Ecotourism (Georges 2014).doc

7/26/2019 Ecotourism (Georges 2014).doc

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JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICSBACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT

BTM 3214: ECOTOURISM - 42 Hours

Lecturer: Mr George Otieno Email: [email protected] Mobile:0708598511

Cours Ds!r"#$"o%Introuction to eco!touri"m# Eco!touri"m $olicy% organi"ation" an the eco!touri"t# Eco!touri"m e&elo$ment: International% national an regional$er"$ecti&e# Economic" o' Eco!touri"m Management an Mar(eting o' Eco!touri"m# Eco!touri"m an the en&ironment

COURSE OBJECTIVES)t the en o' the cour"e% learner" "houl:

1. )c*uire an eco!thin(ing min "et +hen analy"ing touri"m i""ue",. -ierentiate Ecotouri"m 'rom other 'orm" o' "u"tainable touri"m/. )$$ly Ecotouri"m $rinci$le" in touri"m $roect". Ienti'y Ecotouri"m be"t $ractice" in the touri"m mar(et

COURSE CONTENTTo#"! D$&"'s () 1* I%$ro+u!$"o% $o

E!o$our"s, Origin an 2i"torical e&elo$ment o'

Ecotouri"m Ecotouri"m 3once$t" an -e4nition"

3om$onent" o' Ecotouri"m

Ecotouri"m rouct Ecotouri"m an "u"tainable

e&elo$ment ()

1-2

.3

2. E!o$our"s,D/'o#,%$ &%+ $0S,&%$"! +&$

International% national an regional

$er"$ecti&e o' ecotouri"m Ma"" an alternati&e touri"m#

6ature ba"e touri"m &er"u"

Ecotouri"m# o't an har Ecotouri"m#

6atural!unnatural Ecotouri"m#

E$loiti&e!$a""i&e an acti&e

Ecotouri"m! Oram" continuum o'Ecotouri"m ty$e"

Ecotouri"m an "u"tainable touri"m

()4--

.

3. 5o'"!6 5r"%!"#'s &%+Gu"+'"%s o7E!o$our"s, &%+Sus$&"%&' $our"s,

Ecotouri"m olicy

3haracteri"tic" o' Ecotouri"m an

guieline"# rinci$le" o' "u"tainable touri"m#

6egati&e im$act" o' Ecotouri"m an

mitigati&e mea"ure"

()8-

9.1:

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| 1
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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4* E!o$our"s, s$#r&!$"!s &%+ $our"s,us"%ss

Ecotouri"m management an

mar(eting enchmar(ing &er"u" be"t $ractice

o' Ecotouri"m )ccreitation an auiting 'or

Ecotouri"m# Eco!rating "cheme" in enya

3a"e "tuie" o' Ecotouri"m be"t

$ractice in enya()

11.12

* O/r/"; o7 '


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Ecu"e" to mi"" cla"" +ill be con"iere only +hen 'amily or health

emergency occur" an only that i" ocumente. Lea&ing cla"" early ue to a "$ecial occa"ion "houl be noti4e to your

in"tructor $rior to the beginning o' cla""e". )ttenance creit +ill be gi&enba"e on the length o' hour" "taye in a cla"".

It +ill be the "tuent" re"$on"ibility to "ign in on attenance "heet" 'oreach cla"".

ASSIGNMENTStuent" are re*uire to "ubmit each a""ignment to the lecturer an en"ure that"Jhe "ign again"t their name" that they ha&e "ubmitte. Each a""ignment "houlbe ty$e an $rinte on "iHe ) $a$er B'ont "tyle: time" ne+ roman% blac(%"$acing 1.5# tet alignment "houl be u"ti4e an be bet+een 10 an 15$age"C. )""ignment" +ill be "ubmitte in the net t+o +ee(" once gi&en. Late"ubmi""ion +ill not be acce$te.

