Abstract
Beaches are multidimensional ecosystems that develop relevant natural functions and host tourist activities of great economic value. Therefore, they are currently being subjected to severe human pressure and natural impacts often enhanced by climate change. Beach certification schemes (BCSs) were designed to bridge the gap between recreation and conservation uses. The aim of this paper is to assess the compatibility and potential contribution of nine Beach Classification Schemes (BCSs) used in Latin America with the Orla Project implemented in Brazil to optimize land use planning of coastal zones, including beaches. The weaknesses and strengths of each BCSs were assessed according to the criteria for integrated coastal zone management. As a result, four of the nine BCSs were found to be the most compatible with the context of Brazilian beaches (Ecuadorian, Colombian, Cuban, and Argentinean BCSs), indicating that BCSs can contribute to specific aspects of beach management, but they should not be the only management strategy. In conclusion, the strengths of the four BCSs identified in this study can be used to build a new management tool for Brazilian beaches aligned with the Orla Project—the main coastal planning and management instrument currently used.
Highlights
Published: 18 January 2021Interest in tourism around the world has increased rapidly in recent years. international tourist arrivals have increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1.5 billion in 2019 and are estimated to reach 1.8 billion by 2030 [1]
Administration frameworks, and assessment procedures of the Beach certification schemes (BCSs) applied in Latin America, they all follow the common trend of establishing minimum compliance requirements to obtain certification and recognition
The framework of each BCS was analyzed according to their geographical coverage and factor categories
Summary
Published: 18 January 2021Interest in tourism around the world has increased rapidly in recent years. international tourist arrivals have increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1.5 billion in 2019 and are estimated to reach 1.8 billion by 2030 [1]. Interest in tourism around the world has increased rapidly in recent years. In 2019, tourism generated 10.3% of global GDP, supporting 330 million jobs. In Brazil, tourism marked recorded 6.62 and 6.35 million of international visitors in 2018 and 2019 respectively, generating 5.9 and 6.0 billion of USD and coastal and marine tourism is the largest segment of this industry [1]. The importance of beaches for tourism is reinforced by their growing global exploitation and subsequent recognition by the World Tourism Organization [5]. Coastal tourism market is continually growing worldwide, mainly due to the attractions of sun, sea, and sand (‘3S’ tourism), the main reason for choosing to visit coastal areas, especially beaches [6], because of coastal scenic beauty and recreational activities [7,8,9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
