An examination of the relationship between tourism and freshwater resources in a small island environment: A case study from the Yawawa Islands, Fiji.

摘要

Research studies have shown that, in some instances, tourism development on small islands have consumed high volumes of freshwater. Further complicating this situation is climate change caused by global warming. Although the potential impacts of climate change on small islands are not fully known, researchers believe that decreases in precipitation, and consequently freshwater, could occur.; Fiji, a group of islands in the South Pacific, is an ideal location for tourism, which is the country's highest contributor to its GDP. This paper examined three backpacker resorts, two mid-range resorts, a luxury resort and a Fijian community in the Yasawa Islands of western Fiji, the study site for this research. The research consisted of interviews, observations at the study site and the gathering of secondary sources from the library at the University of the South Pacific. The researcher examined the water use patterns, sources, consumption rates, and access problems at the resorts and community. In addition, participants were asked how their resort might adjust to a decrease in available water resources in the future.