An Appraisal of Current Management Approaches of Ecotourism and Alternative Management Paradigm for Sustainable Development in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

This paper seek to examine the current management approaches of ecotourism in Fako Division, Cameroon which is managed in various dimensions; legislative and institutional framework, international organizations, protected area management, tour operators, NGOs and CIGs, local councils, community members and conservation strategies. But an appraisal of the problems plaguing the ecotourism sector in the region shows that much still need to be done. Firstly, there is no integrated ecotourism management body in the entire Division and an ecotourism network that coordinates the activity. Secondly, inadequate finance still prevails and the problem of benefit sharing is still hanging. In certain Sub-Divisions like Buea and Limbe, urbanisation is taking place rapidly at the cost of ecotourism. All these problems point to the fact that sectoral management is been put in place instead of a holistic management body. It is in this regard that this paper recommends the Ecotourism Management Triangle (EMT) as an alternative, integrated sustainable management system to be put in place which will solve all the problems highlighted above. The EMT paradigm will form a nexus between conservation and development for sustainable development to occur in the area.