1、BY:LAMEED GBOLAGADE,A.STEPHENSCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND HORTICULTURENJALA UNIVERSITY,SIERRA LEONE.PRESENTED ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 2019;AT THEFORUM ORGANISED BY:Sustainable&Sustainable&Thriving Environments for West African Thriving Environments for West African Regional DevelopmentRegional Development(STEWA
2、RD)THE PROSPECT OF SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES:CASE STUDY OF SIERRA LEONEDEFINITIONEcotourism:also known as ecological tourism.It is responsible travel to fragile pristine and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and(often)small scaleThe Australia commission on Na
3、tional Ecotourism strategy calls it:“nature based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environmental and is managed to be ecologically sustainable”Ecotourism is a sector of tourism,based on nature travel and including the principles of sustainability.The International Ec
4、otourism Society(TIES)defines ecotourism as:“responsible travel to natural areas responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.”that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.”ECOTOURISM +ve impact on both natural
5、 areas Forest Ecosystem Protected PAs Park Ecosystem Areas Local communities Indigenes LivelihoodNature tourism Non-ecotourism 50%Cultural tourism 13%Sustainable Sustainable Tourism Tourism City tourism 76%Beach tourism 78%Patterns of Eco-tourism Patterns of Eco-tourism What is sustainable tourism?W
6、hat is sustainable tourism?The principles of sustainability can be The principles of sustainability can be applied to any type of tourism applied to any type of tourism(WTO)declared in 1988 that sustainable sustainable tourism is envisaged as leading to tourism is envisaged as leading to management
7、of all resources in such a way management of all resources in such a way that economic,social and aesthetic needs that economic,social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity,essential ecological processes,integrity,essent
8、ial ecological processes,biological diversity and life support biological diversity and life support systems.”systems.”Aims For Making Tourism Sustainable Economic Viability Environmental Purity:Local Prosperity Resource Efficiency Employment Quality Biological Diversity Social Equity Physical Integ
9、rity Visitor Fulfillment Rural Richness Local Control Community Wellbeing 12 AIMSComponents of EcotourismContribute to the conservation of biodiversitySustain the well being of the local peopleInclude an interpretation and learning experienceInvolve responsible action on part of the tourist and tour
10、ism industryIs delivered primarily to small group by small scale businessRequires lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resourcesStresses local participation,ownership and business opportunities,particularly for rural people ECOTOURISM AS A MARKET SEGMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTSUSTAINABLE TO
11、URISMUNSUSTAINABLE TOURISM ACTIVITIESBUSINESS TRAVELLRURAL TOURISMEcotourismBEACH TOURISMCULTURAL TOURISMNATURE TOURISMMARKET SEGMENT OF ECOTOURISM Tourism MarketCultural tourismRural tourismNature tourism Sun and Beach tourismBusiness tourism Fitness and Health tourism ECOTOURISMADVENTURE TOURISM T
12、he Global Impact of(Eco)tourismWorldwide tourism grow phenomenally,from 25 million arrival in 1950 to 808 million in 2019(UNWTO,2019)With annual growth rate of 6.5%Tourist arrival in Africa is 37million(5%of the world)As compared to 55%in Europe,19%in Asia/Pacific,16%in America and 5%in Middle EastT
13、ourism generate significant amount of Foreign Exchange EarningsAlso contribute to Economic growth of many Nations The contribution of(eco)tourism to economic growth and development is reflected in the form of exports It represents 40 percent of all exports of services,therefore making it one of the
14、largest categories of international trade(UNWTO,2019)It is the only service industry where there is a growing positive balanceof trade flowing from the developed countries to the poorest nations(Developing countries).Developing Countries(Africa)Experience:SUCH INGREDIENT OF GROWTH HAS NOT BEEN EFFEC
15、TIVELY HARNESSED IN MOST AFRICAN COUNTRIES WITH EXCEPTION OF SOME PARTS,SUCH AS EAST AND SOUTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES SUCH AS TANZANIA,KENYA,BOSWANIA AND GAMBIAECOTOURISM IN TANZANIA AND KENYA WORTHS US$2 BILLION ANNUALLYECOTOURISM CONTRIBUTE MASSIVELY TO THE EAST AFRICAN ECONOMYTHE NUMBER OF TOURISTS VI
16、SITING TANZANIA IS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM 580,000 IN 2019 TO ONE MILLION IN 2019.ALSO EACH YEAR TOURISTS SPEND US$500,000 TO VISIT LAKE NATRON,THE ONLY SUCCESSFUL EAST AFRICAN NEST INGAND BREEDING GROUND FOR LESSER FLAMINGOS.WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES CASE STUDY The tourism sector accounted for 3%to 10%o
17、f the GDP of developing countries(UNWTO,2019).It is a viable export-oriented economic growth strategy Help bring jobs and development to the people and reduction of abject poverty.Despite its increasing importance in West African economies,however,tourism has attracted relatively little attentioncro
