Harnessing the blue economy in Lakshadweep Islands through a sustainable tourism perspective

This study delves into the dynamics of sustainable tourism in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, India, situated within the ambit of the blue economy framework. The study is centred around achieving a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental conservation in the Lakshadweep Islands. It critically evaluates the tourism carrying capacity of the Islands, proposing a sustainable model that accommodates varying capacities, ranging from 12 beds in Chetlat to 434 beds in Kadmat, alongside a boating capacity of 207 in Bitra's lagoon. A pivotal finding of this study is the urgent need for stringent environmental management measures, particularly focusing on the protection of fragile coral reef ecosystems against threats like plastic pollution. The limit of acceptable change is rigorously assessed, with coral reef health and water quality as crucial indicators. This study highlights the importance of implementing sustainable practices as a means to both safeguard the ecological integrity of Lakshadweep's diverse islands and drive economic development. These findings play a crucial role in informing policy-making and guiding the alignment of tourism strategies in Lakshadweep with the overarching goals of environmental sustainability and enhancing community welfare.