CHA5TER ONE:

INTRODUCTION TO ECOTOURISM

Origin and Historical Development of Ecotourism

In an effort to reduce the negative impacts of conventional tourism, more

environmentally and socially conscientious approaches to tourism have been

promoted, typically referred to as ecotourism and sustainable tourism, though

other terms such as responsible tourism, nature based tourism, green tourism,

and alternative tourism are also used.

The earliest known use of the term ecotour, undefined, seems to have been by

Parks Canada in the 1960s (Fennell, 1999). The birth of ecotourism was marked

by successful campaigns undertaken by conservationists and scientists for the

protection of humpback whales in 1966. The ecotourism movement continued to

gain momentum since the beginning of the global environmental movement in

the 1970s and the subsequent focus on sustainable development in the 1980s.

About a decade after Hector Ceballos-Lescurian coined the term ecotourism, The

Ecotourism Society (TES) now the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was

founded in early 1990s in the USA as a non-profit organisation, fully dedicated to

finding the resources and building the expertise to make tourism a viable tool for

conservation and sustainable development.



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It was until then that the sustainable tourism movement began to take off, in

part due to the establishment of the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in

1990, and the 1992 United Nations Rio Earth Summit in which 178 governments

signed onto a number of environmental initiatives, including Agenda 21, acomprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by

organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in

every area in which human impacts on the environment. More recently, the

United Nations declared 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism, and held

a World Ecotourism Summit in Quebec, Canada which brought together some

1,200 participants from around the world. The society is documenting the best

techniques for implementing ecotourism principles by collaborating with a

growing network of active professionals in the field.

Ecotourism is nature-based tourism; it is low impact tourism (based on the

principles of green productivity and ecology); but it is, importantly, both an

enjoyable and learning experience for the tourists (that is, the tourists want

interpretation of the environment they are in); it is tourism which respects local

cultures (however, it is not cultural tourism where the prime focus is culture);

and it gives something back to the community in recognition of the satisfaction

gained by the tourists.

This new found concept of ecotourism was believed, would transform tourism

practice into an economic activity that, apart from bringing benefits to the

investor, would also bring benefits to the local people and contribute to

conservation of the natural resources upon which tourism is dependent

Ecotourism Concepts and Definitions

A number of definitions trying to explain what ecotourism is all about exist.In

development terms, ecotourism is tourism that meets the needs of the present

generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet

their needs from the same resources.

IUCN (now called the World Conservation Union) states in 1996 that ecotourism:

is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed



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natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying

cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low

negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic

involvement of local populations.

An official international definition of ecotourism was adopted during the UN

International Year of Ecotourism in 2002 (UNEP and WTO, 2002).Ecotourism,

according to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), is responsible travel

to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of

local people.

Sustainable tourism, as defined by the UNWTO, is tourism that takes full

account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts,

addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and the host

communities."

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines sustainable travel as

tourism that meets the needs of present tourist and host regions while protecting

and enhancing opportunities for the future.

Ecotourism as a Concept

Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field of sustainable tourism. Figure 1 offers

a reflection of where ecotourism can be placed within the process of developing

more sustainable forms of tourism. This figure also provides a demonstration of

how ecotourism is primarily a sustainable version of nature tourism, while

including rural and cultural tourism elements.


Irresp

o

nsibl

e

forms

of

t

ouris

m

SUSTAINABLE

TOUIS!

E"otourism

Be#"$ Tourism

Business Tourism


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Principles of Ecotourism

According to TIES, ecotourism is based on the following principles:

Minimizing impact of activities

Building environmental and cultural awareness and respect

Providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts by encouraging

travel to natural areas

Providing direct financial benefits for conservation Supports development of local economies by providing financial benefits

and empowerment for local people

Respects local culture by raising sensitivity to host countries' political,

environmental, and social climate

Components of Ecotourism

Contributes to conservation of biodiversity. Sustains the well-being of local people.

Includes an interpretation / learning experience.

Involves responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism

industry.

Is delivered primarily to small groups by small-scale businesses.

