Climate Change and Tourism - UNEP - Division of Technology ...

UNWTO, 9 July 2008
Impacts and Adaptation at Tourism Destinations
water. Water supply is challenging in arid destinations and on small islands. Adaptation measures at the
resort level involve both actions on supply and demand, such as:
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infrastructure improvements (e.g., rainwater collectors);
water conservation (including the application of water-saving devices and guest education);
sustainability planning (e.g., considering long-term weather forecasts);
water source management (e.g., in the case of springs);
monitoring health and environmental protection (quality of water);
recycling (use of treated water for irrigation).
Supply-side deficiencies in water treatment and distribution systems need to be addressed, such as
leaks in ageing pipes, as do behavioural issues such as reducing consumption patterns. 441 For water
management it is also important to take into account increased risk associated with heavy rainfall,
drought and other extreme weather conditions. Inadequate water supply is a significant problem
in many tourism areas around the world and is often brought about by over development (demand
exceeding supply capacity) and climate variability. 442 Some of the most common technical adaptations
to increase water supply for tourism operations are: water transfers (pipelines or tankers), reservoirs, and
desalination plants, which have both financial and environmental impact implications. 443
Box 10 Impact and adaptation in Thailand 444
Tourism destination and situation: Heavily developed tourism island of Phuket, Thailand.
Climate change impact: Water shortages brought about by climate variability.
Adaptation strategy/strategies: Multi-year water supply plan including construction of new dams,
development of abandoned mines as water sources, expanded water transmission and recycling
systems. Plus a revised fee structure for water consumption and initiation of water conservation
campaigns.
Organization implementing the adaptation strategy: Tourism Authority of Thailand, together with
other national agencies.
Box 11 Water impact and adaptation in Majorca 445
Tourism destination and situation: Spanish tourist island of Majorca (heavily developed).
Climate change impact: Water shortages brought about by climate variability and demand
exceeding supply capacity. Saline intrusion into local aquifers.
Adaptation strategy/strategies: Construction of two large-capacity desalination plants and
additional water pipeline transfers from the mountainous north side of the island.
Organization implementing the adaptation strategy: Spanish Government.
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