Florida Keys Launches First Annual EcoWeek

It's probably safe to say that the delicate ecology of the Florida Keys rarely benefits from tourism. For Traveler's annual Destinations Rated issue, we survey a panel of the world's leading experts in responsible tourism and related fields to assess the degree to which the world's top travel destinations have maintained their integrity of place, from both an environmental and cultural perspective, in the face of tourism-related development.  We then rank the destinations based on the results of the survey.  Key West ranked dismally both years that it was included in the issue--35 out of 37 in 2004 and 37 out 40 in 2007.  Panelists worried that ever-increasing cruise ship traffic, poorly planned resort development, and unsustainable levels of recreational fishing and diving had wreaked irreversible havoc on offshore reefs and other once-pristine natural features. Many commented that the environmental quality of the other Keys was in similarly bad shape.

The imperiled island chain's tourism industry may be changing for the better.  This week more than 50 exciting eco-friendly events, ranging from environmental film festivals, to biologist-led snorkeling and kayak trips, to progressive organic dinners, are taking place across the archipelago.

The first of what is hoped will be annual celebration, EcoWeek 2010 strives to "promote sustainable eco-tourism, to enhance the local economy in an environmentally responsible way, and attract ecologically and socially conscious individuals to the Keys."  If EcoWeek achieves what it has set out to do, it will demonstrate ways tourism can be harnessed to restore and improve a place--even a place that visitors damaged in past.

For more on the Keys, check out our Road Trip: Florida Keys and our Florida Keys Quiz.

Photo: Michael Melford

Post originale: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2010/11/tourism-in-the-florida-keys.html