Lincoln University tourism researcher Dr Susanne Becken is highlighting the impact of climate change on tourism in small island states and coastal environments at a major international workshop in Paris this week. (w/c 12 March).
The workshop, organised by the OECD, UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Programme Unit, the World Tourism Organisation and other groups, is hearing from Dr Becken about the economic vulnerability of tourism-dependent islands and coastal areas susceptible to climate related events such as tornadoes, cyclones and floods.
Dr Becken backs her warnings with seven years research in the area of tourism and climate and draws on a range of international examples from countries where she has done field work.
“The world is just becoming alert to the implications of climate change for tourism,” she says. “Adaptations will become essential and my recommendations include addressing issues of building design, evacuation planning, and the general enhancement of safety awareness.
“It all boils down to sound tourism planning, but global agency support will be required in many cases because fragile local economies won’t be able to self-fund the necessary changes.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Journalist
Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: 64 3 325 2811 ext 8549
Email: Ian Collins