ACoST - 2014 (Sustainability in Tourism)

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11071/4927

Theme: Sustainability in Tourism
Venue: Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
Dates: 23/10/2014 - 24/10/2014

Conference Topics

Community and Ecotourism entrepreneurship
Ecotourism and Biodiversity conservation
Hospitality and Tour operations for sustainable tourism
Wildlife legislation and sustainable tourism
Education for sustainable development

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Community participation in tourism : the case of Lewa.
(Strathmore University, 2014) Munyiri, Esther
The local community is one of the most important stakeholders in tourism development. However, in most instances, private benefit of conservation to individuals, households and even entire community are not made clear or may be non-existent. This research draws on social exchange theory, to examine the level of participation by communities around Lewa, a private conservancy in Northern Kenya. Lewa presents a successful model that has won the community support. Evidence shows that local people around Lewa participates in tourism through policy and planning process; benefits sharing and owning community projects. Education assistance is seen to be the greatest help that the community around Lewa gets from the conservancy. Other assistance relates to healthcare, water provision, credit facilities and grazing. The research agrees with the principles of the social exchange theory, since the relationship between the evaluation of costs, benefits and support for tourism was substantiated. In general, there is a direct relationship between positive impact variables and participation variables (benefits sharing; involvement in decision-making as well as availability of community projects initiated by tourism). These participation variables are, in addition, directly related to support for tourism. As a result, the community values wildlife for its economic benefit.
Community participation in tourism development : a case study of Ada
(Strathmore University, 2014) Dodoo, Jacob
This paper examines the effectiveness of community participation in tourism development and introduces the community based-tourism relationship model as applied to a case in Ada, Ghana. The application demonstrates that the model is a tool for successful development of sustainable tourism. It focuses on the “circulation mechanism” that connects community resources and extra-community stakeholders through community-based intermediaries, and a “balancing mechanism” that considers the existence value and economic value, supplemented by the community-based intermediary‟s functions to transfer financial and technology capital from tourist sources. Other researchers including Butler, 1998, suggest that community-based tourism development may provide an opportunity for a sustainable tourism industry. An empirical study was conducted with descriptive and exploratory survey adopted for this study. Primary data for the study was obtained through structured and unstructured interviews with locals, tourists, traditional council and district officials. 65% of the respondent indicated that tourism development in the area has a positive impact on job creation and it should be inclusive of the area inhabitants. Community-based tourism is seen as an all-inclusive bottom-up approach to tourism planning and development that incorporates local entrepreneurs in the planning process, in a meaningful way. Collaboration amongst all key stakeholders is imperative for creating a sustainable enabling environment for all inclusive participation in community based tourism.
Community participation towards ecotourism initiative in Binsar Wildlife sanctuary, India
(Strathmore University, 2014) Bhalla, Priya; Prodyut, Bhattacharya
The community based ecotourism destination of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the temperate broadleaved forest of the Middle Himalayas, the hill state of Uttarakhand, India. Ecotourism concept has been accepted by the governments of mountain states of India for its potential to provide livelihood opportunities in remote forest areas where otherwise industrial development has limited scope. The contribution of local communities in various ecotourism products – guided nature treks, birdwatching, Himalayan view and home-stays encourages their local guardianship for existing natural resources as heritage. The paper follows the premise that successful community based ecotourism initiatives in Binsar WLS are supported by the partnerships of communities with government, non-government and private sector like the Village Ways Company, forming crucial ecotourism stakeholders. More than a decade has passed since village level community based ecotourism began within and outside Binsar WLS. This study reviews and analyses its experiences in such six villages within the sanctuary. Analysis reveals that direct involvement of local community in day to day management and planning activities not only improves their skills and abilities but also assists in policy and decision making process, adding incentive to conserve its biodiverse rich Himalayan Landscape. Participating communities of Binsar enjoy decentralized system of power and responsibilities by active involvement in ecotourism product designing, developing benefits sharing model, identifying groups and establishing linkages with multi stakeholders. The study concludes that equitable benefit sharing, good governance, positive international relations and policy implementation are necessary in determining the overall practicality and sustainability of the ecotourism enterprise.
Tourism resource management and community participation - the case of Naboisho conservancy in Masai Mara Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2014) Gona, Judy Kepher
Kenya‟s tourism resources are diverse. Wildlife is one of the major attractions. Over the years, there has been ambiguity in the management of this resource. Traditionally, the state has protected wildlife through the protected area approach. This is in spite of studies that show that 70% of wildlife lives outside protected areas in private and community land. Legislation has played a key role in promoting the stand of the state in management of wildlife. The Wildlife legislation, for example, perceives wildlife as a national resource owned by the state irrespective of where it occurs. The state is therefore the owner/manager by default. The state has equated ownership to right of exclusive protection and management. Over the last 10 years, through the works of civil society communities that live with 70% of wildlife on their land have become aware of the benefits and opportunities for managing wildlife. They have changed tactic. Instead of confronting the state, they have organised themselves and formed community wildlife conservancies, to manage and benefit from wildlife without ownership. Naboisho conservancy is one such community conservancy. This paper aims to demonstrate the significance of all stakeholder participation in management, ownership notwithstanding, and why law and practice should be harmonised. The paper will further suggest major principles behind management that generate benefits using the community conservancy model.

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