Transcript Sustainable Tourism in Marine National Parks – The

Tourism Management and Protection of National
Parks
Asia Pacific Regional Consultation on the Sustainable
Tourism Programme
of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP)
on Sustainable Consumption and Production
17-19 April 2014
Park Hyatt, Busan, Republic of Korea
Sylvanna Antha
Seychelles National Parks Authority
The Seychelles
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Archipelago of 115 islands
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41 granitic islands (Granitic and Carbonate
Reefs)
• 74 Coralline islands (Carbonate reefs only)
• Most of the islands and reefs are found in
the South and South East of the archipelago
• Most of the islands are wholly or partially
surrounded by coral reefs
• Calculated 1690 Km2 of Reefs
• Many reefs are not near land masses and the
extent of many reef are not fully known.
Protected Areas Being Managed
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6 Marine Parks
2 terrestrial Parks
One special Reserve
Legal Protective Status (National Parks and
Nature Conservancy Act.
Main Tourist activities
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Excursions organised by tour operators
Tour s
Taxi Boats
Yachting ( Entry fees & mooring fees)
Diving
Bed tax from hotels located within MPA’s.
Sale of Coco De Mer nuts
Income from Various Sources in 2009 for
SNPA
84%
Marine Park Tickets
Mooring Fees
Hotel Contribution
4%
8%
4%
Hire of Facilities
Other opportunities of generating funds
• Hosting marine expeditions eg: Earthwatch
• Global Vision International - GVI
• Sale of Souvenir Items
• Sale of Coco De Mer
• Adopt a tortoise programme (similar
programme for Whale sharks by MCSS)
• Direct or indirect sponsorships
• Partnership
Tourism Activities and MPA’s
•Many tourism related activities in the Seychelles could
potentially affect coral reefs and are regulated to certain
degree.
•More than half of the tourists that visits the Seychelles
either dive or snorkel and as thus have a potential to
greatly impact coral reefs.
•Yachting has also become very popular and this has
increased negative impacts such as pollution and coral
damage.
• Increase in the number of hotels located inside MPA have
also increased problems such as pollution and
sedimentation.
Challenges
• Coastal developments especially tourism
- Sedimentation, pollution, erosion etc...
• Increased pressure from Fishers vs tourism
• Occasional oil pollution from ships (mild) (e.g.
yachting)
• Lack of Human resource
• Climate change (coral Bleaching, coastal erosion, sea
level rise)
What is being done?
• Increase of enforcement (incl. Development)
• Best practice for snorkelling and diving –SNPA and STB
• Glass bottom boat visit restricted to certain sites so as to
restrict the area that could be directly affected by
physical contact of snorkelers with the reef.
• All development, including tourism, requires an E.I.A
study so as to limit the potential impact on the coral reef
and marine environment
• Mooring areas are designated and Mooring buoys are
installed.
• Education and Awareness
• Memorandum of Understanding – Seychelles Tourism Board
(marketing, link between SNPA and agencies
• Partnership on Environmental Protecting –e.g. Ste Anne
Resort (reduction in poaching, monitoring (turtles, birds)
• Services for rangers – bed and breakfast
• Education and Awareness – Ephelia (incl. education board,
presentations)
• Ownership (mangroves of Port Launay)
• Other partners- Planning Authority
Conclusion
• Marine Tourism brings revenue and jobs –
contribution to economy
• Includes a number of challenges
• Management has to overcome challenges
and ensure sustainability
• Responsibility of all stakeholders to
preserve environment
Thank You for
Your Attention!!!