Final answer:
The impact of tourism on beaches often results in environmental harm due to activities like dredging, which damages marine ecosystems and threatens local economies centered on tourism and fisheries. Sustainable practices are crucial in balancing economic benefits with environmental conservation to protect beaches and marine life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of tourism on beaches is an issue that encompasses environmental, economic, and social factors. The act of dredging to mitigate coastal erosion can inadvertently cause more harm than good to the local ecosystems. When dredging activities harm reefs, seagrass beds, and shorelines, they can also lead to the decimation of marine life populations.
The consequent effects pose threats to local fisheries, the tourism industry itself, and other facets of the local economy, which relies on these environmental resources.
It's vital to understand how tourism affects beach environments to develop sustainable practices. This includes the impact on countries such as the Maldives, which announced a plan to address environmental concerns. Furthermore, the influence of global climate change and the rise in carbon dioxide levels on coral reefs detrimentally affects local ecosystems, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
In conclusion, while tourism can bring economic benefits, it often inadvertently results in environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism practices to safeguard the very attractions that draw visitors.