Temporal Impacts of Ecotourism In Dominica
Changing National Markets in Society : Long Term Impact
Hurricanes Wiping out Resources: Rapid Impact
Stakeholders Collaborating Effectively: Speed Up Impacts
Long Term Impacts of Ecotourism
Some impacts and changes influenced by ecotourism will be lagged occurring over a
longer period of time.
The establishment of ecotourism as an existing market in Dominica's economy took
over a decade to grow from an influence by the government after the banana market crashed.
Environmental impacts may also occur at a slower rate with range of time
depending on the amount of visitor use. Significant environmental impacts at nature sites and tourist hotspots may occur within one tourist season while significant impacts in more remote areas for ecotourism may occur within a decade.
Communities accepting ecotourism as a part of Dominica's society and culture will
also take a long period of time. Citizens will want to see positive impacts that ecotourism results in rural areas' economies as well as the environment before considering it as a societal acceptance within their community.
Unpredicatable Rapid Change of Ecotourism
Hurricanes, heavy rain and natural hazards are common in Dominica's marine
tropical climate. Extreme weather conditions like these can cause a rapid change in ecotourism.
In September 2015, Dominica experienced its largest hurricane since the 70s-
damaging many natural sites and largely impacting the trail closing off all but 2 of the 10 sections within the 115 mile stretch.
Impacts like these will cause a rapid change in ecotourism; halting all
hospitality services and businesses that are fueled by the ecotourism market and natural resources it relies on. When resources used for ecotourism are impacted- the ecotourism market will be impacted as well causing direct effects to stakeholders relying on the market.
Modifications to Facilitate Ecotourism
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Collaboration and affective communication between stakeholders could help speed up the establishment of ecotourism into Dominica's market. The more stakeholder's communicate, the more barriers can be broke down and goals be met.
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Sustainable management of ecotourism in sensitive environments could further slow down environmental impacts that may potentially occur in highly visited areas.
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International factors that influence the market of ecotourism could slow or speed up impacts as well. For example, if airlines became more expensive- less tourists would be flying to Dominica. This would decrease the visitor rate, slowing down impacts on the environment and the economic growth of the ecotourism market.