BALANCING GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY: INVESTIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TOURISM AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Desta Dawit Kebede, Meseret Biruk Girma, Gebre Dawit Tefera

Abstract


Tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering substantial economic, social, and cultural benefits. However, this rapid expansion has been accompanied by a range of environmental challenges that threaten the ecological balance of many destinations. This article conducts a comprehensive investigation into the environmental consequences of tourism, with a specific focus on over-tourism, habitat degradation, inefficient waste management, and the increasing carbon footprint associated with tourist transportation and infrastructure. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature and selected case studies from regions experiencing acute environmental stress, the paper identifies the primary mechanisms through which tourism exerts pressure on ecosystems and natural resources. It also explores how these pressures differ across destination types—urban, coastal, rural, and heritage sites. In response to these challenges, the paper evaluates current mitigation strategies, including sustainable tourism models, eco-tourism initiatives, environmental policy frameworks, and technological solutions. Special attention is given to community-based approaches and destination planning techniques that promote long-term environmental resilience without compromising tourism's economic value. The study concludes that a balanced, integrative approach—one that incorporates environmental sustainability into every stage of tourism planning and management—is essential to ensure the future viability of tourism and the preservation of natural ecosystems. The findings serve as a call for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to adopt a more holistic, ecologically sensitive perspective on tourism development.

 

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Keywords


tourism impact; environmental degradation; sustainable tourism; eco-tourism; over-tourism; carbon emissions; waste management; habitat protection

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejthis.v1i1.1959

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