The impacts of tourism on a sensitive ecosystem; A study at Patna tourism region in Deniyaya.

Abstract

Tourism may be an ally or a threat to conservation. The expansion and diversification of eco-tourism had an increasing environmental impact on naturally sensitive ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, the Patna tourism region is one of the most popular eco-tourism regions related to water navigation activity base natural stream. It is located in the Viharahena Grama Niladhari Division of the Kotapola Divisional Secretariat in Matara district. The main objective of this study is to identify the impact of eco-tourism on the sensitive ecosystem. Both Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Secondary data were collected through books, magazines, research papers and primary data collected through the survey, observation, and discussion. 20 villages and 30 local and foreign tourists were randomly selected as the sample. Collected data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively through tables, charts by using the excel worksheet. Also taken photographs used to analyse the impact on the sensitivity of the ecosystem. According to the data analysed, 70% of the tourists were said that the major environmental impacts happening on the litter, sewage, and water contamination due to irregular use of Patna natural water body. Therefor need to pay more attention to sustainable eco-tourism to develop the tourism area as an eco-friendly tourist region.