How does tourism and urbanization are destroying the mountain ecosystem and what are the measures are to be taken for sustainable mountain development?

Answer 1

Mountains are one of the world's most important tourist destinations. But tourism presents both opportunities and dangers for mountain ecosystems. It is a double edged sword. The clean, cool air and awe-inspiring scenery of mountain areas, combined with the unique customs, arts, crafts and culinary traditions of the communities that live there, make trips to the mountains attractive holiday options. Tourism revenues have become a primary source of income for many mountain communities. Yet, the influx of visitors into mountain regions poses a threat to these unique and often pristine environments. t can degrade and stress fragile mountain ecosystems, destroying the qualities that make these environments so alluring. Mountains are among the worlds most important repositories of biodiversity, yet construction, pollution and noise all threaten this precious asset. Litter and waste have emerged as key problems, as well as trees being felled to supply timber and fuel wood which again leads to further environmental impacts. The mysticism of sacred mountain sites is often diminished by the numbers of people who come from all over the world to make pilgrimages. Tourism means more transportation networks and links, which can blight the mountain environment, disrupt traditional ways of life. Building ski runs often involves destroying swathes of forest, planting pylons for chairlifts and cable cars and building roads and tunnels. In the Alps, emissions from the millions of vehicles that bring visitors to the slopes threaten the health of trees and worsen the effects of global warming. Paths and ski runs harm sensitive mountain ecosystems and disturb plant and animal life.

The following are the measures which can be taken for sustainable development

i) Mountains Ecotourism: Ecotourism can help reduce poverty and hunger, a key issue in mountain areas where a high proportion of the world's poor and food-insecure live. It also has considerable potential for strengthening communities and for protecting mountain ecosystems. Can help reduce poverty and hunger, a key issue in mountain areas where a high proportion of the world's poor and food-insecure live. It also has considerable potential for strengthening communities and for protecting mountain ecosystems.

ii) Mountain tourism needs to be developed according to specific local conditions and cultures, an approach that will help communities gain a niche in an increasingly competitive market.

iii) Policy-makers could favor activities that build on local knowledge and traditions to ensure that tourists respect the natural and cultural diversity of the places they visit and encourage mountain people to view their home as a source of pride.

iv) the tourism industry needs to be developed as part of an overall economic development strategy, with diversification to ensure local economies do not become reliant solely on tourism revenue.

v) Governments can help mountain communities by investing profits in programmes to ensure sustainable livelihoods for local people. Non-governmental organizations and the private sector can also help get the tourism equation right by offering education and training in responsible tourism practices.