Some environmental implications for coastal tourism development in South Africa

This study was conducted along permeable, coastal sand dunes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, that have the potential for tourism development. It is aimed to minimise potential environmental disturbance by development through analysis of coastal processes and regional problems associated with development; ultimately providing environmentally sound recommendations. Eight existing tourist developments were analysed in terms of infrastructural development, water supply, sanitation and waste-disposal systems adopted, and their impact on the environmental. A case study (soil permeability and soil sampling) was also conducted on a potential lodge site at Lake Mgobezeleni. Laboratory analyses included moisture content, particle size distribution, particle density, and mineralogy. The most important parameter emerging was water: there are no major perennial rivers and most water is supplied from ground water. Therefore, the effects of sanitation and waste disposal systems on water supplies are addressed.