What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism can be defined as the responsible form of tourism in which natural environment is conserved, natural areas remain undisturbed and well-being of locals is maintained ed through involved interpretation and education. In short words, environment friendly tourism is called ecotourism.
Why ecotourism in Africa is important?
For more than 100 years, Africa has been the hub of wildlife and natural beauty tourism which attracted the tourists from all over the world. But bad luck for African wildlife that for past few years tourism in Africa did more damage than good to wildlife.
So Africa with the help of world ked the trend of ecotourism which deals with the wellbeing of ecosystem and local residents. By 1980s, ecotourism in Africa has been the hot topic due to the political and cultural factors of Africa
Ecotourism and local community:
By 80s, the wave of ecotourism in Africa started due to dangers to the wildlife but it became difficult to get the proper benefits from ecotourism. At last the world and local African authorities realised that the true benefits cannot be obtained without locals involvement.
For example by 1980, many African wildlife species were on the verge of extinction. Authorities started to preserve these species by providing benefits to the locals. It gave locals a reason to preserve the ecosystem. By late 1990s, locals and indigenous Africans saw that ecotourism in Africa was a lucrative business so they spread it to the other parts of the continent.
Ecotourism and global warming:
Ecotourism is being viewed as more revolutionised, rewarding and environment friendly tourism industry which will help to overcome the harmful effects of global warming. No doubt the tourism industry is harmful to the environment that creates problems like natural disasters, rising sea levels, increased insect populations and unsteady animal migration patterns for high-tourist regions.
But ecotourism at some extent is beneficial and reduces the increased risks of global warming. As Africa is second largest and populous continent in the world, global warming threats are also big for Africa. However ecotourism in Africa is reducing the severe effects of global warming.
Lucrative National Parks and ecotourism in Africa:
National Parks are widely supporting ecotourism in Africa and native locals are getting equal benefits from it. For this purpose Kugar National Park employs more than 60,000 locals. Revenue from these parks is being used in construction of schools, roads, housings and hospitals.
In Namibia, 40% of surface are is reserved for conservation management. This includes parks, reserves, community forests and private nature reserves. Locals are benefiting from these reserves and ecotourism is being fully utilised.
Ecotourism regions in Africa:
Uganda has established a number of ecotourism destinations to protect mother nature where ecotourism is being exercised. These sites include Bwindi gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, Mabira Central Forest reserve, Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary etc.
In South Africa, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Serengeti National Park, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Addo elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park are being used as ecotourism sites. Kenya has Masai Mara National Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park fully ecotourism supported places. These sites are being utilised as ecotourism in Africa and revenue is being used for the welfare of locals are wildlife.
Ecotourism and environmental awareness:
For the past few decades, we have been badly exploiting the mother nature in the name of development and tourism. Destruction of forests and habitats has resulted global warming and massive pollution of our environment. It has been found out that the benefits of environmental awareness can be obtained by involving the local communities in economics benefits gained by ecotourism.
Pros and cons of ecotourism in Africa:
No doubt ecotourism is environmental friendly and Africa is benefiting from it but it has some negative impacts too.
Pros of ecotourism in Africa:
1. Minimal adverse effects on environment and locals.
2. Direct financial benefits for the locals and wildlife.
3. Protection of fragile environment of developing countries.
4. Native communities can get the proper benefits from handicrafts and the local products.
5. National Park and reserves protect the illegal hunt of wildlife.
6. Species near to extinct or being preserved.
7. Ecotourism controls global warming and pollution.
8. Education prevails when lot of locals want to become tourist guides.
9. Employment opportunities are increasing.
Cons of ecotourism in Africa:
Negative impacts of ecotourism are fewer, however they will become severe if proper measurements are not made.
1. Locals can be exploited in many ways like hiring them as cheap labour.
2. Due to Western impacts local traditions are being lost.
3. Beauty of natural resources and wildlife are being exploited.
4. Pollution has been increased due to increased number of tourists.
Final words:
Ecotourism is very much beneficial for the world. No doubts it has some negative impacts upon African society. However if these negative points are turned into positive, ecotourism will become equally beneficial for locals, wildlife and environment. The world is relishing its benefits and other countries are coming to it.
Tell us in comments section if you have some valuable suggestions for ecotourism in Africa.
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