Measures for Mitigating Adverse Impacts of Tourism in wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems globally, providing crucial services such as water filtration, food resources, building materials, transportation routes, and coastal protection. Additionally, they support recreational and tourism activities, collectively known as ecosystem services. The migration of numerous bird species and the rich plant diversity within wetlands underscore the importance of effective biodiversity conservation initiatives. However, wetlands face significant threats from urbanization, pollution, resource overharvesting, climate change, and tourism. Tourism, in particular, leads to habitat destruction, pollution, and environmental degradation, compromising water quality and soil stability. Thus, assessing the impacts of tourism on wetlands is essential to develop strategies that enhance their resilience and protect these critical ecosystems. A practical approach to promoting sustainable tourism involves implementing visitor management strategies that regulate visitor behaviour to minimize site impacts. Zoning is an effective visitor management tool that aims to balance the negative impacts of tourism while promoting ecotourism and wetland restoration. While existing literature suggests various zoning factors, each wetland's unique biological characteristics require tailored approaches. This research focuses on importance of zoning and identifying specific zoning parameters to manage tourism impacts in Kerala's wetlands, aiming to support sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.