Sri Lanka drafts new rules for marine tourism

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Marine Charms
26 Jun, 2009 17:55:26
Sri Lanka drafts new rules for marine tourism
June 26, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is drafting new rules to protect the marine environment with tourist ventures such as whale and dolphin watching expected to become big business with the end of the war, a senior official said.
Tourism ministry secretary K A D George Michael said the government was aware of the importance of safeguards to protect the marine habitat and ensure sustainable tourism practices.

With the end of the 25-year ethnic war after the defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels last month, the authorities anticipate a revival in tourism which had long been in the doldrums owing to the conflict.

Already, a few tourist businesses have begun promoting whale and dolphin watching tours, a hitherto unexploited resource.

The new tours offered by operators have raised fears among environmentalists and scientists of potential harm to marine life and the environment, given their unregulated nature.

Marine scientists have sounded alarm over aggressive practices adopted by some operators in the southern waters during whale watching tours for tourists that have disturbed the animals.

They have pointed to the use of high speed boats and close approaches to surfacing whales as practices that need to be regulated.

Michael told a news conference that the government was drafting regulations to cover the new businesses.

"We also need to work out safeguards while promoting new tourism ventures," he said.

"So we're drafting rules to cover for instances, viewing distances and times for sightseeing. Some of these tours are now being done in an ad hoc manner."

Michael noted how unregulated tourism had spoilt some of the island's best beaches such as in Hikkaduwa, on the south-west coast, whose coral reefs which attracted tourists have largely been destroyed.

He said the ministries of tourism, fisheries, and the environment were holding talks on drafting the new rules.

Source : http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=552253278