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Leaders Must Consider "Triple Bottom Line" or Dive Tourism Affected

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Thursday, May 1, 2008

(May 1, 2008 - DTN) -- A diverse group of experts called for a balance between environmental and economic interests during the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism.

Speaking as part of a panel on the theme Challenges for the Caribbean Coastal Tourism Environment, they pointed to “the inexorable link” between the seemingly divergent causes of profit and ecological protection, with each playing a role in the future of Caribbean tourism.

According to Rick MacPherson, director of the conservation program for the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), Caribbean leaders must consider a “triple bottom line” to address coastal environment sustainability as it relates to tourism. “The fact of the matter is that no conservation program or goal is achievable unless it’s economically viable,” he said. “It has to be a combination of business success, environmental protection and demonstrating social responsibility.”

MacPherson estimated losses between $100 and $300 million in revenues for the dive tourism industry in the Caribbean should the quality of the dive experience be diminished due to the destruction of coral reefs and loss of marine life.

He pointed to global climate change as a key driver of such destruction Jeremy Collymore, coordinator of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), joined MacPherson in emphasizing the role that the coastal environment plays. He said not only do coastal regions play a significant role in driving the Caribbean’s tourism product, but they also as a source of food, livelihoods, natural defenses, and home to a significant percentage of Caribbean life, including animals and plants.

“Fifty percent of the Caribbean population and a huge percentage of development live within two miles of the coast and are therefore extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” Collymore told delegates. For more information, visit www.onecaribbean.org.

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