizations for the purpose of further analysis and collection of additional information. The data’s from studies already conducted by international bodies would also be useful to us. The Governmental policies with regard to wastewater management and exploitation of aquifers as sources of water, and also regarding present system of water utilization of Irrigational and landscaping also needs to be delved into. The Laboratory Test Analysis would conduct water sample tests to assess their chemical composition from different areas and differentiate the variations. Also, in some cases the sea water has merged with groundwater due to overexploitation. Water tests have to be conducted the extent of health hazard this has caused. Again specific tests have to be conducted for potability of drinking water, whether it is fit for human consumption and is capable for being a health hazard. We propose that random sampling is done in prone areas and necessary results obtained from it. In this regard the advisability of water reuse and recharge vis-a –vis recharging of aquifer has to be done. Literature Review Mallarca is the biggest island in Spain and is the site of serious water scarcities. 95% of the water is through ground water source. There are no permanent water surface water bodies and the aquifers are overexploited. And there are “significant deficits in water management.” (Towards Sustainable Water Use on Mediterranean Islands: Addressing Conflicting Demands and Varying Hydrological, Social and Economic Conditions). The level of coastal ground water level has fallen belong sea level due to constant over pumping and the sea water has also entered the groundwater, causing serious health hazards. This “increasing salinity makes water unfit for drinking and for other purposes such as irrigation.” (WHO – Expert Consultation on Health Risks in Aquifer Recharge Using Reclaimed Water. 2002). Moreover, the use of scarce water resources for landscaping, maintenance of big gardens and golf courses have further worsened the bad situation. They suffered negative effect of regional planning and unlimited exploitation of limited natural resources. As Mallarca became much cheaper as a tourist destination than the rest of Europe, it became major tourist attraction centre. The model of tourism development in Mallarca has short term tourism development plans and a lot of unplanned building activities not in tune with local conditions and “unlimited exploitation of natural resources.” (Molz, Viktoria. 2004). Tourism industry provides 85% of GNP of that region and is a major source of income for the local government. Hence its economy is totally dependent on tourism traffic. The Grand water table sunk down to dangerous proportion and from the year 1960-1987, the irrigatable area has grown substantially. Although a large part of the ground water was consumed by the agricultural sector, nowadays water is mainly used for maintaining tourism infrastructural projects throughout the year, thus leading to substantial usage of scarce water resources. “Water shortages are likely to spread due to increasing demands.” (Water Trends). Due to the tourist boom in Mallarca, a lot of migration of workers and their families from rural to urban settings took place, “and dwelling capacity of the island has been exceeded” (Garcia, Celso., & Servera, Jaume. 2003) thus creating further strain on the local water supply position. This overexploitation of water resources has led to desalination of ground water which makes it unfit for human consumption. As a matter of fact, in certain regions of this place, drinking of tap water has been restricted by certain international health organizations due to contamination. This appalling water scarcity has resulted due to lack of appropriate measures for storing water capacities and also due to absence of proper water supply and distribution system in the island. This problem has acquired a serious dimension because no tourism industry can survive without adequate water supply. “water deficits are common in many parts of the island due to low rainfall and a limestone substrate.” (Mallorca Fieldweek Assessment 2004). Therefore it has become imperative that certain water conservation laws become mandatory in order to address the problems quickly and effectively and also to chalk out a long term strategy for effective water management, keeping in mind the future needs of the island. Also, studies may be conducted for using alternative methods of water supply, including water harvesting, a better waste water/ used water utilization programme and conservative use of water for non-consumption purposes with the aim of saving the island from a major water crisis in the future which may impair its economy in significant ways. “Increased pressure on water supplies may render the current high levels of tourism in the region unsustainable.” (Climate Change to Drive Radical Changes in Global Tourism. 2006). TIMETABLE: The following time table is proposed for undertaking validation of hypothesis. 1. Conducting of Field Analysis from samples : 8 Weeks 2. Collection of primary datas from samples : 6 Weeks 3. Classification of primary Data : 2 weeks 4. Analysis & interpretation of primary sources : 4 weeks 5. Interpretation of Secondary data: 4 weeks. 6. Laboratory analysis : 6 Weeks 7. Drafting of final reports: 6 Weeks 1. Conducting of Field Analysis from samples: We propose to utilize direct Field Analysis based on structured Questionnaire basis. The questions would be discussed with the concerned Water Management Authorities, Motel, Hotel and second homes managers and local citizens, including cultivators, sharecroppers and agriculturists regarding the impact of the water problems on them. 2. Collection of primary datas from samples: The method adopted for collection of data- stratified sampling survey method or any other suitable method may be provided. This is based on the basis of non probability sampling. Care must be taken to ensure absences of unbiased or skewed information and should be a correct representation of the general population. 3. Classification of primary Data : The number of respondents should be classified on the basis of their responses and this would be collated for further analysis 4. Analysis & interpretation of primary sources : Based on the responses to the Interviews and questionnaires and other primary sources, preliminary analysis and Interpretation can be done with regard to the proposed area of research. 5. Interpretation of Secondary data: in this study, we also propose to have data from authentic and validated sources like international organizations who have already conducted studies in this particular area of water scarcity in Malarcca. Their findings would also be incorporated into the final draft proposal wherever necessary 6. Laboratory Analysis: Since this study also involves scientific analysis of water samples collected from various sites, it is necessary to conduct detailed studies on water treatment and the findings of this research has to be merged with the final report. 7. Drafting of final reports: After the completion of the entire process and integration of relevant data and test reports, the final report would be drafted for presentation to the required authorities. Work Cited L, Araus. J. 2006. Titre du Document / Document Title. CAT. INIST. 18 Apr. 2007. . F, Brissand., & M, Salgot. 2006. Titre du Document / Document Title. CAT.INIST. 18 Apr. 2007. . Capdevila, Gustavo. UN Consecrates Water As Public Good, Human Right. Inter Press Service. 28 Nov. 2002. 18 Apr. 2007. . Towards Sustainable Water Use on Mediterranean Islands: Addressing Conflicting Demands and Varying Hydrological, Social and Economic Conditions. Arid cluster website. 18 Apr. 2007. . WHO Expert Consultation on Health Risks in Aquifer Recharge Using Reclaimed Water. 2002. 18 Apr. 2007. . Molz, Viktoria. 2004. Consequence of mass Tourism in Mallorca. 18 Apr. 2007. . Water Trends. A Water Sustainability Tools. 18 Apr. 2007. . Garcia, Celso., & Servera, Jaume. 2003. Impacts of Tourism Development on Water Demand and Beach Degradation on the Island of Mallorca (Spain). Geografiska Annaler. 18 Apr. 2007. . Mallorca Fieldweek Assessment 2004. Department of Geography. 28 Aug. 2006. 18 Apr. 2007. . Climate Change to Drive Radical Changes in Global Tourism. Sustainable travel. 28 Aug. 2006. 18 Apr. 2007. http://blog.sustainabletravel.com/press- releases/climate_change_to_drive_radica.html Read More