Case studies

Hanauma Bay, Hawaii: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a horseshoe-shaped fringing reef that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Its popularity mainly stems from its close proximity to Waikiki and its high standard waters, high diversity of marine life, scenic views, and public facilities. However, by the late 1980s almost 3 million people were visiting the Bay each year, seriously impacting the surrounding marine environment: coral and algae were trampled, suntan lotion began to coat the bay's surface, and littering became a real problem. To address these issues Hawaii Sea Grant Hawaii Sea Grant and state and county administrators developed the Hanauma Bay Education Programme. An educational kiosk on site was built and program volunteers conduct tours providing visitors with information about stewardship and appropriate activities at the bay. The results of the education programme (along with other management approaches implemented) were considerable. Visitation has decreased by over 50 percent, litter has been reduced by 70 percent, sunscreen slicks in the bay have been eliminated and the nearshore reefs are experiencing coral growth.

Red Sea: The Marine Conservation Society (based in the UK) Coral Reef Campaign has been focusing on raising awareness about the beauty of coral reefs and the threats they face. Some of their efforts include the production of an in-flight video on flights to the Red Sea presenting a number of responsible ways to SCUBA dive. The Campaign has also been developing a Coral Code leaflet, which highlights practices that prevent physical damage to coral reefs. Recognising the need to preserve the marine environment and to reduce tourism impacts on the environment, another initiative to protect Red Sea corals was implemented by Accor Environmental Department in collaboration with Aquarev (which specialises in underwater diving packages). The group developed an wareness raising leaflet, published in both French and English, for its customers visiting the Red Sea. The pamphlet presents 3 examples of the long term impacts of careless behaviour on beaches and on the coral reef environment - in particular when scuba diving. The leaflet is distributed throughout Accor Tour hotel rooms, reception desks. It is also included in the travel documents of all divers travelling to the Red Sea with Aquarev. Posters displayed in hotel lobbies, on information boards and on signs on the beach provide information to support points highlighted in the pamphlets.

Virginia, USA: To promote the sustainable use of the natural resources along the coast of Virginia the local Coastal Program and other organisations helped develop a voluntary certification program for tour guides. Through this program, guides are given the opportunity to obtain training on topics such as multiple use conflicts and avoidable impacts to plants and wildlife. The certification program was piloted for Virginia's Eastern Shore in 1997. Following its successful implementation the program was then expanded to the entire coastal zone of Virginia. Seeing how favourable tour guides yet again responded to the voluntary programme, considerations are being made as to the implementation of such programmes on a wider scale.