Page 1 - Agius_alii_2016

THE POTENTIAL OF COASTAL ECOTOURISM IN CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS: A CASE
STUDY FROM THE AEGADIAN ARCHIPELAGO

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Karl Agius *, Nadia Theuma and Alan Deidun
1 University of Malta - karl.agius.05@um.edu.mt

Abstract
The study aims at identifying the challenges hindering the success of coastal ecotourism within a central Mediterranean
archipelago - the Aegadian one, off the western coast of Sicily - and at identifying good practices in an attempt to propose a
tourism model that addresses the environmental and socio-economic challenges of this archipelago. 4 study visits and 40 interviews
with various coastal tourism stakeholders were carried out between October 2012 and October 2015. Whereas numerous
challenges to coastal ecotourism have been identified, a number of success stories have been recorded, which confirm that should
adequate policies be implemented and necessary actions taken, coastal ecotourism can serve as an alternative to the characteristic
seasonal and mass tourism pattern currently dominating this archipelago.

Keywords: Coastal management, Islands, Marine parks, Mediterranean Sea

Introduction green washing due to lack of true ecotourism understanding, emphasis on
Coastal ecotourism is a form of responsible travel to coastal and/or marine provision of mass tourism services, lack of awareness among locals and
settings for environmental conservation, improvement of natural resources and operators of the full ecotouristic potential of the islands during the off-peak
to support the well-being on the local communities. It encompasses a myriad of seasons, failure by locals and fishermen to see the MPA as an exploitable
activities including nature photography, visiting cultural and heritage sites, resource that could sustain their income through ancillary tourism activities
cycling, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing and bird watching possibly due to bureaucracy at license-application stage, lack of mentoring and
(Sakellariadou, 2014). Other activities include rock pooling, walking on coastal financing for new coastal ecotourism ventures and lack of interest by politicians
footpaths and observing marine mega-fauna such as dolphins and seals (Garrod in coastal ecotourism. Lack of holistic planning, disproportionate attention
and Wilson, 2003). dedicated to the largest island within the archipelago (Favignana), coupled with
lack of collegiality within the archipelago and stiff competition between
Methodology operators on the same islands hinder the development of an ecotourism package
The Aegadian archipelago is located to the west of the city of Trapani at the for ecotourists. Lack of promotion and marketing of the Aegadian Islands as a
western-most point of Sicily (see Figure 1). It includes 3 inhabited islands coastal ecotourism destination and lack of (multi-lingual) interpretation/signage
Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, and is characterised by the largest Marine along with the language barrier were considered to limit the destination to
Protected Area (MPA) in Italy and the second largest MPA in the domestic tourism. Last but not least, illegal dumping, lack of cleanliness in
Mediterranean (Himes, 2007). 4 study visits were carried out on the 3 islands certain coastal areas as well as the discharge of raw untreated sewage in nearby
between October 2012 and October 2015 and relevant observations were made shores are considered to be other main challenges.
on any coastal ecotourism-related activity taking place within the archipelago.
During the same period 40 informal and in-depth interviews were held with all Success stories included 2 projects which saw the involvement of the
stakeholders including local people, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), municipality of the Aegadian Islands and the management body of the MPA.
politicians and governmental agencies, operators, academics and tourists. The first project was spearheaded by the agency ENEA and included the
Content analysis was then carried out to identify the challenges faced by and introduction of an ecolabel, restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows and the
success stories from the coastal ecotourism sector in the archipelago. publication of two guide books for underwater excursions leading to a 7%
increase in tourism on the islands. The second project was managed by the
consortium Vivilitalia and included a broad stakeholder analysis to assess
current nature-based tourism practices and propose new strategies. Within this
context four cycling itineraries have been developed along the coast of
Favignana. The NGO ‘Quelli della Farfalla – C.P.A.C Marrobbio’ based in
Favignana has been involved in cleaning and maintaining the coastal area between
Cala Rossa and Bue Marino and proposed the prohibition of vehicular access in
the zone and the introduction of bike stations. New ecotourism services have
stemmed throughout the archipelago and include guided coastal walks followed
by tasting of local products, snorkelling excursions combined with coastal
cycling tours, selling of souvenirs produced from flotsam and donkey rides
through pathways along the coast which are constantly maintained by the local
forest rangers. The day-to-day of the archipelago’s MPA is partially self-
supported through administrative fees for licenses required by service providers
to conduct an activity within the precincts of the MPA. This income is being
used within the domains of conservation, monitoring and for the general upkeep
of the archipelago’s MPA.

References
1 - Garrod B. and Wilson J.C., 2003. Marine ecotourism: issues and experiences.

Sydney, Australia: Channel View Publications, 1-16pp
Fig. 1. Location of the Aegadian Islands off the western coast of Sicily.
2 - Himes A.H., 2007. Fishermen's opinions of MPA performance in the Egadi

Islands marine reserve. MAST, 5(2): 55-76.
Results and discussion
3 - Sakellariadou F., 2014. The concept of marine ecotourism: a case study in a
Challenges to coastal ecotourism include island connectivity issues due to bad
Mediterranean island. International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and
weather and regular disputes between regional government and service
Responses 6(1): 33-39.
providers, lack of ecotourism services all year round due to insufficient numbers
of tourists and the seasonal working lifestyle preferred by service providers,

510
Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit., 41, 2016
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