This morning, we adventured to a popular tourist destination in Iceland: the Skogafoss waterfall. It certainly lives up to its popularity. It was amazing to see the waterfall so close from below, as well as climb up to the top for additional beyond-belief views. Unfortunately, with the increased traffic of tourism to this naturally preserved destination, the land becomes easily polluted by waste such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, etc., left behind by these visitors along their hike. Littering not only detracts from the overall visual appeal of these beautiful waterfalls and landscapes but also further negatively impacts their clean water, ecosystems, and wildlife in the area.
To preserve this jaw-dropping view, it is crucial to promote and implement sustainable tourism practices. To reduce litter content, there are simple alterations that can be put into practice, such as implementing a waste and recycling management system. This includes trash & recycling options along or at the end of the trail, which could reduce the amount of litter, keeping these natural areas clean. Further, signage could be added that provides education to visiting tourists, such as encouraging them to maintain all their belongings throughout their travel and further highlighting the negative impact littering has on the environment.
I see sustainable tourism beyond simply “don’t litter”; it is about recognizing the natural beauty of Iceland and the preservation of its environment. Being able to ensure that these ecosystems remain clean and that the historical and cultural significance of the location is upkept allows for sustainable tourism to provide the necessary awareness to keep these destinations clean for years to come while still encouraging tourists to enjoy and truly value their view!
I feel so grateful for the experiences I have had thus far on my trip and truly value the significance of implementing and educating myself on sustainable tourism in Iceland. I recognize that it’s essential to account for the impact you make on the planet, as well as respecting and enjoying new cultures, communities, and soaking in views beyond my imagination.
Swanson School of Engineering 