18、ss-country rates of growth and development have largely focused on the contributions of exports from the agricultural,minerals/oil mining,and manufacturing sectors,rather than those of the service industry(Ecotourism).Ecotourism in West Africa is mainly based on remnant Forest or Protected Areas ava
19、ilableThis has been plague with widespread rainforest clearing,poaching and growing human population Most of the countries are also affected by growing political instability,armed conflict,poverty,disease and corruption (Brown,Weaver 2019)A few West African countries have developed indigenous ecotou
20、rism venturesSupported by conservation NGOs,aid groups,local tourism and Park Protected Area agencies Some Sampled Countries GHANAGhana Community Based Ecotourism Project(CBEP)started in 2019 has a collaborative venture between Nature Conservation Research Centre(NCRC),Ghana Tourist Board(GTB)and 14
21、 Local communities Visitors revenue at these 14 ecotourism sites doubled in 2019 with four operators featuring the sitesGhana Ministry of Tourism gave priority to ecotourism as a key sector to alleviate poverty in such rural areas.Key sustainability criteria were community ownership structures,distr
22、ibuting benefits,involving youth and women,carrying capacity,poverty alleviation and conservationThese were underpinned by funding support through loan and grants Other ecotourism projects that enjoyed the same privilege in Ghana are Amasuri Wetland,Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Kakum Canopy work
23、way GAMBIABird watching generate nearly a third of ecotourism revenue(Stratton 2019)Government has designed seven protected areas to serve as sanctuary for birds and other wildlifeGambia has 570 Bird species and local communities Gambia has 570 Bird species and local communities are protecting the h
24、abitatare protecting the habitatKey bird species supported by the West African Bird Key bird species supported by the West African Bird Study Association(WABSA)Study Association(WABSA)Tourists are charged 25 Dalasi per head to enter Tourists are charged 25 Dalasi per head to enter the reserve while
25、the community retaining 12 dalasi the reserve while the community retaining 12 dalasi Other key ecotourism centres in Gambia are Other key ecotourism centres in Gambia are Makasutu Makasutu cultural Forest,Tumani Tenda Eco-camp and Bansang cultural Forest,Tumani Tenda Eco-camp and Bansang Quarry whe
26、re the local community is protecting Red Quarry where the local community is protecting Red throated monkeythroated monkey SENEGAL The Senegal Ministry of Tourism and National Commission on Sustainable Development has promoted ecotourism since 2019.These include:Eco-village study programme organized
27、 through the EcoYoff Center in the city of Dakar and village based eco-tourism Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in the Senegal river Delta.The Casamance village tourism also receive support from French Ornithologists(NGO),with availability of tourism accommodation facilities of beds,vehicles,and staff
28、 equipment NIGERThe last giraffe population in West Africa is found in Kuore Region of Niger,40 km East of the capital Niamey.The Giraffe live year round with farming community&domestic cattleThe free roaming giraffe damage crops and the farmers drove them away,but were not permitted to kill themBec
29、ause the giraffe conservation project funded by EU and Netherland Development Agencies supported local farmers and herdersTourists visiting the place pay local guide there by contributing to the local development project The number increased yearly,but due to recent incidence of drought and famine,t
30、heir population have been affected.OTHERSTime will not permit to talk about NIGERIA,IVORY COAST,CAMEROON etc.Tai National ParkMount Cameroon Ecotourism Organization2 Bird Sanctuaries,7 National Parks,36 Forest Reserves and 16 Game Reserves ECO-TOURISTIC POTENTIALS IN SIERRA LEONEFigure A:Protected A
31、reas Location within the Country(Sierra Leone)Figure B:Political Maps of the Country indicating the RegionsFigure C:Road Network and major Important Towns within the Country BASIC ELEMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN SIERRA LEONESierra Leone still conjures with images of the countrys decade-long civil war and s
32、ubsequent war crimes trials.Filippo Bozotti,co-founder of Tribewanted,told CNN,:“Ecotourism is the perfect project for Tribewanted to partner up with the local community for sustainable developmentAs tourism is still a developing industry in Sierra Leone,the beaches are not overwhelmed with visitors
33、 which means that most are still in pristine conditionon a weekday you could have an amazing beach entirely to yourself.“years after the end of the war,hope is that tourism will be the key to future prosperity of the country.John Obey Beach Sustainable tourists village on the beach.The project hopes
