| Abstract [eng] |
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world and Portugal is one of those popular countries, where 3.7 million of tourists visited in 2016 and it is 3.9% more than in 2015. There is no doubt that tourism has significant economic benefits and usually it is the main economic driver of regions. Algarve region is precisely the place, where abandonment of tourism would make the majority of population unemployed and the region would suffer from an economic downturn, and therefore maintaining and developing tourism is vitally important. Despite economic benefits of tourism, researchers have found that large tourist flows strongly affect ecosystems, destroy natural landscape, cause habitat fragmentation and also have a negative social and cultural impact. The question of the conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities is of increasing concern. Conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities are the questions which are of great concern. Unfortunately, tourism growth has not been sufficiently organized, accurately planned and predicted long-term future forecasts. In addition, climate change has a major impact on the coast, and also on tourism and one of the most aggressive consequences is sea level rising, resulting in reduction of sandy beach carrying capacity and intensified coastal erosion. More and more legislation is being issued globally and at European level with countries committing to develop sustainable coastal management aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing climate change. However, researches have found that there are many barriers to meeting those targets. Portugal is one of those countries where integrated coastal management is not fully implemented due to certain obstacles. In face of negative effects of tourism and the threats of climate change, it is necessary to assess the present quality of the beaches and to identify priorities for sustainable beach management. Objective – to assess the quality of coastal zones and tourism and to identify priorities and measures to improve sustainable tourism management. Object – four different types of beaches in Algarve region, Portugal: urban beach “Praia dos Pescadores”, resort “Praia de Santa Eulalia”, rural “Praia dos Olhos d’Agua” beach and remote “Praia de Falesia” beach. The methodology for assessing beach quality and management priorities has been compiled and comprised of three methods: initial SWOT analysis, which evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. Following BARE (Bath Area Registration and Evalaution) analysis, which evaluates five parameters of each beach (safety, water quality, litter, landscape and facilities). For obtaining quantitive data, 50 questionnaires at each beach are conducted in order to get objective opinion of beach users. A detailed analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, which assessed: the current coastal situation on coasts of Algarve region; an overview of the implementation of sustainable coastal development strategies in Portugal, as well as an overview of the legal acts applicable to coastal protection and the implementation of sustainable development strategies; researches and the most commonly used methodologies for assessing beach quality. SWOT analysis was performed, where overcrowding, increasingly coastal urbanization, ecosystem and dunes degradation, coastal erosion and reduced beach carrying capacity due to sea level rising emerged as main future threats. After followed the evaluation of the beach quality by using Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), where “Praia dos Pescadores”, “Praia de Santa Eulalia” and “Praia dos Olhos d’Agua” obtained three-star ratings and Praia de Falesia site obtained four-star rating. The quantitative research data obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and respondents expressed the need for public toilets, showers, trails and broadwalks, garbage facilities, renewable energy, clean sand and vegetation health. The average age of respondents was 47,7 years and the majority (85%) were international tourists. After conducting SWOT, BARE and beach user questionnaires, one of conclusions was done that solar panel system need to be installed on beach objects. It was calculated that solar panel system on restaurant in urban beach (with government support (50%)) would cost 11 361 Eur and would pay off within 5 years, while calculations for the restaurant in resort showed that price of solar panel system would be 13 773 Eur and would pay off within 6 years. The paper presents recommendations for beach managers and municipalities: pay more attention to raising public education and awareness, combine beach nourishment with maritime structures, control urbanization on the coast by releasing a minimum distance law, set up wooden stairs and paths for tourists to walk, use solar energy in ships / restaurants, restrict light use during the night, integrate biofilic design into the interior and exterior of buildings, enter beach entry fees and fees for toilets and showers usage, use advertisements for waste prevention, recruite officers of dog control, plant shrubs and trees on beaches / slopes, increase cooperation with stakeholders. |