Requires lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources of

energy.

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| %

ur#l Tourism

N#ture B#se& Tourism

'ltur#l Tourism


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Stresses local participation, ownership and business opportunities,

particularly for rural people.

The Ecotourism Product

Ecotourism can include nature-based tourism, community-based tourism,

homestays, visits to world heritage sites and other forms of responsible travel.

While the term ecotourism is often used to refer to smaller-scale businesses and

operations, the principles of sustainable tourism are applicable to all forms of

tourism in all types of destinations, from mass tourism to small niche markets.

The ecotourism product should be socially and environmentally low impact but

rich in interpretations. It should be:

Economically viable

Attractive

Accessible

Offer quality service

Well designed

Observe ethical business practices

Meet market standards

Minimal environmental input

Assignment 1

Applying the practices of ecotourism to an urban environment is a

relatively new concept but a concept that merits development in multiple

cities including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu in Kenya. Discuss.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development

Ecotourism has been lauded as an attractive sustainable development

alternative to mass tourism because it is perceived to have fewer negative

impacts on the natural and cultural resources while providing incentives to adopt

practices that conserve and potentially enhance the very resources it is

dependent on (Farrel and Runyan, 1991; Wight, 1993). The natural environment

is central to ecotourism which has a focus on biological and physical features.

The conservation of natural areas and sustainable resource management istherefore essential to the planning, development and management of ecotourism.

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| (


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Valentine (1991b) draws attention to the two-way interaction between

ecotourism and the environment upon which it depends, by suggesting that one

characteristic of ecotourism is that it is both contributory to conservation as well

as enjoyment of nature. That is, ecotourism involves a focus on nature as theprimary motivation for travel, to further knowledge and awareness of nature.

However, it also involves the notion that the activity of ecotourism must

positively contribute to conservation in the destination area or host community.

Planning for ecotourism is based on resource limitations as ecotourism

opportunities will be lost if resilience of an area and the ability of its

communities to absorb impact are exceeded, or if its biodiversity and physical

appearance are altered significantly.

Thus, an essential feature of ecotourism is sustainability and sustainable

development by implication. The concept of sustainability is fundamental to the

positioning of any tourism experience. The Bruntland report introduced the

concept of sustainable development, defining it as: development that meets the

needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to

meet their own needs (Mieczkowski, 1995: 457). A working definition of

sustainable development in the context of tourism is: Tourism which is developed

and maintained in an area (community, environment) in such a manner and at

such a scale that it remains viable for an indefinite period and does not degrade

or alter the environment. Clearly, from the foregoing, it can be said without any

uncertainty that properly planned and executed ecotourism is a tool for achieving

sustainable development. Ideally, most countries ought to apply ecotourism as a

development strategy so as to achieve their goals in a sustainable manner.

Ecotourism is seen as a potential vehicle to provide environmental, socio-

economic and cultural benefits at both local and national. Claims for ecotourism's

potential are generally based on three key assumptions, that:

Offer a source of financing nature-tourism which is small and limited ;

Serve as a catalyst for local economic development; and

Provide needed foreign exchange and national level benefits.

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| )


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More specifically, conservationist see ecotourism as one of the more promising

strategies for providing funds for conservation and justifying ecotourisms

importance. Ecotourism is not just a tool for conservation. It should be used to

promote the philosophy of sustainable development (Sudarto, 1999). Byinvolvement of, and economic benefits delivered to, the local community, the

sense of tourist developments belonging to the local community is realised.

Setting up ecotourism businesses requires careful planning and management. If

tourism is to contribute to sustainable development, then it must be economically

viable, ecologically sensitive and culturally appropriate (Wall, 1997).

