Environmental effects of tourism and its seasonality on Mediterranean islands: the contribution of the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project to build up an approach towards sustainable tourism

Cristina Andolina, Geraldina Signa (), Agostino Tomasello, Antonio Mazzola and Salvatrice Vizzini
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Cristina Andolina: Università degli Studi di Palermo
Geraldina Signa: Università degli Studi di Palermo
Agostino Tomasello: Università degli Studi di Palermo
Antonio Mazzola: Università degli Studi di Palermo
Salvatrice Vizzini: Università degli Studi di Palermo

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2021, vol. 23, issue 6, No 28, 8612 pages

Abstract: Abstract The Mediterranean basin is amongst the world’s main tourist destination, and its islands are a major attraction, being sites of historical, cultural and naturalistic importance. This is beneficial for the local economies, but it may also represent a great burden on the coastal environment, where other human pressures are concentrated. The awareness of detrimental side effects of tourism together with the importance to take into account social and economic facets has led to the concept of sustainable tourism, which, however, represents a goal far from being attained. A good opportunity to promote sustainable tourism was provided by the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project, whose main aim was to identify, address and mitigate the effects of the seasonal variation of waste generated by tourism on Mediterranean islands. Here, we present the methodological framework of the project aimed at biomonitoring coastal seawater in highly touristic sites using macroalgae as valuable bioindicators of seawater quality and improving its status through the implementation and assessment of mitigation measures that included also the involvement of stakeholders. Outcomes of the project highlighted the effectiveness of such an integrated approach, confirming the importance of choosing proper indicators and tools that can support the development of management plans aiming to mitigate environmental impact and foster sustainable tourism.

Keywords: Sustainability; Coastal management; Waste; Mitigation; Stakeholders; Microalgae; Bioindicator (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00984-8

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