The development of the tourism industry in the WIO-region has caused environmental consequences and may also threat the livelihoods of coastal communities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to integrate environmental considerations alongside social and economic issues when planning further coastal development, in order to move towards sustainability.

How can the tourism sector in the WIO-region be managed and developed more appropriately? One way to address the sustainability of the tourism industry is to put limitations to the number of tourists allowed to visit a specific area per year. A limitation in the number of visitors per year will reduce the environmental impacts on the natural ecosystem. Secondly, there should be more waste water treatment plants and improved techniques implemented for treatment and storage of liquid and solid waste within the WIO region. Thirdly, the marine environments and its natural resources should be managed more efficiently in order to minimize the environmental effects on coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, and all other threatened habitats. This can, for example, be done through the creation of conservation areas and implementation of stricter laws related to the exploitation of these resources. Fourthly, it is recommended that mechanisms should be implemented to deal with pollution. Also, the unregulated cutting and harvesting of wood and other activities contributing to increased land run-off causing sedimentation and coastal erosion must be controlled and prevented where possible. Another important aspect to address is the issue of rehabilitation of destructed habitats such as coral reefs and mangrove forests.

Above all, there is a need for better management practices. Measures must be put in place to reduce the impact of tourism on the environments in the WIO. Negative impacts can be reduced and avoided by effective use and implementation of, for example, the tool of Environmental Assessments (EAs). In addition, environmental evaluations and adequate and regular monitoring are equally important when taking the environmental issues in account. Furthermore, the support from local governments and NGOs is necessary for more efficient management of the environment in the WIO region. To contribute to this, there is a need for better capacity building to ensure sustainable outcomes. Higher capacity to manage the resources will ensure that the three principles of sustainability (which are social, economic, and ecological considerations), are all underpinned and controlled within a broader framework of governance.

The tourism industry is very much linked to the state of the environment in the WIO region. Many of the tourist attractions in the region are directly linked to the natural environment and if they deteriorate, the tourist will not be interested in coming any more. So, conservation of the natural environment is very much in the interest also of the tourism industry. It is also important to note that marine based tourist activities, if not controlled, may have environmental effects and should therefore be avoided. By managing the environments in the WIO more effectively, there may be improved outcomes of sustainable tourism both in terms of financial and social benefits.