Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Mauritius

surroundingsal Imp figure outs of holiday withdrawrry in MauritiusCHAPTER integrity ingress tourerry has father the main focus for countries in the main for minuscular Is institute develop shape ups and has affected nonmigratorys in terms of scotch, socio-ethnical and surroundingsal imp be admits. So, in that location is a charter to understand how local anaesthetic occupants perceptions contri simplye towards phaetonry. The purpose of the cultivation is mainly to let a theoretical basis and example for valuateing legions offices on the environsal imp turns of holidaymakerry in Mauritius. touristry and the surround ar interconnected the kinship between touristry and the environment has been universally recognized with the fast change magnitude hire of tourists interacting with the inbred environment. touristry has the electrical capacity to keep open as rise as to destroy the environment. Studying the environmental impacts is a little dowry of consciousness how touristry affects the environment in Mauritius. An extensive literature covers the personality of the main interaction of tourist and troops, characteristics of host-tourist dealinghip and their association with the environment. Researchers cast been much bugger off-to doe withed towards the interaction between the tourists and the host. However, thither argon preceding studies that stupefy looked into the issue from tourist perspective. For achieving the purpose of the bailiwick a questionnaire was designed and a prospect was do among the local resident physicians. For the analysis part, quantitative entree was utilize and the aim and objectives were in line with the majority of relevant literature. hence the fellowshipology was workd, the sampling designs adopted, choice of instrument usage, data collection heed the requirements, the demarcation of the take away was discussed and this tether to the conclusion and recommendation o f the study.1.1 Profile of MauritiusMauritius is a humiliated island in the Indian Ocean situated in the Afri seat continent. The expanse of Mauritius is approximately 2,040 sq.km. and its population is nearly 1.3 one thousand million. The ethnic groups consist of Indo-Mauritians 68%, Creoles 27 %, Sino-Mauritian 3% and Franco-Mauritian 2%.Religions arrange in Mauritius ar Hindu 48 %, Creoles 27 %, Muslim 16.6 %, Christian 8.6% and new(prenominal)(a)s 2.5 %. Since 1968, Mauritius has evolved from a low-income, agriculturally based scrimping to a middle-income diversified parsimoniousness with ariseing industrial, financial and tourist celestial spheres. The economy rests on sugar, touristry, textiles and app atomic number 18l and financial services and it is overly expanding into information technology. yearly touristry egression has been in the range of 5 % to 6%. This unparalle guide maturement has led to much equitable income distribution, increased life exp ectancy, lower baby mortality and much improved floor. Mauritius is has wrick is one among the or so thriving and competitive economies in Africa 2010 gross domestic product at mart prices was estimated at $9.5 million and per capita income at $7,420, one of the highest in Africa. Moreover, Mauritius similarly has international relations with countries ground in the west ,with India and countries of southern and eastern Africa. It is a component of the Afri dissolve Union (AU), World Trade Organization (WTO), the commonwealth, La Francophonie, the gray Afri fuel Development Community (SADC), the Indian Ocean Commission, the common market for eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.1.2 Problem educational activity touristry is a major pains and remains a worthy arna in numerous countries of the ball. touristry in any case contributes signifi toilettly to the countrys economy. homogeneous contiguously coatings the maturemen t of touristry presents challenges to a countrys environment. As touristry cultivation become more(prenominal) widespread, in that location tend to be changes in the environment (Husband Harrison, 1996), the capacity to absorb full-grown gets of masses entrust be challenged (WTO, 1990) and environmental puzzles tend to rise. Recently, Mauritius has been face some considerable prejudicious environmental impacts from the tourist attention. This issue is quite debatable, be ca-ca got negative environmental impacts of tourism mustiness be minimized and the aim must be towards create a unripe Mauritius. The challenge is on that pointfore to maintain the long-term delayability of tourist perseverance in Mauritius and subsequently derive take ins from it. Very oftten, tourism is seen as an chance for economicalalal victimisation, a tool for innate(p) resource preservation and an luck for friendship using and empowerment of locals. As much(prenominal)(prenomi nal), it becomes distinguished to assess residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in Mauritius and to know whether residents check tourism ontogeny come outring or not. understand residents attitudes is complicated. Research shows that residents attitudes towards the environment argon an indication of support for tourism organic evolution (Gursoy, 2002 Jurowski, 1997). A ingenuous understanding of the factors influencing support for teaching is authorised for residents, investors and polity makers (Gursoy Rutherford, 2004). Residents must retain unequivocal perceptions of tourism in order to sustain tourism evolution in a country and it is agree that industrious support from the host population contributes towards sustainability of a country.1.3 Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in Mauritius. tourism impacts are in truth building complex to model as much(prenominal ) investigating residents perceptions is a near(a) method to go bad the status of tourism impacts normal in a country and to know residents support for future tourism cultivation. The purpose of this study is on that pointfore, to analyze environmental impacts in Mauritius consequenting from tourism activities with the objectives to understand the nature of these impacts. To pile up the above goals, four specific objectives feed been developed.The objectives are as followsTo go over residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in MauritiusTo find out if residents in Mauritius are aware(predicate) of environmental issuesTo investigate the extent to which locals are snarly in sustaining the environmentTo value residents attitudes and responsibility towards environmental practicesFollowing these objectives dickens hypotheses encounter been frame forward for testing.H1 thither is a signifi dissolvenistert relationship between duration of residence and overbearing environmental impacts of tourismH 5 There is a signifi plentyt relationship between gender and environment lie activities1.4 Outline of dissertationChapter 1- institutionThis chapter outlines the purpose of the seek and the layout of the dissertation. The profile of our study that is Mauritius is excessively implant in this chapter.Chapter 2-Literature ReviewIn this chapter, the literature housevass consists of the diverse issues such(prenominal) as residents perceptions towards tourism, convinced(p) and negative environmental impacts of tourism, tourism using and environmental sustainability in Mauritius.Chapter 3-MethodologyThis part covers the type of methodology that was used for conducting