Investigating Tourists’ Environmental Awareness of the Negative Impacts of Sunscreens on Coral Reefs and its Impact on their Behavior

Healthy coral reefs include several benefits for coastal destinations. They are indicated as a resource for nature-based tourism and a home for a large portion of marine life. In addition, coral reefs contribute to coastal protection and seafood production. Some of public health threats for exposure to ultraviolet (UV) are harmful sunburn, skin cancer and photo aging. Increased attention for these harmful impacts has led to increased usage of sunscreens that contain UV filters. Studies have confirmed that sunscreens have several damages to coral reefs such as coral bleaching and damage to coral DNA. Data from 304 tourists has been obtained filling in an available self-completed questionnaire as an electronic format and printed one. The statistical program for Social Science (SPSS program V 28) software has been used to analyze survey data. Tourists should have environmental awareness of the coral reefs’ value beside the negative impact of sunscreens on them. Therefore, the necessity of environmental awareness leads to achieve the sustainable use of coral reefs by researching for alternatives to sunscreens and encouraging the manufacture and use of reef-safe sunscreens.