Wildlife Use Versus Local Gain: The Reciprocity of Conservation and Wildlife Tourism in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study examined wildlife use versus local community gain in Protected Areas of Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe. Specifically, the study explored the reciprocity of conservation and wildlife tourism in Victoria Falls to determine the cost-benefit of Human Wild Coexistence within conservation goals and local communities’ welfare paradigms. To fulfil the key objective, the study gathered data from 365 local residents, which was supplemented with interviews from key resource persons. The study found that host communities in PAs are substantially still marginalised, and this exclusionary approach has resulted in increased local residents’ negative attitudes towards conservation tourism, making them (locals) to view tourism as insignificant in their local economy mainstreams. Nonetheless, conservation tourism has the potential to develop sustainably in PAs if there are transparency, accountability and renewed cooperation among all the tourism stakeholders who are involved in the decision-making processes. Concepts that provide new directions for public policy for inclusive participation, environmental justice and sustainability are highly contested in the study.