The Importance Of Environmental Tourism In Jamaica

Introduction

Christopher Columbus said Jamaica “is the fairest island that eyes have beheld.” while the Tainos said that Jamaica means “land of wood and water” (Chris Aguilan, 2014). Environmental tourism helps to protect the heritage, culture and biological diversity of Jamaica for the future. Areas such as Hope Botanical Gardens, Goat Island and Font Hill are involved in conservation and preservation of Jamaica’s wildlife and endangered species. Tourism development in Jamaica has led to the improvements of natural resources and infrastructures. To accommodate tourists, it requires huge investments in infrastructural developments which create a modern view of the country. Jamaica has numerous world renowned, natural tourist attractions that

(2016),” the tourism system has some important inputs from an environmental perspective which includes natural, cultural and human resources.” The system has three subsystems which are tourism retailing, destination and transport, all of which are interrelated. Within the destination subsystem, the importance of natural and cultural attractions is emphasized as the basis for attracting tourists. The outputs of the system can be both positive and negative in that tourism can both conserve and destroy nature while bringing positive and negative economic cultural changes. Another output of the tourism system that is desired by governments is tourists’ satisfaction must be guaranteed. (pp.9-10) The pollution of the sea by sewage, overcrowding of beaches, removal of coral reefs and deforestation are the ways in which the environment is being affected by tourism. Hence, the need for environmental awareness in Jamaica as the impact is a major concern to the country. Although it is damaging the environment, it brings economic benefits. Some habitats such as coastal, limestone forest and mountains are some that are affected and causing some of the Jamaican species to become endangered. The solution to this is the Wildlife Conservation Acts (1945) which is to protect the flora and fauna of Jamaica. It also teaches locals to recycle, reduce and conserve. The Jamaican tourist industry needs to become more thoughtful towards to the environment to prevent damage to the island and the industry in terms of a reduction in eco tourist visit and others. These tourists, mostly visit to see natural attractions and animals (Smith and Jenner,