Ecotourism in Nigeria, challenges and prospects: a review

Abstract

Ecotourism is a portmanteau word made from ecology and tourism. It fully means ecological tourism commonly referred to as ecotourism, which is a field of study is considered as a sub-component of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism’s potential is an effective tool for sustainable development which is why developing and third world countries are now embracing it and making it a tool in their conservation strategies and economic development. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of wildlife which technically includes; vegetation, insects, spiders, birds, reptiles, fish, amphians and mammals. These found all over the country in national parks and game reserves, The major ones are Chad Basin, Cross River, Gashaka Gumti, Kainji, Kamuku, Okomu, Old Oyo and Yankari. Lack of will and dishonesty are among the major hindrance affecting ecotourism development in Nigeria. In addition to that, local communities also heavily deplete the flora through logging off of trees for fuel and timber which ultimately affect the ecosystem dynamism Nigeria has the potential to be a major player in ecotourism and wildlife conservation due to the abundance natural environment capable of sustaining wildlife. This can be achieved by creating proper awareness especially among the communities close to game reserves and national parks on the importance of every organism in the micro and macro ecosystems.