Sustainable beach resort development
Some beach resorts are embracing natural beachscapes instead of artificial ones, focusing on preserving native vegetation and ecosystems to provide habitat for marine life and protect against climate change. This shift challenges the traditional image of a tropical beach and offers a more sustainable alternative.
Key Points
- Preservation of sea grass meadows and mangrove forests is crucial for sustainability
- Native vegetation provides shoreline protection and habitat for native species
- Coconut palms, while aesthetically pleasing, offer limited ecological benefits
Pros
- Preservation of sea grass meadows and native vegetation
- Support for marine life and coral reefs
- Carbon capture and resilience against climate change
Cons
- Destruction of natural ecosystems for artificial beach landscapes
- Loss of storm surge protection and resilience to sea level rise
- Negative impact on biodiversity