CHA5TER T(O:

ECOTOURISM AND THE SEMANTIC DEBATE

Ecotourism has evolved into a type of specialty travel incorporating a diverse

array of activities and tourism types, from bird watching, scientific study,

photography, driving, bushwalking, to regeneration of damaged ecosystems. It

therefore appears to be a loose garment. For some it is a subset of nature based

tourism activities, for others it is a niche market, a specific type of special

interest tourism. The numerous definitions of Ecotourism can be attributed to

highly divergent views on the part of scientists and practitioners. Farrel and

Runyan (1991), caution that the danger inherent in allowing definitions of

Ecotourism such a scope is that the term can fall a prey to indiscriminate use as

a catchword for almost anything that links tourism with nature.

Trends Leading to Ecotourism

According to the Ecotourism Society (1995), the following are attributed to the

ecotourism trend

1.Increases in the overall travel market.

2.Growth in popularity of vacations to natural areas particularly dramatic

growth rates to parks in developing countries.

3.Massive dissatisfaction with the simplistic travel packages offered by

travel firms and a desire for more educative and challenging vacations

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| *


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4.Urgent need to generate funding and human resources for the

management of protected areas in ways that meet the needs of local rural

populations.

5.Recognition of the importance of tourism within the field of sustainabledevelopment.

6.Provide employment and other avenues of income to rural communities

where ecotourism resources are often located.

The following concepts are used to imply some sort of shift from mass to

ecotourism or sustainable tourism practice. It would be important to differentiate

and where possible make a critique of the usage of these concepts with regards to

ecotourism and tourism in general.

Mass and alternative tourism;

Mass tourism focuses on strictly economic returns, frequently abandoning

the need for conservation, and causing pollution and social/cultural damage,

such as marginalisation of the locals and moral degradation (Nepal, 1997).

Nature tourism does not necessarily address income distribution to local people,

and it often requires considerable foreign expertise.

Nature based tourism versus Ecotourism

The concept of nature-based tourism mushroomed in the early 1900s with the

Sierra Club outings in the United States. In the early 1980s, the concept of

ecotourism was developed by conservationists, such as Hector Ceballos

Lascurain who started to use the term ecotourism while lobbying to conserve

wetlands in northern Yucatan for a breeding ground for the American flamingo.To persuade developers not to build marinas, he argued that tourist activities

such as bird watching would boost the economy of the rural community

and help conserve the fragile ecosystem at the same time. Accordingly,

ecotourism was branded as a means to give nature value so that

conservation can be achieved without sacrificing economic growth.

The definition of ecotourism is still evolving. According to Australias National

Ecotourism Strategy, ecotourism is defined as nature-based tourism that

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| 1+


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involves interpretation and education of the natural environment and is

managed to be ecologically sustainable. The Ecotourism Society defines

ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the

environment and improves the benefits of local people. Honey expands the socialcharacteristics of ecotourism to include aspects of ethics and democracy

(1999, pp, 2224).

According to the broad definition suggested by Honey, genuine ecotourism has

the following characteristics:

involves travel to natural destinations;

minimises impact;

builds environmental awareness;

provides direct financial benefits for conservation;

provides financial benefits and employment for local people;

respects local culture; and

Supports human rights and democratic movements.

In essence, the key elements that distinguish ecotourism from other

tourism operations are: a focus on the natural environment, ecological

sustainability, education and interpretation, and local and regional benefits. As

one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry, ecotourism is charged

with a mission to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Strengths and weaknesses of ecotourism compared to mass and nature

tourism

Activity Strengths Weaknesses

Mass tourism a large number of tourists

large earnings

fast development of

infrastructure

many employees

large leakage of money

the income is not evenly

distributed

serious negative impacts on the

environment

need highly skilled employees,importing a large number of



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foreign experts for top

management

Nature

tourism

low number of

tourists/visitations

large earnings

does not need massive

development of

infrastructure

small number of employees

large leakage of money

income is not evenly distributed

small negative impact on the

environment

high standard, needs foreign

experts for top management

needs monitoring and evaluation

continual law enforcement

Ecotourism number of visitors is based

on carrying capacity

high income

need lots of employees and

at the grass roots level

small leakage

need time so that the concept is

accepted by parties (the all

government, community, and the

private sector)