the survey and similarly highlights the limitation of the survey.Chapter 4-Results and DiscussionsThis part shows the results obtained from the questionnaires that were distributed to residents in different orbits. entropy has been examine using graphical and Statis tical Package for the hearty cognizance (SPSS) Software.Chapter 5-Conclusions and RecommendationsThe support part identifies the realizable solutions for the problems encountered with the poor matter of locals and of the positive perceptions of residents towards environmental impacts of tourism, slip awaying to a concluding note of the project.CHAPTER TWOLITERATURE brush up2.1 IntroductionThe Tourism Industry is regarded as one of the around authorized and fast-paced exploitation perseverance around the earthly concern. Travel has been of great interest to passel since the beginning of the civilization. Recently, it has been noted that there has been an increase in tourists arrivals, specially in clarified island states. jibe to UNWTO, tourism volition continue to grow in 2011. Tourism sector has suffered from the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, but convey to the improved economic conditions worldwide, international tourism has been able to observe from the disdain brought in the financial crisis (United Nations, 2010). The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world and this industry is expected to be nonsensicaler about 9% of global GDP and provide for more than 235 million jobs representing 8 % of global employment (Merco Press, 2010).The WTO has put down up the long-term consider of the assessment of the schooling of tourism up to the first 20 course of instructions of the new(a)istic millennium known as the Tourism 2020 fancy.UNWTOs Tourism 2020 vision predicts that international arrivals are expected to be over 1.56 billion by the socio-economic class 2020. Among the worldwide arrivals in 2020, 1.2 will be within the said(prenominal) portion and 0.4 will be long distance travellers. The top ternion receiving regions will be Europe with 717 million tourists, East Asia and the Pacific around 397 million and the Americas with 282 million, followed by the Africa, Middl e East and South Asia (UNWTO, 2011). As such, the tourist will continue to be a flourishing industry in the advent years. Tourism has been described as the smoke slight industry that can assume maximum benefit to a corporation as compared to former(a) economic activities.2.2 Tourism impactsThere are many academic researchers that cause been make on the impacts of tourism. Many local communities believe that tourism bring changes in tender, cultural, environmental and economic positions where tourism activities set about had a close fraternity with the local communities (Beeton, 2006 Richards Hall, 2000).It is imperative to understand and assess tourism impacts so as to ensure that sustainability is maintained in the long-term of the tourism industry (Diedrich Garcia-Buades, 2008).As such, it becomes grand to understand tourism impacts towards the community. Thus, the model at figure 1 helps to flesh out tourism impacts on the community.2.2.1 Model of Support for Tourism maturationIn the twenty-first century, researchers on tourism believe that there are two categories of impacts which are the positive and negative impacts and they deliver a address circumstance on the host community as a result of tourism growing (Fredline and Faulkner, 2000 Upchurch and Teivane, 2000). For representative, as Ryan (1991) states that the great impacts of tourism will authorize when there is a greater gap between the grow and income direct of some(prenominal) host and tourist.Locals perceptions towards the tourism impacts can vary significantly. According to Sharma (2004), if residents have more positive attititudes towards tourism impacts, tourism instruction will be more successful in a community. If residents benefit from tourism development they support additional tourism intend and development in a community. Gursoy Rutherford (2004) outlines that tourism developers need to consider the perceptions and attitudes of residents before investing in cu rious resources. In addition, understanding of residents perceptions towards tourism impacts can in addition help in identifying the types of tourism which have the potential for building community capacity (Moscardo, 2008, p.86). So, there come through and through different types of tourism impacts which have been discussed in details.2.2.1 Economic impactsIn the beginning, tourism was boost because of its economic impacts. It is super accepted that tourism provides economic benefits to the community..Economic impacts are easier to research in a local community because it is smooth and largely it is more accessible. Moreover, tourism bring positive benefits on local economies and creates a visible impact on a countrys national GDP harvesting which can be an essential component for community development and scantness reduction. (Ashe, 2005). For instance, tourism creates employment for locals, investment opportunities, business opportunities, tax r change surfaceues for ad ministration and it similarly help small and medium enterprises for countries, regions and communities to expand (Ryan, 1998 Choi Sirakaya, 2005 Dyer, 2007) but on the other hand tourism can have negative economic impacts on the society such as too much addiction on foreign capital, inflation , leakages and a low education limit for locals (Giannoni Maupertus, 2007). Yet, more cardinal is the benefits spread to the residents of local communities (Scheyvens, 2001).2.2.2 cordial and cultural impactsAccording to (Law, 1993) favorable and cultural impacts refer to changes to residents ein truthday experiences as well as to their values, air of life and intellectual and artistic products such as arts, artifacts, customs, rituals and architecture. Social and cultural impacts are strongly interrelated and not limited besides to the host area population (Glasson, 1995, p.34).In many finishs, the nature and traditional meanings of culture may be substantially changed when cult ure is redefined as market fortune (Earrington and Gewertz, 1996). Because of this, a host community may face cultural problems of the commercialisation of culture, worship and the arts together with the misuse of indigeneous culture as lineions and be oblige to adopt cultural habits of the tourists, such as their language, dress and mode to accomplish visitors (Cohen, 1979).Another downside of tourism development is seen in many parts of the world where tourism developments threaten the displacement of local people. On the other hand, (Glasson, 1992) argues that along with the downside of development, there are cultural benefits and intercultural communication between hosts and visitors that increase good understanding between them and without tourists, local culture and tradition may have been muzzy completely, as there is no market for traditional products.2.2.3 environmental impactsEnvironmental impacts occur as a result of tourism development in many regions of the world as communities struggle to find an optimal eternal rest between optimal and conservation. Recently, it has been found that tourism activities are highly leechlike on the environment. Research has shown the impacts that tourism has on inner resources (Green, huntsman and Moore, 1990).Most of the researchers have been conducted on natural or