| Tourism has irrevocably altered tropical islands. It | | | | Environmentally, tropical islands are increasingly at |
| is impossible to keep an island completely | | | | risk. 90% of the world's coral reefs are located |
| untouched, but in some cases the tourism | | | | very close to the equator, around tropical islands. |
| industry has done irreparable harm. Tourism | | | | Pollution from continental waste, heavy boating, |
| affects tropical islands in three ways, culturally, | | | | and over-fishing can cause irrevocable damage to |
| economically, and environmentally. | | | | the delicate ecosystems of the islands. |
| Tourism often cheapens local cultures and | | | | Construction of tourist amenities can also create |
| changes them into spectacles. One example is the | | | | problems of space for natives to live on and as |
| traditional Hawaiian "hula" dance, whichnow is | | | | well as taking away from the natural beauty of |
| mostly as a way to entertain hotel guests. There | | | | the island itself. Tropical islands are also feeling the |
| are many other examples where longstanding | | | | effects of global warming more strongly than |
| traditions have been cheapened by tourism' | | | | other geographic locales. Since they are often only |
| influence. The islands are not taking it idly though, | | | | feet above sea level, any change in the levels of |
| using cultural centers and festivals to celebrate | | | | the oceans, even if miniscule, can be deadly. |
| their traditions on their own terms. It is important | | | | Tsunamis such as the 2004 Boxing Day disaster |
| to support these locally-driven outlets of tradition, | | | | cost the world 7 billion in humanitarian aid and killed |
| because they often directly support the island | | | | over 225,000 people. The majority of those |
| itself, instead of a outside company. | | | | people lived in island communities, where rising sea |
| Speaking of supporting tourism companies, | | | | levels equal a rising danger. Given these numerous |
| vacations on tropical islands rarely put much | | | | challenges facing the islands, being environmentally |
| money into the pockets of the island natives. | | | | conscious while on the islands as well as at home |
| When companies build expensive hotels and | | | | is very important. Tour companies have latched |
| resorts, most of the revenue generated from | | | | onto the green aspect of |
| their operation goes into the company's coffers. | | | | environmentally-conscious travelers, and now |
| Tropical islanders make very little in comparison to | | | | offer treks that seek to leave very small |
| how much money is being generated by tourism. | | | | ecological footprints. Using these companies helps |
| Witness the shanty towns right outside resort | | | | support and protect the islands' environments. |
| towns and cities on islands like Puerto Rico or the | | | | Given the triple-pronged threat that islands face |
| Dominican Republic. If possible, supporting | | | | because of tourism, being a smart traveler can |
| locally-run hotels and other tourist businesses is | | | | help support some of most pristine environments |
| the best option. This puts money directly into the | | | | on Earth, as well as preserve ancient traditions |
| local economy and allows the islanders to support | | | | that deserve to be saved. Putting your tourist |
| their own businesses instead of being part of an | | | | dollar towards local businesses also helps stimulate |
| exploitative relationship. | | | | the island economy, so vote with your dollars! |