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Coastal areas globally are facing a significant range of environmental stresses, enhanced by climate change-related processes and a continuous increase of human activities. The economic benefits of tourism are well-known for coastal regions, but, very often, conflicts arise between short-term benefits and long-term conservation goals. Among beach user preferences, five parameters of greater importance stand out from the rest, i.e., safety, facilities, water quality, litter and scenery; the latter is the main concern of this study. A coastal scenic evaluation was carried out in the Balearic Islands and focused on two major issues: coastal scenic beauty together with sensitivity to natural processes and human pressure. The archipelago is renowned as a top international coastal tourist destination that receives more than 13.5 million visitors (2019). Impressive landscape diversity makes the Balearics Islands an ideal field for this research. In total, 52 sites, respectively located in Ibiza (11), Formentera (5), Mallorca (18) and Menorca (18), were field-tested. In a first step, coastal scenic beauty was quantified using the coastal scenic evaluation system (CSES) method, based on the evaluation of 26 physical and human parameters, and using weighting matrices parameters and fuzzy logic mathematics. An evaluation index (“D”) was obtained for each site, allowing one to classify them in one of the five scenic classes established by the method. Twenty-nine sites were included in class I, corresponding to extremely attractive sites (CSES), which were mainly observed in Menorca. Several sound measures were proposed to maintain and/or enhance sites’ scenic value. In a second step, scenic sensitivity was evaluated using a novel methodological approach that makes possible the assessment of three different coastal scenic sensitivity indexes (CSSI), i.e., the natural sensitivity index NSI, the human sensitivity index HSI and the total sensitivity index TSI. Future climate change trends and projection of tourism development, studied at municipality scale, were considered as correction factors. All the islands showed places highly sensitive to environmental processes, while sensitivity to human pressure was essentially observed at Ibiza and Mallorca. Thereafter, sites were categorized into one of three sensitive groups established by the methodology. Results obtained are useful in pointing out very sensitive sceneries as well as limiting, preventing and/or anticipating future scenic degradation linked to natural and human issues.
Alexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Lluís Gómez-Pujol; Angela Rizzo; Allan Williams; Pietro Aucelli. Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity at the Balearic Islands, Spain: Implication of Natural and Human Factors. Land 2021, 10, 456 .
AMA StyleAlexis Mooser, Giorgio Anfuso, Lluís Gómez-Pujol, Angela Rizzo, Allan Williams, Pietro Aucelli. Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity at the Balearic Islands, Spain: Implication of Natural and Human Factors. Land. 2021; 10 (5):456.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Lluís Gómez-Pujol; Angela Rizzo; Allan Williams; Pietro Aucelli. 2021. "Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity at the Balearic Islands, Spain: Implication of Natural and Human Factors." Land 10, no. 5: 456.
Coasts worldwide face a great variety of environmental impacts, as well as increased anthropogenic pressures due to urbanization and rapid population growth. Human activities menace ecosystem services and the economy of coastal countries, often based on “Sun, Sea and Sand” (3S) tourism. The five parameters of greatest importance (the “Big Five”) for beach visitors are safety, facilities, water quality, no litter and scenery, and the characterization of the latter was recently carried out by means of a checklist of 26 natural and human parameters, parameter weighting matrices and fuzzy logic, according to the “Coastal Scenic Evaluation System” (CSES) methodology. In order to propose sound coastal management strategies, the main aim of this paper is to propose a method to determine the scenic sensitivity of (i) natural parameters to coastal natural processes in a Climate Change context and (ii) human parameters to visitors’ pressure in a scenario of increasing tourism and coastal developments. Regarding natural parameters, the sensitivity of “Beach face” and “Dunes” parameters is determined according to an Erodibility Index with a Correction Factor, taking into account wave forcing characteristics, tidal range and trends at a local scale of Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge. This establishes a Sensitivity Index to natural processes. A site’s scenic sensitivity to human pressure/activities was determined by considering the sensitivity of several human parameters of the CSES method according to beach typology and access difficulty together with the Protection Area Management Category to which a site belongs. A Human Impact Index is obtained, which is afterwards corrected by taking into account local trends of tourism pressure, establishing a Sensitivity Index to human pressure. Finally, a total Sensitivity Index considering both natural processes and human pressure is obtained, and sites divided into three sensitive groups. The results can be useful to limit and prevent environmental degradation linked to natural processes and tourism development, and also to suggest measures to improve the scenic value of investigated sites and their sustainable usage. The method was tested for 29 sites of great scenic quality along the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, Spain.
Alexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Allan Williams; Rosa Molina; Pietro Aucelli. An Innovative Approach to Determine Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity in a Scenario of Increasing Human Pressure and Natural Impacts Due to Climate Change. Water 2020, 13, 49 .
