Conservation and Sustainable Use Awareness among Visitors and Tour Operators of Marine Parks: Concise Review of the Benefits and Programs for Protecting Marine Biodiversity

Abstract

This review paper highlights the level of awareness on the conservation and sustainable use of marine parks (MPs) among stakeholders in the marine tourism business. Authors present in detail the benefits, marine biodiversity (MB), and programs designed for the conservation and sustainable use of MPs. Numerous benefits of MPs range from the management of marine protected areas to the protection of natural resources, such as plants, animals, and the ecosystem. The primary role of MPs is to properly manage and conserve MB, which protects vulnerable or endangered species and habitats. Other benefits of MPs include protecting the long-term health of marine environment through the conservation of marine life. Hence, scientists are mandated by national governments to supervise and conduct research aimed at protecting and managing MPs. Likewise, numerous conservation programs have been proposed over the years to secure the conservation and sustainable use of MPs. MB conservation can be enhanced by objective zonation, promoting alternatives, and limiting visitor’s use of MPs and provision of on-site waste amenities. Overall, the review of the literature showed that the provision of education, awareness and outreach programs to local communities and visitors could ensure the successful conservation of MB in MPs.