Browsing by Author "Oliveira, Mafalda Rangel Malheiro Dias de"
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- Underwater ecotourism in the Algarve, South of Portugal: implementation and divers' perceptionsPublication . Oliveira, Mafalda Rangel Malheiro Dias de; Erzini, Karim; Gonçalves, Jorge M. S.; Costa, CarlosThe main aims of this study on underwater ecotourism, the first in Portugal, were: 1) to develop and implement a network of underwater routes (snorkelling and scuba diving) in the Algarve, South of Portugal; 2) identify the economic valuation of snorkelling routes; 3) analyse the degree of satisfaction of users in relation to the routes and to the support infrastructures; 4) understand if the routes increase environmental awareness of divers. Three snorkelling routes were implemented in Marinha Beach along with two scuba diving routes, “B24” (off Faro city), the wreck of a World War II bomber, and “Poço” (off Armação de Pêra city), a rocky outcrop rich in biodiversity and landscaped features. All the routes were implemented in 2008, with interpretive slates at fixed locations along the route. Researchers were at the sites to answer any questions, carry out the pre diving environmental briefing, and questionnaire surveys. Based on the travel cost technique, and assuming a carrying capacity of 1000 dives per year, a total economic value for the 3 snorkelling routes of 250000€ was estimated. Most respondents perceived the existence of routes to be good for the preservation of the local biodiversity and reported this experience as “good” or “excellent”. Overall, both snorkelling and scuba routes seem to be an effective tool for developing ecological awareness in tourists, as they enhance the preservation and the understanding of the marine coastal environment. Results show that in situ education and interpretation can raise environmental awareness if properly addressed. Also, the interpretative and educational tools used seem to please visitors, resulting in a satisfactory way of engaging snorkelers in the protection of the visited environments. Overall, divers seem to consider that diving within the routes framework is more pleasant than diving without this infrastructure.