Community Participation in Ecotourism Development in the Gambia: Case Study of Pirang Forest Park

Abstract

Ecotourism is a major source of revenue in The Gambia. This study investigates Community Participation in Ecotourism Development in the Gambia; A Case Study of Pirang Forest Park. Examining the level of community participation, benefits and threats to ecotourism are the objectives of the study. Group discussion, interviews and fieldworks are the data sources, and it was analyzed with frequencies and percentages. Results showed that the community has knowledge of the ecotourism project and they are involved as stakeholders on planning and managing the forest park. Birdwatching is the major reason for visits to the park and ecotourism has contributed to community development; it has increased source of livelihood and it has created more employment opportunities. The forest park is under threats of wild fruit and firewood collections, hunting, tree felling, biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and finance. There is a need for introduction of flagship species and provision of basic amenities.