"Preventing Marine Pollution will secure a brighter future for Tourism"

Marine Pollution Impacts to Jamaica’s Tourism Industry

By: Alyel Alexander

In Jamaica, tourism accounts for over 20% of our yearly GDP. The magnificent attractions pool visitors for all around the world to view and enjoy what some can only dream of. Marine Pollution has been diminishing these spaces as well as our oceans; Plastic, debris and poor waste management practices are its leading causes. The impact to our environment is evident, destroying animal habitats, beaches and more. It has decreased the overall appeal our tourist hotspots once had – resulting in a reduction of money and days spent in many areas. It is paramount that we protect our Blue Economy.

Marine Pollution is responsible for biodiversity loss; - though suffocation and entanglement of marine species, and killing by ingestion of plastics.

Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement explains reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change, its connection to marine pollution can be described by ocean acidification and how increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, dissolve in the water and affects the balance of minerals and the animals that live in it.

How does this affect tourism?

Ocean Acidification ruins tourism by attracting “nuisance species” such as jellyfish. Jellyfish love CO2 rich environments, and their numbers soar if given the opportunity and they clutter popular beaches and swimming spots.

With the Systems thinking approach, the steps needed to fix the issue would include:

• Improving the analytics and knowledge base on marine pollution using common monitoring approaches and guidelines.

• Stepping up assessment of the economic impacts of marine pollution, and quantify the costs associated with pollution prevention and management, as well as the costs associated with doing nothing.

• Strengthen and harmonize existing national institutional structures, policies, and legislation to an effective state and align with international mandates and commitments and establish partnerships to address marine pollution.

• Integrate marine pollution prevention and control policies into the broader context of national policy and planning frameworks.

• Raise public awareness about the importance of water quality and marine ecosystems to induce behavioral change.

• Prioritize, dedicate, and increase funding within national budgets for marine pollution prevention and control.

• Make a decisive commitment to reduce consumption of common and persistent litter items including plastics.