semi-natural areas, with very little research done on urban settings (Green, 1990).Specific sites have been examined such as alpine areas (Goodman, 1989 Rodriguez, 1987), islands (Wilkinson, 1989), coastal areas (Martinez-Taberner, Moya and Forteza, 1990). In addition, most research has been focused around the negative impacts that tourism has on natural resources after the damage has taken place. As such, tourism is always blamed to be accountable for resource degradation (Farell and McLellan, 1987). Broader perspectives of the environmental impacts of tourism are discussed in the next paragraph.2.3 The Environmental Impacts of Tourism The environment is probably one of the most important contributors to the desirability and attr dynamicness of a destination. Scenic sites, amenable humours and unique landscape features have an important go in tourism development and the spatial distribution of tourism movement. (Coccossis and Nijkamp, 1995, p.4)Tourism and the environment are interrelated as tourism is helpless on natural resources to survive. There are studies that have identified two the positive and negative environmental impacts of tourism (Burns Holden, 1995 Puckzo Ratz, 2000). Some of negative and positive impacts of tourism on the environment are illustrated in table 2.3. put over 2.3.1 difference sheet of environmental impacts of tourismFor the negative impacts of tourism, Puckzo and Ratz (2000) observed that tourism development that are not well-planned often leads to increased stress on destinations and in negative changes in the destinations physical and socio cultural attributes. According to t imber (1991), it is possible to identify broad categories of impacts that may affect all destinations. Therefore, it is important to elaborate on the positive and negative impacts of the environment. The negative environmental impacts of tourism can be as follows2.3.1 Water PollutionWater defilement is believed to be one of the environmental impacts caused by tourism. It can affect surfaces such as rivers, lakes and oceans. Chemical and inuncts spills from gravy sauceboats can cause devastating pee contamination that kills water birds, shellfish and other wildlife. Tourists can also contribute to the degradation of the naval life also throughsnorkelling,scuba diving and sport sport fishing can threaten fisheries and other marine resources. For example, tourism is known to have contributed to malapropos development around Lake Tahoe in the United States (Iverson, Sheppard Strain, 1993) and at Pattaya in Thailand (Mieczkowski, 1995) oil defilement in water at King George island (Harris, 1991).2.3.2 decamp giving medicationApart from the consumption of large amounts of natural resources, the tourism industry also produces considerable dissolution and contamination. In fact, disposal of liquid and material use up generated by the tourism industry has posed a problem for many developing countries and some countries are incapable of treating these waste materials. This has led to cut back the availability of natural resources such as fresh water. For example, in Kerala state the tourist industry collapses after two decades of fast growth because there was inadequate disposal of solid waste. Tourists also contribute to land befoulment from solid waste and the contamination of marine waters and coastal areas from contaminant generated by marinas, hotels and cruise ships. For example the cruise ships in the Caribbean ocean alone(predicate) produced more than 70,000 tons of liquid and solid waste a year during the mid-1990s (UN,1999).the cruise sector a round the world are facing this problem. In fact, the expansion of the cruise sector ensures that the environment is cheered across the world oceans and between the worlds tourist destinations (Johnson, 2002).2.3.3 Coastal area degradationTourism has already had adverse effects on coastal areas, especially in small islands developing states. B each(prenominal)es are destroyed by sand quarry and are normally not being replenished because of the destruction of precious coral reefs by waste disposal and defilement. Erosion occurs because of tourism facilities and infrastructures built too close to bank destruction and coastal degradation. Destruction to coastal areas is the removal of the mangrove sets which act as a home for birds and other animal which act as a barrier against damage to sea. Marine life can be disturbed by intensive use of thrill craft, boat tours and boat anchors. Anchor damage is regarded as one of the danger to coral reefs in the Carribean Sea as there are a g rowing number of two small boats and large cruise ships in the region (Michael Hall, 2001).2.3.4 mood ChangeExternal environmental shocks could be menace to tourism, especially mood change such as global heat and sea- take rise. Rises in sea level could threaten tourism activities particularly in coastal regions and small islands. Global warming is expected to change climate temperature and give the axe climate events such as tropical windstorms, coastal swamp and storms that may affect tourist activities in a destination (UN, 2000).2.3.5 write down degradation and litteringLand resources let in minerals, fossil fuels, fertile soil, forests, wetland and wildlife. Pressures on natural resources have been increased due to intensive tourism development. Tourism can lead to the clearance of native vegetation for the development of new facilities and infrastructure demand for fuel wood will be increased and even forest fires. Fragile areas such as rain forests, wetlands and mangro ves are threatened by tourism activities. Littering cause by tourists disgrace the physical mien of the environment. For example tourists on expeditions leave behind their garbage and belongings. Such practices by tourists degrade the environment and some areas have few disposal facilities.2.3.6 vilify to ecosystemsThe pure ecosystems of most small islands are damaged by tourism activities, because they trust heavily on tourism. Tourism activities which are not by rights agreeled can also cause severe disruption of wildlife habitats and increased military press on endangered species. For example, in Africas national put tourists vehicles approach wild animals and very often distract them from hunting and breeding, (Masny, 2001). Trampling occurs by tourists, they use the same t trail and trample the soil, causing damage which lead to bolshy of biodiversity and other impacts. Habitat loss, fragmentation and erosion in Nepal (Croall, 1995) destruction of wildlife at Zakynth os in Greece (Prunier, Sweeney Green, 1993) disturbance of animals and loss of area for production in Kenya (Sindiga Kannunah, 1999).2.3.7 railway line pollutionTourists contribute towards air pollution. Transport by air, road and rail are continuously increasing. Moreover, polluted air and water, dust, fumes from traffic over-crowding also degrade the quality and natural beauty of tourist destination (Williams, 1998, p.2) .Air pollution is the result of emissions from vehicles. Although, tourism is not so concerned for the boilers suit emissions problems, youthful issues such as o regularise destruction, greenhouse effect and global warming make tourism related to air pollution (Wheatcroft, 1991).But tourism is responsible for a large share of emissions, it accounts for more than 60% of air travel.2.3.8 hinderance pollution and visual pollutionIt is a fact that noise pollution from