Impact Of Coastal Zone Tourism Development On The Environment: A Case Of Mwera Ward (Tanga)

ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the impact of coastal zone tourism development on environment a case of Mwera ward in Tanga. The study used a case study type of research in order to collect detailed information about the problem. Questionnaire and interview guides were used as tools of collecting data. Stratified sampling and the simple random techniques were employed. A sample of 98 households out of 799 households was used to represent the total population of 4601 people from Mwera ward. Currently, coastal zone environment and resources have diminished due to tourism activities. Growth of tourism leads to a higher demand for coastal natural resources and environment; this is due to tourism facilities and other infrastructure development. This had an impact on the resource base, threatening the productive and protective capacity of the resources. Among causes of environmental destruction includes cutting down of mangroves and natural bushes, for building construction. The study findings concluded that, the impact of coastal zone tourism development on environment in Mwera ward will be minimized through active participation of the central government and various stakeholders like NGOs, local communities, and the private sector.