AMA StyleAlexis Mooser, Giorgio Anfuso, Allan Williams, Rosa Molina, Pietro Aucelli. An Innovative Approach to Determine Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity in a Scenario of Increasing Human Pressure and Natural Impacts Due to Climate Change. Water. 2020; 13 (1):49.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Allan Williams; Rosa Molina; Pietro Aucelli. 2020. "An Innovative Approach to Determine Coastal Scenic Beauty and Sensitivity in a Scenario of Increasing Human Pressure and Natural Impacts Due to Climate Change." Water 13, no. 1: 49.
The scenery, safety, facilities, water quality and litter quantities in coastal areas are relevant and determining elements in the choice of a tourist destination. This paper focused on the evaluation of coastal scenic value in 55 and 12 sites respectively located in continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The information obtained gives public administrators and coastal managers the relevant data to avoid further environmental degradation and suggests measures to improve the present scenic value of tourist destinations. The methodology used was based on the analysis of 26 physical/human factors and applied fuzzy logic analysis and weighting matrices that allowed the sites to be classified into five classes, from Class I (natural areas with superior scenic characteristics) to Class V (poor scenic areas with relevant impact of human interventions). The most attractive beaches were in the Galapagos Islands due to the magnificent physical and environmental characteristics, while the Esmeraldas province presented sites of lower scenic beauty due to the low natural scenic value and the increase of human impacts. In total, 22% (15 out of 67) of the beaches investigated belonged to Class I, 12% (8) to Class II and 15% (10) to Class III. The last two classes included 51% of the beaches (i.e. 34 out of 67), of which 31% (21) was in Class IV and 20% (13) in Class V. Such results provide local managers and planners a solid inventory on coastal scenic characteristics and baseline information for any envisaged subsequent management plan.
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón; Giorgio Anfuso; J. Chica-Ruiz; Alexis Mooser; Camilo Botero; Enzo Pranzini. Coastal Scenic Evaluation of Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Human Impacts and Management Issues. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2020, 8, 468 .
AMA StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón, Giorgio Anfuso, J. Chica-Ruiz, Alexis Mooser, Camilo Botero, Enzo Pranzini. Coastal Scenic Evaluation of Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Human Impacts and Management Issues. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2020; 8 (6):468.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón; Giorgio Anfuso; J. Chica-Ruiz; Alexis Mooser; Camilo Botero; Enzo Pranzini. 2020. "Coastal Scenic Evaluation of Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Human Impacts and Management Issues." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 8, no. 6: 468.
Tourism in coastal areas is becoming increasingly important in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as an integrated approach that balances the requirements of different tourist sectors. This paper analyzes ICZM in continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands from the perspective of the 3S tourism, and presents its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). The methodology used was based on a literature review of ten aspects of the highest relevance to ICZM, i.e., Policies, Regulations, Responsibilities, Institutions, Strategies and Instruments, Training, Economic Resources, Information, Education for Sustainability, and Citizen Participation. The results highlight four aspects as strengths (Policies, Responsibilities, Institutions and Citizen Participation), while the most notable weaknesses were Regulations and Education for sustainability. Strategies and Instruments, as well as Information, were identified as opportunities to stand out. The main threats were Economic Resources and Training. Ecuador does not have clearly established public policies that would allow for the integrated management of 3S tourism and be considered as productive, valuable alternatives. It is necessary to consolidate and promote 3S tourism as a State policy and as a means to improve the economies in coastal areas. Finally, Ecuador needs to overcome negative changes in the macroeconomic environment and reverse its current deteriorated image.
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Giorgio Anfuso; Alexis Mooser; Camilo M. Botero; Enzo Pranzini. Tourism in Continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Perspective. Water 2020, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón, J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz, Giorgio Anfuso, Alexis Mooser, Camilo M. Botero, Enzo Pranzini. Tourism in Continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Perspective. Water. 2020; 12 (6):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Giorgio Anfuso; Alexis Mooser; Camilo M. Botero; Enzo Pranzini. 2020. "Tourism in Continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Perspective." Water 12, no. 6: 1.
Sea, Sun, and Sand (3S) are relevant and determining elements for choosing a tourist destination in Ecuador, a country with about 1200 km of coast along the Pacific Ocean. This study analyzed the market potential of the 3S in 64 beaches, 10 located in the Galapagos and 54 in the continental zone (of Ecuador). The methodology used was exploratory and bibliographical, complemented by a descriptive analysis. The color of the water was assessed by direct observation, sand samples were taken to a laboratory for color analysis, and information on the hours of light was obtained from international archive data. The data obtained were compared with other world famous 3S tourism destinations. The Galapagos had the best results, with attractive white sand beaches, sea blue water color, and an elevated sunshine time; meanwhile, the continental zone presented poor beaches with dark sand and unattractive water color. To strengthen 3S tourism, managers should work on the enhancement of complementary aspects such as culture, gastronomy, and architecture, promoting the creation of new coastal tourist routes and destinations.