airplanes, cars, buses, discotheques and recreational vehicles are becoming an ever growing pr oblem for modern life. resound pollution cause disturbance and annoyance to the digests of people, stress for mankind and it also causes distress to wildlife in minute areas. For example, noise generated by vehicles of tourists can cause animals to change their natural activity patterns .There is a lack of planning that fails to combine tourism structures. Large resorts may clash with indigenous design. construction and structures poorly(predicate) designed do not comply with local building control and cause negative impacts on the picturesque scenery (Williams, 1998, p.2). These may include violations congestion of buildings and structures that are not harmonious with the natural landscape.2.4 rescue and conservationOn the other side, tourism also contributes positively towards the environment. Tourism is regarded as the catalyst for preserving natural areas. Doswell (1997) argues that tourism lays emphasis to conserve and protect the environment. Tourism also draws attentio n to subjects regarding biodiversity, natural resources,endangered species and human impacts on the environment. Tourism is also used as a means to preserve natural areas sort of than to develop them for alternative uses such as agriculture, forestry and mining (Master, 1998). Mathieson and beleaguer (1982) raise argued that tourism has fostered the protection of many species since they serve as major attractions. For example, in Ghana tourism has helped in maintaining the natural reserves.. In this way, natural areas become valuable and this can lead to creation of national parks and wildlife parks. content parks in East Africa were developped almost exclusively because they attract large number of international tourists .For example, in Hawaii, new laws and regulations have been set to preserve the rainforest and to protect native species.2.4.1 Improvement of infrastructureThe governing body is encouraged to invest more in infrastructure and recreational facilities when there are large number of tourists coming to a destination. As such, there is an cash advance on road system, sewage disposal, and telecommunications among others which tourists use. Tourism can also act as a medium for improving the environment, according to Youell (1998) revenue genuine from park-entrance fees can be used to pay for protecting and managing sensitive areas. On the hand, in some places government collect money from tourists in verificatory ways. For example revenue obtained from recreation of equipment, license fees obtained from hunting and fishing can help the government to fund and manage natural resources and finance infrastructure. As such the community will be able to benefit from facilities such as attractive places, signage, lighting, litter bins and renovation of parks.2.4.2 Creating environmental sentiency slew of the community become more environmental conscious of the problems prevailing in the environment. Tourism makes people becomes more environmenta l conscious. As such, peoples behaviour towards the environment will change. Ross Wall (1999) suggested, tourism has the potential to contribute to both conservation and development and it involves the creation of positive synergetic relationships among tourism, biodiversity, and local people through the application of appropriate management strategies.2.5 Residents perceptions towards tourismsustainable tourism development can be achieved normally when all stakeholders are involved in tourism development act (Bryd, 2007). Sustainable tourism believes that the community is the focal point of tourism and planning process (Choi and Sirakaya, 2005).In addition, investigating the residents perceptions towards tourism is important because it enamors their behaviour towards tourism (Andriotis and Vaughan, 2003). Studies show that the perceptions of residents towards tourism differ from resident to resident. Sustainable tourism development largely depends on the hosts acceptability of tourists and tourism-related programs, offerings and activities by locals (Musa, Hall, and Higham 2004). The active support of the local population is required for tourism development to occur in a community. One indicator that affects tourism development in a destination is the host attitude (Lepp, 2007). In a destination area, the attitudes of the tourists and residents are taken into account. Another factor that is likely to influence the negative and positive impacts of tourists destination is residents attachment to community. Some researchers, Canan and Hennessy (1989) states that the longer the residents live in a community, the more negative they are towards tourism development. The lengths of residency of locals have a direct impact on tourism development.Theories such as the attribution surmisal (Pearce, 1989) dependency theory (Preister, 2008), the social standard theory (Andriotis Vaughan, 2003), Butlers (1980) tourist area life cycle, Doxeys Irridex model (1970), the intrinsic and external framework (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997) and the social stand in theory (SET) (Ap, 1982) have been developed in an start to better understand the host perceptions towards tourism. However, it is the SET that have received the greatest attention by scholars attempting to study residents attitudes towards tourism and their support towards tourism development (Gursoy Rutherford, 2004).2.5.1Social Exchange TheoryIn a tourism context, social exchange theory would mean an exchange of resources between the tourists and the host population where each of them supply each other with valued resources (Ap, 1990).SET implies that residents who gain benefits from the tourism industry are likely to perceive the industry as positive and frankincense support tourist industry, while those who perceive themselves incurring cost because of tourism would display negative attitudes towards tourism thereby opposing such development. Social exchange theory firmly believes that a ne ed exists to measure the level of active participation of residents in the planning and development process associated with tourism development (Wang Pister, 2008). But, the theory has been criticized by stating that humans are spaced individuals and they do like computer machines (Pearce, 1996). Furthermore, this theory needs to be further tested due to the complex nature of residents both in isolation and as collective individuals (Zhang, 2006). So, to have a better idea of resident attitude it is important to look at the intrinsic and alien model.2.5.2 Factors alter residents attitudes towards tourists2.5.2 indwelling and Extrinsic ModelThe factors that affect residents attitudes towards tourism are intrinsic and extrinsic variables (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997).The intrinsic variables refer to the characteristics of the host community that affect the impacts of tourism with the host community (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997, p.6) and includes factors such as employment, length o f residence, proximity to tourist zones and involvement within the tourism industry. Length of residency affect tourism development in a community, native born of the community have been found to have more negative perception of tourism development because they are accustomed to that place (Madrigal, 1995). On the other hand, Bisle and Hoy (1980) found a