Case Study — Paradise Island
Click here to download & print Paradise Island Role Play Descriptions in Adobe Acrobat format.*

• understand the environmental impact of human activities
• work as a team to set goals and resolve conflicts

Vocabulary

• tourism

Background

One of the questions government leaders of South Caicos have asked the SFS research team is: "How can we expand tourism in a way that benefits the economy without destroying our natural resources?" After all, it is the beauty, natural resources and culture of these islands that attracts tourists in the first place. If these resources are destroyed, there will be no reason for tourists to come back. The island paradise will be gone.

Using the knowledge they have gained from their research on the reefs, the SFS students will develop recommendations to help government leaders manage the impacts of expanding tourism, while preserving the unique natural resources of these islands.

Materials

• copies of Role Play Descriptions (download*)

Activity

Have students role play to debate the pros and cons of island development. Consider inviting other homeschoolers in your area to participate in this activity. Alternatively, have students develop a list of goals for the Island from the point of view of two different stakeholders (e.g., fishermen, business leaders, a local environmental group) and then make a plan for the future of Paradise Island that meets most of these goals.

1. Introduce students to the challenge facing Paradise Island as described below:

Summary of the Situation:

Paradise Island is a small tropical island, similar to South Caicos. It is surrounded by clean waters and beautiful reefs. There are sandy beaches, mangrove lagoons, a small town and a research station. The local fishermen catch conch and lobster. There are no large hotels on Paradise Island. The few tourists who visit each year stay at small inns in the town. Some local business leaders would like to expand tourism, build new hotels, and start dive operations. The local environmental group wants to make the waters surrounding the island a Marine Park. The Island Council has called a Town Meeting to discuss the pros and cons of expanding tourism and to make some decisions about the future of Paradise Island. You are there...

2. Assign each student one of the roles listed in the Role Play Descriptions. With a larger group of students, divide students into groups of five and then assign a role to each group member.
3. Begin the role play. Have students present their points of view to each other, then ask the students to work together as a team to make a list of the most important and least important goals for the future of Paradise Island.
4. Have students make a written plan for the future of Paradise Island that will meet these goals.
5. Have students make their presentation at a simulated Town Meeting. Ask students to vote for the best plan. Discuss why it is the best plan. Use these questions: Does it protect the reef? Does it provide jobs? Will it impact the fishermen? Will it be good for business? If the island follows this plan, what studies could the scientists do to see if it is working?

• Create a map of Paradise Island showing its natural resources, roads, existing village and airport. Have students create master plans for future development showing nature preserves, marine parks, hotels, new roads, housing developments, new school, etc. Use these plans to create a bulletin board display.

• Obtain a copy of a local zoning map or master plan. Discuss this plan with the students: Does it set aside areas for parks or nature? Where are the residential zones? Is there an industrial zone? What other zones are shown? Interview a Town Planner about local planning issues.

* If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download it for free from www.adobe.com