Publications

Ecological footprint of production: a tool to assess environmental impacts of tourism activity
Sonak S. 2004
The Journal of Tourism Studies 15(2): 2-12

Abstract

Globalisation has given rise to liberal trade associated with intensive use of natural resources and subsequent environmental degradation. Although there is awareness regarding the environmental impacts of tourism, tools to quantify regional impacts are incomplete. This paper develops a new method using the concept of Ecological Footprint to assess the environmental impacts of tourism activity. It presents an approach to estimate the production footprint of tourism activity at a local level. The Ecological Footprint of Tourism (EFT) is an impact indicator and can be used as one of the tools to gauge sustainability of development activities. It brings to light the less obvious demands placed on ecological capital. It is useful in constructing management strategies, which take into account the health of the ecosystem. It is simple to understand and can be used by policy makers.

Dr Sangeeta Sonak is a Fellow in The Energy and Resources Institute, Western Regional Centre, Goa, India
sangeeta.sonak@gmail.com / ssonak@teri.res.in