Soft and hard Ecotourism;

Natural-unnatural Ecotourism;

Exploitive-passive and active Ecotourism- Orams continuum of

Ecotourism types

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is frequently associated with Ecotourism and nature-based

tourism (Boo, 1990; Whelan, 1991). Although Hill (1992), indicates that

sustainable tourism allows visitors to enjoy the touristic assets in such a way

that the local culture and environment is not impaired, he acknowledges that a

zero impact tourism is not realistic as any amount of tourism results in some

impact on the environment. The question of how much impairment to the natural

and cultural environment is acceptable has brought along with it several

terminologies. Cazes (1989, p.123) cited in Godfrey (1993), observes that some of

those advocating for sustainable tourism simply want to avoid the conventional

tourism label. He says that in trying to be different, several authors have used

terms such as soft tourism (Kariel, 1989: Krippendorf, 1982); post industrial

tourism (SEEDS, 1989); alternative tourism (Gonsalves and Holden, 1985);responsible tourism (WTO, 1990); appropriate tourism (Singh et al., 1989); green



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tourism (Brawell, 1991); low impact tourism (Lillywhite and Lillywhite, 1991);

nature-based tourism (Fennel and Eagles, 1990) and Ecotourism (Boo, 1990).

Some scholars point out that this form of tourism is not a recent phenomenon

(Mieczkowski, 1990: 35-57; Jones, 1992:102). They maintain that the recentenvironment movements have simply reinvented the term in the wake of

globally growing nature awareness.

In an attempt to distinguish sustainable tourism from conventional tourism,

Krippendorf (1982); and Lane (1988, 1990) considers sustainable tourism to be

consisting of several tourism product choices (product approach) that are

available to the consumer. Butler (1990) seems to deviate from the product

approach when he contends that conventional tourism is inevitable, due to the

sheer tourist demand and will probably stay so indefinitely. He says that what is

needed is to make conventional tourism sustainable. Wheeler (1991, 1992),

argues that the various tourism products existing in the market could be used to

reform conventional tourism to a more sustainable form. In this regard, Wight

(1993) looks at Ecotourism as one product that could be used to reform

conventional tourism from within. She nevertheless cautions that Ecotourism

should not be represented as an alternative to mass tourism but should be

viewed as one approach to responsible, conservation-oriented, sustainable

tourism.



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CHA5TER 3:

5RINCI5LES OF ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

E!o$our"s, 5r"%!"#'s &%+ Gu"+'"%s

>e i highlight "ome o' the $rinci$le" o' ecotouri"m in cha$ter one.

ecau"e ecotouri"m +a" originally u"t an iea% not a i"ci$line% many

bu"ine"" an go&ernment" $romote it +ithout an uner"taning o' it"

mo"t ba"ic $rinci$le". )" a re"ult% throughout the 1990"% "ta(eholer"

'rom many region"% i"ci$line" an bac(groun" $roceee +ith the

e"tabli"hment o' internationally an nationally acce$te $rinci$le"%

guieline" an certi4cation a$$roache". ;he re"ult" o' the"e meeting" ha"been trac(e by ;he International Ecotouri"m ociety B;IEC "ince 1991

an e&elo$e a "et o' ba"ic ecotouri"m $rinci$le" a" "ho+n belo+:

;hat ecotouri"m "houl:

aC MinimiHe the negati&e im$act" on nature an culture that can

amage a e"tination

bC Eucate the tra&eller on the im$ortance o' con"er&ation

cC tre"" the im$ortance o' re"$on"ible bu"ine""% +hich +or("

coo$erati&ely +ith local authoritie" an $eo$le to meet local nee"

an eli&er con"er&ation bene4t".

C -irect re&enue" to the con"er&ation an management o' natural an

$rotecte area".

eC Em$ha"iHe the nee 'or regional touri"m Honing an 'or &i"itor

management $lan e"igne 'or either region" or natural area" that

are "late to become eco!e"tination".

