Consider carrying capacity or the balance between development and culture
Development (small resorts,
Must consider the protection of marine life
Sewage treatment plan (robust, coefficient, easily operated and maintained)
Environmentally sustainable( coastal conservation activities,
SITE USE AND DESIGNS
Site should be maintained in its original state as much as possible by locating all buildings with
the least environmental impacts possible.
Extensive re-shaping of land and alienated designs should be avoided.
Utilizing existing natural coastal systems and conditions can, for example, reduce reliance on
electric cooling systems and water pumps.
Existing coastal geomorphology and the physical attributes and features of the coastal zone are
of great importance for the selection of a suitable resort site.
Seasonal monsoons and storm waves are important factors (see Shoreline setbacks), and the
effects of the resort on the surrounding environment have to be anticipated
Better placement of septic system as wastes will be treated in at least 1 m of soil above bedrock.
Gradient of bedrock is less steep, so effluent will not flow directly into sea.
Septic system built above the high water tables.
If the development is within view of an important site or building, the tourist facility should not
be taller than the site.
The design of the exterior of the building should also be harmonious with the architectural style
of the site
For coastal resorts, a rule of thumb is to restrict height of buildings to the height of the
surrounding vegetation.
Another way of sustainable siting is to step buildings to reflect changes in the site’s topography
Social considerations when locating a tourist facility include a careful assessment of all local uses
of the proposed development area, including potential ways to limit the impacts on local uses.
A development project that inhibits the traditional uses of a region will most likely not be
welcomed by the community, resulting in decreased living quality for local people as well as
decreased vacation quality for visitors.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS
Solar photovoltaic can provide an autonomous source of energy for tourism facilities in remote
coastal locations. The generation is smokeless and noise free and very low operating and
maintenance costs are required once the system has been installed (no fuel or moving parts to
repair). Long life spans of 20 to 25 years for the system can be
External screens can be fitted and used to shade windows from direct sunlight.
Ceilings can be well insulated to minimize heat transfer into rooms
Solar water heaters are different from solar photovoltaic systems. They use the sun’s energy to
heat up water, but do not produce and store electrical power. They are suitable for all tourism
facilities. Solar water heaters can provide 50 to 100 liters of warm water per unit. The
technology is simple and reliable
Wind power. These systems may benefit coastal resorts as these areas are generally exposed to
wind. An average wind speed of greater than 4 m per second is necessary if wind energy is to be
economically feasible
Hydro power. Electricity can be generated on a small scale using the water flow in rivers and
streams
LAWS
“The banks of rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire
length and within a zone of 3 m in urban areas, 20 m in agricultural areas, and 40 m in forest
areas, along their margins, are subject to the easement of public use in the interest of
recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing, and salvage. No person shall be allowed to stay in this
zone…or to build structures of any kind.”
(Small island development) Refers to islands with an area of less than 50,000 hectares.
Islands less than 500 hectares are strict conservation areas, no renewal of leases allowed.
Islands of 500 to 5,000 hectares are under restricted use. For tourism: No construction and/or
operation of casinos, high rise hotels (3 storeys and up), golf courses/driving range.
Islands of 5,000 to 50,000 hectares are open to sustainable development within the prescribed
carrying capacity and subject to EIA.
LANDSCAPING DESIGN
The best approach concerning vegetation removal and landscaping is to leave as much of the
preexisting vegetation in place as possible. Removal of vegetation will increase erosion of
valuable topsoil, cause sedimentation and pollution to local waters, and raise costs of the
project.
The landscaping requirements of any tourist facility will vary according to physical parameters
such as soil type, exposure to elements such as winds and saltwater, amount of rainfall and
contour of the development area
Some social parameters include the type of tourist desired, privacy and visual aesthetics
Unplanned landscaping can lead to future problems such as obscured views or buckled
pavements
Planned landscapes can enhance the atmosphere of a resort and provide guests shade and
privacy
(Consider plant types)
Use indigenous species for replanting: they are already adapted to the harsh environments of
salt-spray, wind, sun, sandy soil, and they are also less water consuming;
Root-balled trees are not good alternatives to leaving trees in place. They are expensive to
transplant, are subject to sudden death, and take many years to establish themselves
Select trees and shrubs that root vertically and deeply rather than species that root horizontally
or shallow to avoid damage to foundations, walkways or other structures
Use flowering and fruiting species that attract birds, mammals and insects if these are desirable
to your guests;
When using coconut, remember that these trees will grow very tall and may pose a hazard to an
adjacent building or people from falling fronds and nuts; and
Use hardwood species so that there is less chance of damage to property or injury to guest from
falling branches and limbs
When watering plants, use of “grey water” from shower drains and kitchen sinks should be
considered, especially in areas where water demand is greater than water supply from local
sources
