Save economy or Save Barrier Reef

In Quek’s (2007) article entitled “Tourism players dive into bid to save Barrier Reef; One shopowner even forms political party to push or government action”, the author states that some tourism operators have organized a group to support the global warming phenomenon in Australia. They describe that it is global warming that has destroyed the reef. First of all, the Great Barrier Reef attracts more than two million visitors to visit Australia every year. Most tourist industries depend on natural resources to survive. Moreover, if government forbids the tourism industries to protect the natural treasures, which reduce the global warming effects, the country will not exist. Lastly, an environmental lawyer announced that he is pushing “Australian policymakers on the need to set appropriate targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions” (para.15). In conclusion, these coral reefs clearly indicate that “global warming in the last 20 years is real. It is not just a geological phenomenon” (para. 23).

In my opinion, I strongly suggest to ban tourism in Australia, because it is the best way that prevent the damage of rising temperature to threaten coral reefs. If tourism is forbidden in Australia, first, residents will lose their income to survive. Education, additionally, is the central key to protect these natural resources. Finally, government can divide the area of coral reefs into two parts, one part is provided for visiting, the other is shielded to balance the environment.

The first reason is the business effects. “Australia’s Great Barrier Reef alone draws about 1.9 million visitors a year, supporting a $4.2 billion industries. According to the Nature Conservancy, the annual economic value of coral reefs to world tourism is $9.6 billion” (Tsui, 2007, para.3). It is difficult to draw a dividing line between income and coral reefs, because the country’s development is a tourist industry that hangs on the natural environment. For example, scuba diving is a famous activity in Australia. There are many industries to produce the related equipment, to supply entertainment, and to service the tourists. If the area of coral reefs is closed to reduce the rising crisis in the marine ecosystem, the unemployment caused by residents losing their income will hit a new high.

Moreover, education lays the foundation of protecting the environment for a global climate. Educating human beings to cherish and maintain our precious marine ecology is a basic key resolving the global crisis. For instance, government can arrange some marine program that introduces endangered species in a compulsory education system. When people join scuba diving activities, they should not be able to take these coral reefs off as souvenirs or touch them. Additionally, tourists should not be able to pour any chemical substances into the oceanic environment. If humans obey these rules when they enjoy oceanic entertainment, tourism will not become a helper of global warming.

With the business and education factors, finally, government can separate the underwater area into two parts. One part of coral reefs can be exhibited for visitors to cruise, dive, and admire. To prohibit travel in coral reefs, human beings will use illegal behaviors to enjoy the oceanic environment. The policy will invite a far-reaching impact to make a dent in underwater ecology. Officers, for example, can chart a clear-cut management to employ some of natural resources. This field provides researchers with research, attracts visitors to consume, or stimulates the local economy.

In conclusion, restricting the tourism protects coral reefs in Australia is not a suitable or permanent policy to reduce the global effects. Some countries which depend on tourism for business will raise the unemployment. Also, the education is the most fundamental way to protect the Earth. Finally, people still need some natural places to relax and research. Following these factors, tourism and coral reefs are related with each other. We can’t restrict anyone.

Reference

Quek, T. (2007, June 28). Tourism players dive into bid to save Barrier Reef; One shopowner even forms political party to push or government action. Straits Times (Singapore). Retrieved May 28, 2008, from LexisNexis.

Tsui, B. (2007, June 24). Saving Coral Reefs Becomes a Tourism Priority. Toronto Star. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from LexisNexis.