TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE ISLES OF SCILLY - CONFLICT AND COMPLEMENTARITY

This paper looks at the impact of tourism on the natural, economic and social environments of the Isles of Scilly (UK), a situation where mo dem pressures are possibly jeopardising a long-standing symbiotic rela tionship. Using vegetation surveys, the paper charts major ecological changes consequent upon tourism from the end of the 1960s to the early 1990s, concentrating especially on the two islands of St Mary's and B ryher. Surveys of residents of the islands emphasise particular pressu res which have arisen in recent years including questions of water sup ply and the cost of refuse disposal. Social pressures which threaten a particular way of life and which include an increase in road congesti on and crime rates are also considered. The paper notes continued posi tive benefits which accrue from tourism and considers ways in which pr inciples of green tourism could be followed in the future to safeguard both economy and environment.