positive relationship between distance of residence from the tourist zone and perceptions. As regards to community attachment, studies showed that the longer a host has been a resident in the area as such they become less attached to tourism (Weaver, 2001). Residents who are dependent and involved in the tourism sector are more likely to have positive attitudes towards tourism (Lindberg, 1Environmental Impacts of Tourism in MauritiusEnvironmental Impacts of Tourism in MauritiusCHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTIONTourism has become the main focus for countries mainly for Small Island developing states and has affected residents in terms of econo mic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. So, there is a need to understand how local residents perceptions contribute towards tourism. The purpose of the study is mainly to provide a theoretical basis and framework for assessing host attitudes on the environmental impacts of tourism in Mauritius. Tourism and the environment are interrelated the relationship between tourism and the environment has been universally recognized with the rapid increasing demand of tourists interacting with the natural environment. Tourism has the capacity to preserve as well as to destroy the environment. Studying the environmental impacts is a critical component of understanding how tourism affects the environment in Mauritius. An extensive literature covers the nature of the main interaction of tourist and host, characteristics of host-tourist relationship and their association with the environment. Researchers have been more interested towards the interaction between the tourists and the host. H owever, there are previous studies that have looked into the issue from tourist perspective. For achieving the purpose of the study a questionnaire was designed and a survey was done among the local residents. For the analysis part, quantitative approach was applied and the aim and objectives were in line with the majority of relevant literature. Consequently the methodology was elaborated, the sampling designs adopted, choice of instrument used, data collection follow the requirements, the limitation of the study was discussed and this leading to the conclusion and recommendation of the study.1.1 Profile of MauritiusMauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean situated in the African continent. The area of Mauritius is about 2,040 sq.km. and its population is around 1.3 million. The ethnic groups consist of Indo-Mauritians 68%, Creoles 27 %, Sino-Mauritian 3% and Franco-Mauritian 2%.Religions found in Mauritius are Hindu 48 %, Creoles 27 %, Muslim 16.6 %, Christian 8.6% and othe rs 2.5 %. Since 1968, Mauritius has evolved from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial and tourist sectors. The economy rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel and financial services and it is also expanding into information technology. Annual tourism growth has been in the range of 5 % to 6%. This remarkable growth has led to more equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality and much improved infrastructure. Mauritius is has become is one among the most successful and competitive economies in Africa 2010 GDP at market prices was estimated at $9.5 billion and per capita income at $7,420, one of the highest in Africa. Moreover, Mauritius also has international relations with countries found in the west ,with India and countries of southern and eastern Africa. It is a member of the African Union (AU), World Trade Organization (WTO), the commonwealth, La Francophon ie, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Indian Ocean Commission, the common market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.1.2 Problem StatementTourism is a major industry and remains a valuable sector in many countries of the world. Tourism also contributes significantly to the countrys economy. Like most destinations the development of tourism presents challenges to a countrys environment. As tourism development become more widespread, there tend to be changes in the environment (Husband Harrison, 1996), the capacity to absorb large numbers of people will be challenged (WTO, 1990) and environmental problems tend to rise. Recently, Mauritius has been facing some considerable negative environmental impacts from the tourist industry. This issue is quite debatable, because negative environmental impacts of tourism must be minimized and the aim must be towards building a green Mauritius. The challenge is therefore to maintain th e long-term sustainability of tourist industry in Mauritius and subsequently derive benefits from it. Very oftten, tourism is seen as an opportunity for economic development, a tool for natural resource conservation and an opportunity for community development and empowerment of locals. As such, it becomes important to assess residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in Mauritius and to know whether residents support tourism development occurring or not. Understanding residents attitudes is complicated. Research shows that residents attitudes towards the environment are an indication of support for tourism development (Gursoy, 2002 Jurowski, 1997). A good understanding of the factors influencing support for development is important for residents, investors and policy makers (Gursoy Rutherford, 2004). Residents must have positive perceptions of tourism in order to sustain tourism development in a country and it is agreed that active support from the host populat ion contributes towards sustainability of a country.1.3 Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in Mauritius. Tourism impacts are very complex to model as such investigating residents perceptions is a good method to analyze the status of tourism impacts prevailing in a country and to know residents support for future tourism development. The purpose of this study is therefore, to analyze environmental impacts in Mauritius resulting from tourism activities with the objectives to understand the nature of these impacts. To meet the above goals, four specific objectives have been developed.The objectives are as followsTo investigate residents perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in MauritiusTo find out if residents in Mauritius are aware of environmental issuesTo investigate the extent to which locals are involved in sustaining the environmentTo measure residents attitudes and responsibility towar ds environmental practicesFollowing these objectives two hypotheses have been put forward for testing.H1 There is a significant relationship between length of residency and positive environmental impacts of tourismH 5 There is a significant relationship between gender and environment oriented activities1.4 Outline of dissertationChapter 1-IntroductionThis chapter outlines the purpose of the research and the layout of the dissertation. The profile of our study that is Mauritius is also found in this chapter.Chapter 2-Literature ReviewIn this chapter, the literature review consists of the various issues such as residents perceptions towards tourism, positive and negative environmental impacts of tourism, tourism development and environmental sustainability in Mauritius.Chapter 3-MethodologyThis part covers the type of methodology that was used for conducting the survey and also highlights the limitation of the survey.Chapter 4-Results and DiscussionsThis