Biodiversity
A United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) report ("Sea and Land-based Pollution Among Key Environment Threats to Caribbean Islands") states that increased tourism brings invasive species that affect natural ecosystem biodiversity.
Culture
Increased tourism has a lasting effect on norms and expectations of the local Caribbean cultures, according to the "Journal of Travel."
Local Resources
According to a 2005 UNEP report, tourists tend to use five to 10 times more water resources than residents. Most Caribbean countries have scarce resources, especially fresh water, and most of these resources are used to support the tourist industry.
Marine Life
According to Reef Check, an international environmental organization devoted to monitoring sea life, many endemic marine species are practically absent from Caribbean reefs due to increased tourism and the resulting pollution and over-fishing.
Benefits
According the Renewable Energy Initiatives of the Caribbean, the growing tourism industry has increased the development of alternative energy and renewable resources; tourism also creates economic development through generating jobs for local communities.
Article Written By Kay W
Kay W has more than 10 years of freelance writing experience, including technical papers, grants for youth and environmental nonprofits and consulting materials. With a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering and a Master of Arts in environmental organizational leadership, Kay W has a diverse educational and technical professional background.
