Ecotourism: A Viable Alternative for Sustainable Management of Natural Resourcesin Africa

摘要

The report describes the history and current status of ecotourism and its role ineconomic development and natural resource management. It focuses on the role of private, commercial-sector organizations. Several specific examples of ecotourism are discussed briefly. Major findings include the following: (1) Sub-Saharan Africa has considerable untapped potential for ecotourism; (2) The benefits of ecotourism are only beginning to be quantified; (3) Although ecotourism could promote A.I.D.'s goals in private sector development and natural resource management, no major projects are being funded; (4) Marketing is a key area where nature tourism needs support; (5) Private ground operators are necessary to deliver tours that are responsive to tourists' needs; (6) Local communities should be given a larger role in planning nature tourism; and (7) Development of ecotourism in Africa hinges on a number of government actions.