Far from the maddening crowd : the potential of ecotourism development at Wied Babu, Zurrieq

Abstract

The Maltese Islands depend significantly on tourism. This industry may leave considerable impacts on the culture and environment especially on a country lacking in natural resources. The idea that mega-projects, such as the continuous construction of hotels along the coast together with yacht marinas and golf courses, will enhance tourism growth is likely to bring further negative impacts. Thus the development of ecotourism offers a possible solution to improve the tourist industry and simultaneously ensure a sustainable means of economic growth. Ecotourism is a relatively new field in terms of sustainable tourism. The Maltese Islands have only just begun to adopt this concept within the tourism industry. UNESCO dedicated the year 2002 to ecotourism and the International Conference on Ecotourism held was a catalyst for practices that promoted ecotourism around the Islands. This has called for the designation of interesting sites around the Islands as places where ecotourism could be practised. This study examines whether there exists a potential for ecotourism development at Wied Babu. Wied Babu situated in the vicinity of the popular Wied iz-Zurrieq, is overlooked by many tour operators. Yet the potential of the area in terms of ecotourism is considerable. Wied Babu provides a unique environment with regards to endemic flora and fauna as well as geological and geomorphological features. The high cliffs provide an ideal location for abseiling activities and the valley is also popular with many locals during winter. The international situation with regards to ecotourism is first considered by looking into various case studies and global scenarios. Then the local context is studied using a holistic three bottom-line approach of sustainability. In other words the natural environment, social and economical spheres are discussed. This task is carried out through environmental attribute mapping and the use of Geographical Information System to analyse mapped data in Wied Babu. Social and economical issues and impacts are examined through interviews targeting local and foreign perceptions. In this way the ecotourism potential at Wied Babu can be conveyed holistically