What quantifiable environmental problems are we solving by offering new investment opportunities in responsible tourism?
Conventional development has many impacts, which responsible development practices seek to address. The major impacts include: Habitat Degradation – coastal areas rich in biodiversity and important habitat are being damaged by development. Forms of habitat impacted: Terrestrial – including the buildings and supporting infrastructure such as roads, and waste. Marine – water pollution from runoff (excess nutrients from sewage/fertilizer, or pathogens), and waste. Any form of development has an impact on habitats; responsible forms seek to minimize these impacts, by protecting the sensitive habitats and developing in the most ecologically-appropriate locations. Also, by actively improving environmental conditions through restoration, education, or financing other groups. Impacts on Local Communities – the local residents of an area benefit from an increase in economic activity but can also be impacted by various side-effects: Close access to common resources – traditional places used for