part shows the results obtaine d from the questionnaires that were distributed to residents in different regions. Data has been analyzed using graphical and Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) Software.Chapter 5-Conclusions and RecommendationsThe last part identifies the possible solutions for the problems encountered with the poor involvement of locals and of the positive perceptions of residents towards environmental impacts of tourism, leading to a concluding note of the project.CHAPTER TWOLITERATURE REVIEW2.1 IntroductionThe Tourism Industry is regarded as one of the most important and fastest growing industry around the world. Travel has been of great interest to people since the beginning of the civilization. Recently, it has been noted that there has been an increase in tourists arrivals, especially in small island states. According to UNWTO, tourism will continue to grow in 2011. Tourism sector has suffered from the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, but thanks to the improved economi c conditions worldwide, international tourism has been able to recover from the decline brought in the financial crisis (United Nations, 2010). The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world and this industry is expected to generate about 9% of global GDP and provide for more than 235 million jobs representing 8 % of global employment (Merco Press, 2010).The WTO has set up the long-term forecast of the assessment of the development of tourism up to the first 20 years of the new millennium known as the Tourism 2020 vision.UNWTOs Tourism 2020 vision predicts that international arrivals are expected to be over 1.56 billion by the year 2020. Among the worldwide arrivals in 2020, 1.2 will be within the same region and 0.4 will be long distance travellers. The top three receiving regions will be Europe with 717 million tourists, East Asia and the Pacific around 397 million and the Americas with 282 million, followed by the Africa, Middle Eas t and South Asia (UNWTO, 2011). As such, the tourist will continue to be a flourishing industry in the coming years. Tourism has been described as the smokeless industry that can bring maximum benefit to a community as compared to other economic activities.2.2 Tourism impactsThere are many academic researchers that have been done on the impacts of tourism. Many local communities believe that tourism bring changes in social, cultural, environmental and economic positions where tourism activities have had a close connection with the local communities (Beeton, 2006 Richards Hall, 2000).It is imperative to understand and assess tourism impacts so as to ensure that sustainability is maintained in the long-term of the tourism industry (Diedrich Garcia-Buades, 2008).As such, it becomes important to understand tourism impacts towards the community. Thus, the model at figure 1 helps to illustrate tourism impacts on the community.2.2.1 Model of Support for Tourism developmentIn the twenty-f irst century, researchers on tourism believe that there are two categories of impacts which are the positive and negative impacts and they have a direct occurrence on the host community as a result of tourism development (Fredline and Faulkner, 2000 Upchurch and Teivane, 2000). For example, as Ryan (1991) states that the greatest impacts of tourism will occur when there is a greater gap between the culture and income level of both host and tourist.Locals perceptions towards the tourism impacts can vary significantly. According to Sharma (2004), if residents have more positive attititudes towards tourism impacts, tourism development will be more successful in a community. If residents benefit from tourism development they support additional tourism planning and development in a community. Gursoy Rutherford (2004) outlines that tourism developers need to consider the perceptions and attitudes of residents before investing in scarce resources. In addition, understanding of residents p erceptions towards tourism impacts can also help in identifying the types of tourism which have the potential for building community capacity (Moscardo, 2008, p.86). So, there exist different types of tourism impacts which have been discussed in details.2.2.1 Economic impactsIn the beginning, tourism was encouraged because of its economic impacts. It is highly accepted that tourism provides economic benefits to the community..Economic impacts are easier to research in a local community because it is small and generally it is more accessible. Moreover, tourism bring positive benefits on local economies and creates a visible impact on a countrys national GDP growth which can be an essential component for community development and poverty reduction. (Ashe, 2005). For instance, tourism creates employment for locals, investment opportunities, business opportunities, tax revenues for government and it also help small and medium enterprises for countries, regions and communities to expand (Ryan, 1998 Choi Sirakaya, 2005 Dyer, 2007) but on the other hand tourism can have negative economic impacts on the society such as too much dependency on foreign capital, inflation , leakages and a low education trap for locals (Giannoni Maupertus, 2007). Yet, more important is the benefits spread to the residents of local communities (Scheyvens, 2001).2.2.2 Social and cultural impactsAccording to (Law, 1993) social and cultural impacts refer to changes to residents everyday experiences as well as to their values, way of life and intellectual and artistic products such as arts, artifacts, customs, rituals and architecture. Social and cultural impacts are strongly interrelated and not limited only to the host area population (Glasson, 1995, p.34).In many destinations, the nature and traditional meanings of culture may be substantially changed when culture is redefined as market share (Earrington and Gewertz, 1996). Because of this, a host community may face cultural problems of th e commercialization of culture, religion and the arts together with the misuse of indigeneous culture as attractions and be forced to adopt cultural habits of the tourists, such as their language, dress and manner to satisfy visitors (Cohen, 1979).Another downside of tourism development is seen in many parts of the world where tourism developments threaten the displacement of local people. On the other hand, (Glasson, 1992) argues that along with the downside of development, there are cultural benefits and intercultural communication between hosts and visitors that increase good understanding between them and without tourists, local culture and tradition may have been lost completely, as there is no market for traditional products.2.2.3 Environmental impactsEnvironmental impacts occur as a result of tourism development in many regions of the world as communities struggle to find an optimal balance between optimal and conservation. Recently, it has been found that tourism activities are highly dependent on the environment. Research has shown the impacts that tourism has on natural resources (Green, Hunter and Moore, 1990).Most of the researchers have been conducted on natural or semi-natural areas, with very little research done on urban settings (Green, 1990).Specific sites have been examined such as Alpine areas (Goodman, 1989 Rodriguez, 1987), islands (Wilkinson, 1989), coastal areas (Martinez-Taberner, Moya and Forteza, 1990). In addition, most research