Abstract
This paper defines ecotourism and outlines possible economic and conservational benefits from developing ecotourism or wildlife-based tourism. It identifies possible economic benefits for local communities and possible economic costs to such communities. A sufficient market does not always exist for wildlife-based tourism to make it economically viable. Therefore, market analysis should be undertaken before promoting the development of wildlifebased tourism. A checklist is provided to give guidance in market appraisal. Even non-consumptive wildlife-based tourism can have adverse environmental consequences. These are listed. Care is needed to avoid these negative consequences and to ensure that local communities obtain adequate economic benefits from the development of wildlife-based tourism. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjae.v5i0.3478">http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjae.v5i0.3478</a> <em>SJAE </em>2003; 5(1): 83-95
Highlights
Ecotourism, usually a form of nature-based tourism, is often claimed to be one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism market globally
Many proponents of ecotourism argue that an important ingredient of it is the provision of environmental education or knowledge for tourists who participate in it1 (Wight, 1993)
While many benefits from the development of ecotourism are possible, it should be recognized that not all proposed ecotourism projects are likely to be profitable, that they can result in little or no economic benefit to local communities, may become a drain on finance that could otherwise be used for nature conservation (Tisdell, 1995) and can distort the range of species conserved. This paper considers both the benefits and limitations of ecotourism as a means for conserving nature
Summary
Ecotourism, usually a form of nature-based tourism, is often claimed to be one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism market globally. A case could exist for charging an even lower price or making entry free because of the spill over economic benefits to local townships or communities as a result of increased trade from greater levels of tourism, or because procedures to collect the fee are too costly. Wildlife-based tourism/ecotourism can foster community support for conserving wildlife and areas catering for such tourism and wider political support for nature conservation It can do this, for instance, through local economic benefits and its education /knowledge impact. Most visitors increased their economic valuation of sea turtles following their visit, indicated that they would alter their behaviour to be more protective of sea turtles, and were more willing to contribute funds to support conservation of sea turtles
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