Tourism and environmental degradation on Zalala beach – Zambézia

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to understand the phenomenon of environmental degradation on Zalala Beach, 30 km from the city of Quelimane. In Mozambique, tourism is widely regarded as a fundamental economic activity, given that in many regions it is considered responsible for generating jobs and income. In this context, the government, in coordination with its partners, has created conditions to make tourism businesses viable. As a result of these political and administrative actions, the study was based on the assumptions that there is a record of growth in tourism enterprises on Zalala Beach, and that advertising panels and public signage are also being installed. In terms of methodology, it was based on bibliographic and documentary research. Based on the results of several surveys and documents that analyzed the behavior of the public that frequents Zalala Beach and the data revealed here, it is clear that the public does not take care of solid waste, which causes environmental degradation on the beach. After their leisure time, users of this beach have been discarding solid waste, such as: plastic and glass bottles, cans, clothing, flip-flops, sneakers, shoes, disposable cups, plastic and glass cups, disposable cutlery, food leftovers, and others.