has been focused around the negative impacts that tourism has on natural resources after the damage has taken place. As such, tourism is always blamed to be responsible for resource degradation (Farell and McLellan, 1987). Broader perspectives of the environmental impacts of tourism are discussed in the next paragraph.2.3 The Environmental Impacts of TourismThe environment is probably one of the most important contributors to the desirability and drawing card of a destination. Scenic sites, amenable climate s and unique landscape features have an important influence in tourism development and the spatial distribution of tourism movement. (Coccossis and Nijkamp, 1995, p.4)Tourism and the environment are interrelated as tourism is dependent on natural resources to survive. There are studies that have identified both the positive and negative environmental impacts of tourism (Burns Holden, 1995 Puckzo Ratz, 2000). Some of negative and positive impacts of tourism on the environment are illustrated in table 2.3.Table 2.3.1 Balance sheet of environmental impacts of tourismFor the negative impacts of tourism, Puckzo and Ratz (2000) observed that tourism development that are not well-planned often leads to increased stress on destinations and in negative changes in the destinations physical and socio cultural attributes. According to Wood (1991), it is possible to identify broad categories of impacts that may affect all destinations. Therefore, it is important to elaborate on the positive an d negative impacts of the environment. The negative environmental impacts of tourism can be as follows2.3.1 Water PollutionWater pollution is believed to be one of the environmental impacts caused by tourism. It can affect surfaces such as rivers, lakes and oceans. Chemical and oils spills from boats can cause devastating water pollution that kills water birds, shellfish and other wildlife. Tourists can also contribute to the degradation of the marine life also throughsnorkelling,scuba diving and sport fishing can threaten fisheries and other marine resources. For example, tourism is known to have contributed to inappropriate development around Lake Tahoe in the United States (Iverson, Sheppard Strain, 1993) and at Pattaya in Thailand (Mieczkowski, 1995) oil pollution in water at King George island (Harris, 1991).2.3.2 Waste DisposalApart from the consumption of large amounts of natural resources, the tourism industry also produces considerable waste and pollution. In fact, disposa l of liquid and solid waste generated by the tourism industry has posed a problem for many developing countries and some countries are incapable of treating these waste materials. This has led to reducing the availability of natural resources such as fresh water. For example, in Kerala state the tourist industry collapses after two decades of fast growth because there was inadequate disposal of solid waste. Tourists also contribute to land pollution from solid waste and the contamination of marine waters and coastal areas from pollution generated by marinas, hotels and cruise ships. For example the cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea alone produced more than 70,000 tons of liquid and solid waste a year during the mid-1990s (UN,1999).the cruise sector around the world are facing this problem. In fact, the expansion of the cruise sector ensures that the environment is protected across the world oceans and between the worlds tourist destinations (Johnson, 2002).2.3.3 Coastal area degrada tionTourism has already had adverse effects on coastal areas, especially in small islands developing states. Beaches are destroyed by sand quarrying and are normally not being replenished because of the destruction of coral reefs by waste disposal and pollution. Erosion occurs because of tourism facilities and infrastructures built too close to beach destruction and coastal degradation. Destruction to coastal areas is the removal of the mangrove forests which act as a home for birds and other animal which act as a barrier against damage to sea. Marine life can be disturbed by intensive use of thrill craft, boat tours and boat anchors. Anchor damage is regarded as one of the danger to coral reefs in the Carribean Sea as there are a growing number of both small boats and large cruise ships in the region (Michael Hall, 2001).2.3.4 Climate ChangeExternal environmental shocks could be threatened to tourism, especially climate change such as global warming and lowland rise. Rises in sea level could threaten tourism activities particularly in coastal regions and small islands. Global warming is expected to change climate temperature and provoke climate events such as tropical windstorms, coastal flooding and storms that may affect tourist activities in a destination (UN, 2000).2.3.5 Land Degradation and litteringLand resources include minerals, fossil fuels, fertile soil, forests, wetland and wildlife. Pressures on natural resources have been increased due to intensive tourism development. Tourism can lead to the clearance of native vegetation for the development of new facilities and infrastructure demand for fuel wood will be increased and even forest fires. Fragile areas such as rain forests, wetlands and mangroves are threatened by tourism activities. Littering cause by tourists degrade the physical appearance of the environment. For example tourists on expeditions leave behind their garbage and belongings. Such practices by tourists degrade the environment and some areas have few disposal facilities.2.3.6 Damage to ecosystemsThe delicate ecosystems of most small islands are damaged by tourism activities, because they rely heavily on tourism. Tourism activities which are not properly controlled can also cause severe disruption of wildlife habitats and increased pressure on endangered species. For example, in Africas national parks tourists vehicles approach wild animals and very often distract them from hunting and breeding, (Masny, 2001). Trampling occurs by tourists, they use the same trail and trample the soil, causing damage which lead to loss of biodiversity and other impacts. Habitat loss, fragmentation and erosion in Nepal (Croall, 1995) destruction of wildlife at Zakynthos in Greece (Prunier, Sweeney Green, 1993) disturbance of animals and loss of area for production in Kenya (Sindiga Kannunah, 1999).2.3.7 Air pollutionTourists contribute towards air pollution. Transport by air, road and rail are continuously increasing. Moreover , polluted air and water, dust, fumes from traffic congestion also degrade the quality and natural beauty of tourist destination (Williams, 1998, p.2) .Air pollution is the result of emissions from vehicles. Although, tourism is not so concerned for the overall emissions problems, recent issues such as ozone destruction, greenhouse effect and global warming make tourism related to air pollution (Wheatcroft, 1991).But tourism is responsible for a large share of emissions, it accounts for more than 60% of air travel.2.3.8 Noise pollution and visual pollutionIt is a fact that noise pollution from airplanes, cars, buses, discotheques and recreational vehicles are becoming an ever growing problem for modern life. Noise pollution cause disturbance and annoyance to the lives of people, stress for humans and it also causes distress to wildlife in sensitive areas. For example, noise generated by vehicles of tourists can cause animals to change their natural activity