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón; Enzo Pranzini; Giorgio Anfuso; Camilo M. Botero; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Alexis Mooser. An Attempt to Characterize the “3S” (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3468 .
AMA StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón, Enzo Pranzini, Giorgio Anfuso, Camilo M. Botero, J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz, Alexis Mooser. An Attempt to Characterize the “3S” (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (8):3468.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Mestanza-Ramón; Enzo Pranzini; Giorgio Anfuso; Camilo M. Botero; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Alexis Mooser. 2020. "An Attempt to Characterize the “3S” (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches." Sustainability 12, no. 8: 3468.
The presence and characterization of beach litter was investigated, according to the EA/NALG (2000) methodology, at 59 sites along four provinces of Ecuador, i.e., three continental and the Galapagos Islands Province. The methodology, which has been verified in several countries, was used to classify beaches into four grades (from “A” – excellent to “D” – poor) according to the content of nine types of litter. Twenty-two sites (i.e., 37% of total) obtained Grade “C”, 18 (31%) Grade “B”, 12 (20%) Grade “A”, and 7 (12%) Grade “D”. The province that showed excellent litter grades was the Galapagos Islands where 88% of beaches obtained Grade “A”, whereas Santa Elena and Esmeraldas provinces presented the worst beaches in terms of litter content and abundance. Environmental authorities should focus more attention on continental beaches by improving adequate cleaning operations to make them more attractive to national and international tourism.
Carlos Mestanza; Camilo M. Botero; Giorgio Anfuso; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Enzo Pranzini; Alexis Mooser. Beach litter in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands: A baseline to enhance environmental conservation and sustainable beach tourism. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2019, 140, 573 -578.
AMA StyleCarlos Mestanza, Camilo M. Botero, Giorgio Anfuso, J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz, Enzo Pranzini, Alexis Mooser. Beach litter in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands: A baseline to enhance environmental conservation and sustainable beach tourism. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2019; 140 ():573-578.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Mestanza; Camilo M. Botero; Giorgio Anfuso; J. Adolfo Chica-Ruiz; Enzo Pranzini; Alexis Mooser. 2019. "Beach litter in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands: A baseline to enhance environmental conservation and sustainable beach tourism." Marine Pollution Bulletin 140, no. : 573-578.
A coastal scenery assessment was carried out at 50 sites along the 910 km long Andalusia coast (SW Spain) using a checklist of 26 natural and human parameters, parameter weighting matrices, and fuzzy logic. A scenic classification was utilised that can rate sites as Class I (natural areas of great scenic beauty) to Class V (urbanised areas of poor scenic interest), but, for this study, only natural sites of great scenic value were investigated; 41 sites were included in Class I, 9 in Class II and, apart from four, all of the sites were under some feature of protection—managed by the Andalusia Environmental Agency (RENPA, in Spanish). Sites belong to the Natural Park Cabo de Gata-Nijar (24% of sites), the Natural Park of Gibraltar Strait (18%), the Natural Place Acantilado de Maro-Cerro Gordo (12%), and the Natural and National parks of Doñana (8%). Results obtained by means of scenic evaluation constitute a sound scientific basis for any envisaged management plan for investigated coastal areas preservation/conservation and responsible future developments, especially for natural protected areas, which represent the most attractive coastal tourist destinations. With respect to natural parameters, excellent scenic values appeared to be linked to the geological setting and the presence of mountainous landscapes related to the Betic Chain. Human parameters usually show good scores because null or extremely reduced human impacts are recorded, but, at places, conflicts arose between conservation and recreational activities because visitors are often interested in beach activities more so than ecotourism. Low scores of human parameters were often related to litter presence or the unsuitable emplacement of utilities, such as informative panels, litter bins, etc.
Alexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Carlos Mestanza; Allan Thomas Williams. Management Implications for the Most Attractive Scenic Sites along the Andalusia Coast (SW Spain). Sustainability 2018, 10, 1328 .
AMA StyleAlexis Mooser, Giorgio Anfuso, Carlos Mestanza, Allan Thomas Williams. Management Implications for the Most Attractive Scenic Sites along the Andalusia Coast (SW Spain). Sustainability. 2018; 10 (5):1328.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexis Mooser; Giorgio Anfuso; Carlos Mestanza; Allan Thomas Williams. 2018. "Management Implications for the Most Attractive Scenic Sites along the Andalusia Coast (SW Spain)." Sustainability 10, no. 5: 1328.