'C Em$ha"iHe u"e o' en&ironmental an "ocial ba"e!line "tuie"% a" +ell

a" long!term monitoring $rogram"% to a""e" an minimiHe im$act".

gC tri&e to maimiHe economic bene4t 'or the ho"t country% local

bu"ine"" an communitie" $articularly $eo$le" li&ing in an

aacent to natural an $rotecte area".

hC ee( to en"ure that touri"m e&elo$ment oe" not ecee the "ocial

an en&ironmental limit" o' acce$table change a" etermine by

re"earcher" in coo$eration +ith local re"ient".

iC ely on in'ra"tructure that ha" been e&elo$e in harmony +ith the

en&ironment% minimiHing u"e o' 'o""il 'uel"% con"er&ing local $lant"

an +illi'e% an blening +ith the natural an cultural en&ironment.

2o+e&er% &ariou" author" ha&e come u$ +ith a number o' $rinci$le" a"inicate in ;able 1 belo+



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T&' 1* rinci$le" o' Ecotouri"m

("ell be'ore

e$arture tour o$erator" "houl

"u$$ly tra&eller" +ith reaing

material about the country%

en&ironment an local $eo$le% a"

+ell a" a coe o' conuct 'or both

the tra&eller an the inu"try i t"el'.It "houl in&ol&e eucation among all

$artie": local communitie"%

go&ernment% 6GO"% inu"try an

touri"t" Bbe'ore% uring an a'ter the

tri$C

MinimiHe &i"itor im$act" on culture"

by oering literature% brie4ng"%

leaing by eam$le% an ta(ing

correcti&e action"

o"iti&ely contribute" to the ongoing

con"er&ation o' natural area"

ro&ie" irect 4nancial bene4t" 'or

con"er&ation: Ecotouri"m hel$"

rai"e 'un" 'or en&ironmental

$rotection% re"earch an eucation

through a &ariety o' mechani"m"%

incluing $ar( entrance 'ee"% tour

com$any% hotel% airline an air$ort



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tae" an &oluntary contribution".It "houl encourage all!$arty

recognition o' the intrin"ic &alue" o'

the re"ource

A"e ae*uate leaer"hi$% an

maintain "mall enough grou$" to

en"ure minimum grou$ im$act on

e"tination". )&oi area" that are

uner!manage an o&er!&i"ite

ro&ie con"tructi&e ongoing

contribution" to local communitie"

ro&ie" 4nancial bene4t" an

em$o+erment 'or local $eo$le: ;he

local community mu"t be in&ol&e

+ith an recei&e income an other

tangible bene4t" B$otable +ater%

roa"% health clinic"% etc.C 'rom the

con"er&ation area an it" touri"t

'acilitie". =acilitie" an other

conce""ion" "houl be run by or in

$artner"hi$ +ith the "urrouning

communitie".It "houl in&ol&e acce$tance o' the

re"ource in it" o+n term"% an in

recognition o' it" limit"% +hich

in&ol&e "u$$ly!oriente management

En"ure manager"% "ta an contact

em$loyee" (no+ an $artici$ate in

all a"$ect" o' com$any $olicy to

$re&ent im$act" on the en&ironment

an local culture"

I" "en"iti&e to% inter$ret" an

in&ol&e" ierent culture"%

$articularly inigenou" culture

e"$ect" local culture: It "houl be

le"" culturally intru"i&e an

e$loitati&e. art o' being a

re"$on"ible Eco touri"t i" learning

be'orehan about the local

cu"tom"% re"$ecting re"" coe"

an other "ocial norm" an not

intruing on the community unle""

either in&ite or a" $art o' a +ell!

organiHe tour.It "houl $romote uner"taning an

in&ol&e $artner"hi$" bet+een many

$layer"% +hich coul in&ol&e

go&ernment% 6GO"% inu"try%

"cienti"t" an local" Bbe'ore an

uring o$eration"C

Gi&e manager"% "ta an contact

em$loyee" acce"" to $rogramme"

that +ill u$grae their ability to

communicate +ith an manage

client" in "en"iti&e natural an

cultural "etting"