34、 to attract tourists paying$450 a week OUTLOOK OF ECO-TOURISMEco-tourism in Sierra Leone is in a period of rapid transitionthe country holds a variety of tourist attractions these offer potential investors tremendous possibilities and opportunitiesEven though many forests and much wildlife were eith
35、er disturbed or destroyed during the civil war between 1991 and 2019,the government is aware of the importance of conserving and protecting the environmentThe Sierra Leone National Tourist Board(SLNTB)continue to develop the countrys travel and tourism industry travel and tourism industry is still a
36、t a developing stage,There is long-term advantage by exploiting international tourism.The success of these objectives has resulted in tourists renewing their interest in the country with arrival numbersThe number of tourist arrivals was up by 3%in 2009.Although nowhere near the peak of the 1980s and
37、 early 1990s tourism boom THE POTENTIALSSierra Leone is fortunate to have several primary attractions with international market potential1.The Western Peninsula with 40 kilometers of pristine2.Beaches3.forested mountains4.good access to Freetown,5.excellent climate6.beautiful scenery 7.just a 4-5hou
38、r flight from Europe,8.good potential to compete for the winter European adventure/beach market9.country can begin to recover its tourism economy by tapping into the“Social and Environmental Responsibility Economy”:(SERE)THE PROTECTED AREAS(PAs)In Sierra Leone:There are more than 30 Forest Reserves5
39、 Game Reserves2 Game Sanctuaries6 National Parks4 Non-hunting Forest Reserves9 Strict Nature Reserves1 Wetland of International ImportanceNameStatusArea(km)Bojeni HillsDesignated7.38Dodo HillsDesignated21.8FabinaDesignated3.82FarangbaiaDesignated12.60Freetown Water WorksDesignated11.34Gboi HillsDesi
40、gnated2.07Gola EastDesignated228.00Gola WestDesignated62.00Golamo SouthDesignated11.60Gori HillsDesignated79.40John ObeyDesignated2.07Kambui HillsDesignated143.35Kambui NorthDesignated203.48Forest ReservesKambui SouthDesignated8.80KandesuriDesignated59.57KaseweDesignated12.24Kent ExtensionDesignated
41、6.44Kuru HillsDesignated69.93LalayDesignated4.76Leicester PeakDesignated0.52Lhei HillsDesignated1.55Malal HillsDesignated3.39MateteDesignated8.50Moku HillDesignated1.46Moyamba HillsDesignated1.89Nimini SouthDesignated25.90No.2 RiverDesignated6.99Occra HillsDesignated2.48Kambui SouthDesignated8.80Kan
42、desuriDesignated59.57KaseweDesignated12.24Kent ExtensionDesignated6.44Kuru HillsDesignated69.93LalayDesignated4.76Leicester PeakDesignated0.52Lhei HillsDesignated1.55Malal HillsDesignated3.39MateteDesignated8.50Moku HillDesignated1.46Moyamba HillsDesignated1.89Nimini SouthDesignated25.90No.2 RiverDe
43、signated6.99Occra HillsDesignated2.48Kambui SouthDesignated8.80KandesuriDesignated59.57KaseweDesignated12.24Kent ExtensionDesignated6.44Kuru HillsDesignated69.93LalayDesignated4.76Leicester PeakDesignated0.52Lhei HillsDesignated1.55Malal HillsDesignated3.39MateteDesignated8.50Moku HillDesignated1.46
44、Moyamba HillsDesignated1.89Nimini SouthDesignated25.90No.2 RiverDesignated6.99Occra HillsDesignated2.48Forest Reserves ContinuesPeninsulaDesignated178.00Port LokoDesignated2.16SingambaDesignated2.99SipendeDesignated8.29TabeDesignated3.25TamaDesignated170.00TobiDesignated16.71TonkoliDesignated71.04Wa
45、ra Wara HillsDesignated10.41WaterlooDesignated0.85NameStatusArea(km)Bagru-Moteva CreeksProposed50.00Bumpe Mangrove SwampProposed49.21Kagboro Creek(Yawri Bay)Proposed50.00Game ReservesNameStatusArea(km)Bo PlainsProposed25.90Tiwai IslandDesignated12.00Game SanctuariesNameStatusArea(km)Kuru HillsPropos
46、ed69.93Lake Mape/MabesiProposed75.11Lake SonfonProposed51.80Loma MountainsProposed332.01Outamba-KilimiDesignated808.13Western AreaProposed176.88 National ParksNameStatusArea(km)Kangari HillsDesignated85.73Loma MountainsDesignated332.01Tingi Hills(Sankan Biriwa)Designated118.85Western AreaDesignated1
47、76.88Non-Hunting Forest ReservesNameStatusArea(km)Bonthe Mangrove SwampProposed998.54Gola(West)ForestProposed62.00Gola NorthProposed40.00Mamunta-Mayoso SanctuaryProposed20.72Mogbai(Gola North)(proposed)ProposedPort Loko PlainsProposed25.90Sulima Mangrove SwampProposed25.90Wemago(Gola East)Proposed35
48、.00Yelibuya IslandProposed38.85Strict Nature ReservesNameStatusArea(km)Sierra Leone River EstuaryDesignated2950.00Wetlands of International Importance(Ramsar)EXPOSITION OF SOME PAs TIWAI FOREST RESERVETiwai is a wildlife sanctuary of profound ecological importanceone of the last remaining tracts of
49、Upper Guinean Congolese Rainforest Established in 1979 as a research centre by leading primatologist,John OatesHISTORY:late 1800s widowed Queen Nyarroh of Barri Chief of Koya(opposite Moa river)just 12 sq km in size:1.host to 11 primate species,2.over 135 bird species,3.numerous butterfly species 4.
50、at least 627 known plant species5.home to the extremely rare and elusive pygmy hippopotamus Some Touristic Facilities&Species at Tiwai IslandCamp Tent Facilities and BoatingYellow Barked Duiker West African thrushTree and Land Pangolin Senegal King FisherCommon Bulbul Outamba-Kilimi Outamba-Kilimi N
