Ecotourism in Zanzibar and Kenya - Essay Example

? Ecotourism in Zanzibar and Kenya Introduction Ecotourism is a concept that brings together the interests of developers and environmentalists. By definition, ecotourism refers to a responsible tourism that lay more emphasis on protecting and preserving the natural world. Ecotourism has been argued to play vital roles in salvaging some of the world’s endangered ecosystem. Proponents of the concept also believe that it provides a platform through which state or society can develop or adopt sustainable economic strategies so as to safeguard biological resources. It is worrying to point out the fact that most communities that own biological resources have been pursuing environmentally-damaging strategies. Ideally, ecotourism is helpful in finding a compromise between preserving the natural environment and pursuing development. Even though some countries have successful implemented this concept, others still face a great deal of challenges. Zanzibar and Kenya are some of the few African countries that have successfully implemented ecotourism concept. This essay compares and contrasts some of the ecotourism practices that have been implemented in Zanzibar and Kenya (Honey, 1999). Similarities Creation of the Independent Ecotourism Society (TIES) In both Zanzibar and Kenya, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was formed purposely to get a tourism that is friendly to the natural environment and culture of a country. In both countries, the body has employed people who travel from one natural area to another to ascertain the nature of tourism that would conserve the environment and improves well-being of the people (Honey, 1999). The body has been working hard to change the perceptions of the tourists, create environmental awareness and explore natural environments. The independent body is constantly working a vast number of collaborators and supporters. In both countries, the body has attracted members from diverse cultural backgrounds. They draw knowledge from these members and utilize them as channels for spreading information about ecotourism. Ecotourism’s conservation efforts and strategies (Visitors’ attitudes and feedback) In Zanzibar and Kenya, visitors’ attitudes and feedback on ecotourism in the country is taken seriously as it is incorporated into ecotourism management tourism. The information provided by visitors helps in predicting the consequences of actions on the ecotourism experience. It is crucial for any country to take into account satisfaction of tourists and ecological-well being (Honey, 1999). The two countries have been monitoring and assessing the conditions and situations of the sites commonly visited by tourists, and this has helped in the creation and protection of recreational resources for visitors. In addition, this has aid the provision of appropriate recreational experiences. Ideally, the two countries have been using visitor perceptions of the potential effects of tourists to ascertain indicators of monitoring environmental conditions. For example, Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, has been utilizing data on visitors experience about the environmental impacts in Maasaai Mara and Amboseli (Honey, 1999). Mainstreaming sustainable tourism principles in states policies and programs In the 1980s, tourism sector in Kenya and Zanzibar was completely unplanned. Both governments were weak in their tourist planning and regulation. In addition, they were not even able to implement some of its ecotourism projects. However, this situation changed rapidly in towards the end of 20th century. In Zanzibar, the International Workshop on Ecotourism and Environmental Conservation of 1994 was a turning point of the Zanzibar’s tourism industry. Since then, Zanzibar has mainstreamed its tourist policies and programs to integrate the policy makers to ecotourism programs. This is also happening in Kenya. This practice is implemented using ecotourism workshops and study trips (Honey, 1999). Role of NGOS and Government in Ecotourism Development NGOs and government play important roles in development of ecotourism in both countries. Zanzibar adopted contractual model, which integrates ecotourism with Pastoralists in order to monitor land use patterns. The model also ensures that the elected village governments to receive accruing benefits from the tourist sector. The NGOs monitors the actions of the local communities. The government also plays important role towards sustainability of ecotourism. Since 1980s, Kenyan government has been supporting ventures by NGOs especially in the tourism industry. The government formed Tourist Trust Fund to support the sector. In the 1990s, Kenya’s tourism sector experienced economic crisis. In response, the government initiated Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation 2003-2007. This has facilitated promotion of tourism investment and image. In Zanzibar, state agencies support ecotourism despite political economic interests (Honey, 1999). Differences Community Based Ecotourism Community based ecotourism is a concept that has been adopted in Zanzibar purposely to engage the local community in the tourism industry. Community has substantial control and engagement in the ecotourism means that the benefits remain within the community. It is the priority of Zanzibar’s government to increase incomes and economic opportunities among the locals, and this has helped a great deal in the implementation of sustainable policy and practice. Evidently, Zanzibar has established largest network if stated protected natural areas. The state allows communities to be proprietors of tourism development. In contrast, Kenyan government has been reluctant to allow the local people to be proprietors of the tourist sites. For instance, communities living around Masaai Mara and Amboseli Parks do not benefit from the revenues accruing from it. Maasaai Mara National Reserve alone is estimate to generate at least $4 million annually. Surprisingly, conservation in this area is failing. Evidently, the number of resident largest mammals particularly elephants is declining every year. The surrounding communities are clearing forests for wheat plantation. The main cause of this problem is that the local people do not get adequate benefits from tourism. As such, they careless about conservation of wildlife and the communal lands. In order solve this problem; the tourism benefits should not bypass the local community. They should be the major stakeholders of the reserve. Notably, the community is in a position to monitor the surrounding natural environment for their own benefit. It is important to point out the fact that no one would be willing to protect something that cut off their access to the same resources. Therefore, considering access to resources and accrued revenues by the local community living around the tourist sites is crucial. Local community should benefit directly from the tourism. Current Trends Much of the Kenyan tourist sector is relatively developed than that of Zanzibar. It has “mature” tourism destinations especially at the coast. This is evident by numerous beach areas around the Coastal town of Mombasa. Unlike Kenya, Zanzibar tourist destination areas are not developed. For instance, the Island of Unguja has limited number of beach areas. Limited number of intermediate developments is coming up at the Islands of Pemba and Mafia. Kenyan tourism industry is estimated to generate 40% of country’s GDP. It has created more than 500,000 jobs in the country (Honey, 1999). Political Conflicts Political conflicts often affect the tourism sector of a country. Between the two countries, Kenya has been encountering a series of political conflicts in the recent past. In 2007, the country witnessed the worst post election violence that led to lose of more than 1000 lives. It is always important to monitor the quality of visitor experience in order to realize sustainable tourism. The series of conflicts that have occurred in Kenya have degraded visitors’ experience significantly. In 2008, the country experienced a sharp decline in the number of tourists. Zanzibar has been able to sustain peace in the past two decades. As such, the country has been experiencing a steady increase in the number of tourist even in the absence of well developed hotels and beaches. Conclusion Ecotourism is a fast growing economic sector in Kenya and Zanzibar. Both countries have a great potential for ecotourism. In the past three decades, both countries have been investing their resources in mitigating negative effects of tourism. In a bid to realize this objective, they have adopted different strategies and policies. As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, their similarities and differences between facets of ecotourism in Zanzibar and Kenya. Reference Honey, M. (1999). Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who owns Paradise? New York: Island Press. Read More