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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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CSI papers 1
Protecting our Coastal Resources: Who will Pay the Financial Cost
David Simmons,
Caribbean Tourism Organization, Barbados
Abstract
Two aspects of tourism related activity, sewage disposal and solid waste disposal, both of which have a significant impact on coastal resources, are discussed and strategies for their control are addressed. Sewage effluent is one of the most serious pollutants impacting the marine environment. Several countries have constructed central sewerage systems particularly in their high density tourist areas. The paper discusses various mechanisms for cost recovery of these very expensive systems. The volume of solid waste entering the marine environment poses serious threats to health and also adds to economic and aesthetic problems. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States' waste management project, which seeks to upgrade and construct new facilities for solid waste disposal is discussed as well as several options for cost sharing. Recommendations are made for the regulatory authorities and the tourism industry.
