Eco Sensitive Beach Design: Conceptualization of Community Recreational Sandy Beach Development

摘要

This paper explores the principles of ecological planning in conceptualizing a sustainable non-consumptive recreational beach for Eleko community. Sustainable tourism destinations are planned on ecological design concept that draws strength from bioregional concept of "place making". Eleko Community Beach is a typical sand barrier-lagoon coastal village with a population of 850 people. It is 75 kilometres from metropolitan Lagos and fronts Atlantic Ocean on longitude 13° 50′ degrees east and latitude 4° 17′ north of the equator. This study recognizes participatory research as a viable physical planning tool for community base recreation enterprise. Relevant primary data was obtained through a combination of three participatory research techniques including questionnaire, structured interviews and personal observation. Previous research works on coastal erosion in Nigeria, marine ecosystem and Lagos State regional master plan provides relevant secondary data The research found out that the narrow continental shelf sand barrier -lagoon bioregion showed erosive characteristics with a high and intense wave action enhanced by the prevailing south westerly. This coastal process is recently made worse by the climate change powered ocean surge. The ecosystem is sparse coastal vegetation, holding together loose sandy soil formation along the Atlantic shoreline while Rhizophora racemose and Avicennia africana associations dominate near lagoon landscape patch. Community participatory mechanism provides "place making" inputs including activities and services the community is willing to supply; the users recreational demand. The conceptualization took into consideration the socio religious practices that sustained the community; economic benefits accrue to the community; compatible recreational activities; and the sensitive marine ecosystem in the 'place making' process. Recommendations emphasize indigenous architecture for all cabins; symbolic interpretive centre; unique linkage to the artisanal fishing occupation; and conservation of native flora as ecological engineering approach to reduce ocean surge threats.