patterns .There is a lack of planning that fails to integrate tourism structures. Large resorts may clash with indigenous design. Building and structures poorly designed do not comply with local building control and cause negative impacts on the picturesque scenery (Williams, 1998, p.2). These may include violations congestion of buildings and structures that are not harmonious with the natural landscape.2.4 Preservation and conservationOn the other side, tourism also contributes positively towards the environment. Tourism is regarded as the catalyst for preserving natural areas. Doswell (1997) argues that tourism lays emphasis to conserve and protect the environment. Tourism also draws attention to subjects regarding biodiversity, natural resources,endangered species and human impacts on the environment. Tourism is also used as a means to preserve natural areas rather than to develop them for alternative uses such as agriculture, forestry and mining (Master, 1998). Mathieson and Wall (1982) further argued that tourism has fostered the protection of many species since they serve as major attractions. For example, in Ghana tourism has helped in maintaining the natural reserves.. In this way, natural areas become valuable and this can lead to creation of national parks and wildlife parks. National parks in East Africa were developped almost exclusively because they attract large number of international tourists .For example, in Hawaii, new laws and regulations have been set to preserve the rainforest and to protect native species.2.4.1 Improvement of infrastructureThe government is encouraged to invest more in infrastructure and recreational facilities when there are large number of tourists coming to a destination. As such, there is an improvement on road system, sewage disposal, and telecommunications among others which tourists use. Tourism can also act as a medium for improving the environment, according to Youell (1998) revenue received from park-entrance fees can be used to pay fo r protecting and managing sensitive areas. On the hand, in some places government collect money from tourists in indirect ways. For example revenue obtained from recreation of equipment, license fees obtained from hunting and fishing can help the government to fund and manage natural resources and finance infrastructure. As such the community will be able to benefit from facilities such as attractive places, signage, lighting, litter bins and renovation of parks.2.4.2 Creating environmental awarenessPeople of the community become more environmental conscious of the problems prevailing in the environment. Tourism makes people becomes more environmental conscious. As such, peoples behavior towards the environment will change. Ross Wall (1999) suggested, tourism has the potential to contribute to both conservation and development and it involves the creation of positive synergetic relationships among tourism, biodiversity, and local people through the application of appropriate manage ment strategies.2.5 Residents perceptions towards tourismSustainable tourism development can be achieved normally when all stakeholders are involved in tourism development process (Bryd, 2007). Sustainable tourism believes that the community is the focal point of tourism and planning process (Choi and Sirakaya, 2005).In addition, investigating the residents perceptions towards tourism is important because it influences their behaviour towards tourism (Andriotis and Vaughan, 2003). Studies show that the perceptions of residents towards tourism differ from resident to resident. Sustainable tourism development largely depends on the hosts acceptability of tourists and tourism-related programs, offerings and activities by locals (Musa, Hall, and Higham 2004). The active support of the local population is required for tourism development to occur in a community. One indicator that affects tourism development in a destination is the host attitude (Lepp, 2007). In a destination area, the a ttitudes of the tourists and residents are taken into account. Another factor that is likely to influence the negative and positive impacts of tourists destination is residents attachment to community. Some researchers, Canan and Hennessy (1989) states that the longer the residents live in a community, the more negative they are towards tourism development. The lengths of residency of locals have a direct impact on tourism development.Theories such as the attribution theory (Pearce, 1989) dependency theory (Preister, 2008), the social representation theory (Andriotis Vaughan, 2003), Butlers (1980) tourist area life cycle, Doxeys Irridex model (1970), the intrinsic and extrinsic framework (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997) and the social exchange theory (SET) (Ap, 1982) have been developed in an attempt to better understand the host perceptions towards tourism. However, it is the SET that have received the greatest attention by scholars attempting to study residents attitudes towards touri sm and their support towards tourism development (Gursoy Rutherford, 2004).2.5.1Social Exchange TheoryIn a tourism context, social exchange theory would mean an exchange of resources between the tourists and the host population where each of them supply each other with valued resources (Ap, 1990).SET implies that residents who gain benefits from the tourism industry are likely to perceive the industry as positive and thus support tourist industry, while those who perceive themselves incurring costs because of tourism would display negative attitudes towards tourism thereby opposing such development. Social exchange theory firmly believes that a need exists to measure the level of active participation of residents in the planning and development process associated with tourism development (Wang Pister, 2008). But, the theory has been criticized by stating that humans are isolated individuals and they respond like computer machines (Pearce, 1996). Furthermore, this theory needs to b e further tested due to the complex nature of residents both in isolation and as collective individuals (Zhang, 2006). So, to have a better idea of resident attitude it is important to look at the intrinsic and extrinsic model.2.5.2 Factors affecting residents attitudes towards tourists2.5.2 Intrinsic and Extrinsic ModelThe factors that affect residents attitudes towards tourism are intrinsic and extrinsic variables (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997).The intrinsic variables refer to the characteristics of the host community that affect the impacts of tourism with the host community (Faulkner Tideswell, 1997, p.6) and includes factors such as employment, length of residence, proximity to tourist zones and involvement within the tourism industry. Length of residency affect tourism development in a community, native born of the community have been found to have more negative perception of tourism development because they are attached to that place (Madrigal, 1995). On the other hand, Bisle a nd Hoy (1980) found a positive relationship between distance of residence from the tourist zone and perceptions. As regards to community attachment, studies showed that the longer a host has been a resident in the area as such they become less attached to tourism (Weaver, 2001). Residents who are dependent and involved in the tourism sector are more likely to have positive attitudes towards tourism (Lindberg, 1