3on"i"tently meet" client"

e$ectation"

It "houl $romote moral an ethical

re"$on"ibilitie" an beha&iourto+ar" the natural an cultural

en&ironment by all

e a contributor" to con"er&ation o'

the region

Mar(eting i" accurate an lea" to

reali"tic e$ectation"

ro&ie com$etiti&e% local

em$loyment in all a"$ect" o'

bu"ine"" o$eration"Oer!"ite "en"iti&e accommoation"

that are not +a"te'ul o' local

re"ource" or e"tructi&e to the

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| 1%


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en&ironment% +hich $ro&ie am$le

o$$ortunity 'or learning about the

en&ironment an "en"iti&e

interchange +ith local communitie"

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| 1(


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E!o$our"s, Gu"+'"%s &%+ 5r&!$"!s

Guidelines for Nature Tour Operators

I. Pre%departure Pro!rams %%&isitor Information and Education 'uideline

1. re$are tra&eller" to minimiHe their negati&e im$act" +hile&i"iting "en"iti&e en&ironment" an culture" be'ore e$arture by

oering literature% brie4ng"% leaing by eam$le% an ta(ing

correcti&e action". ;echni*ue" to con"ier inclue:

Oer &i"itor" the eucational material" they nee to learn

about the $lace" an $eo$le to be &i"ite an introuce the

im$ortance o' contributing to the con"er&ation o' $lace"

being &i"ite.

Eucate &i"itor" about the 'ull range o' natural an cultural

$henomenon to be ob"er&e.

Eucate &i"itor" to con"ier the eect" o' their &i"it in

a&ance an to moi'y their beha&iour +hile tra&eling% +ith

the obecti&e o' minimiHing im$act".

ro&ie introuctory in'ormation on the $eo$le an

eco"y"tem" to be &i"ite in $re!e$arture $ac(age". tre""

the im$ortance o' reaing $re!e$arture in'ormation% "uch

a" "electe bibliogra$hie"% an re&ie+ aitional re"ource"

'or each e"tination.

ee$ in'ormation obecti&e an +ell!groune u"ing

eam$le" o' $henomenon &i"itor" might encounter.

ro&ie general tra&el ethic" are""ing "tanar" 'or

beha&iour in natural area" an +ith local culture".

ro&ie in'ormation on the e*ui$ment% clothing an

$er"onal "u$$lie" "uitable to the region" being &i"ite.

>arn again"t bringing i"$o"able goo" that contribute to

the "oli +a"te buren in the region.

ro&ie in'ormation on $rouct" to a&oi that are illegally

trae.

ro&ie in'ormation% a" re*uire% on a&oiing the acciental

tran"$ort o' 'oreign% eotic "$ecie" into i"olate

eco"y"tem" being &i"ite.

&isitor (ene)ts:


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II. 'uidin! Pro!rams %%Prevention of ultural Impacts

1. MinimiHe tra&eller im$act" on local culture" by oering literature%

brie4ng"% leaing by eam$le% an ta(ing correcti&e action".

Refer to the hand out on continuation notes..

N


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ob&iou"% "o it i" largely un(no+n ho+ "igni4cant they may be. =or

eam$le% touri"t" may carry $athogenic micro!organi"m" in their gut

'auna% +hich may be leache into +atercour"e" 'rom human +a"te% an

then tran"mitte by nati&e +illi'e to other +atercour"e" +here they are

inge"te by other $eo$le. )nother eam$le o' inirect im$act i" in 'orm o're$eate i"turbance to +illi'e% "uch a" bear"% +hale"% eagle"% turtle"%

lion"% an cheetah". ;he i"turbance may inter'ere +ith their ability to

'ee an bree% cau"ing long term!$o$ulation ecline.

*+ Ecolo!ical Impacts of Travel

6ature!ba"e touri"m o'ten in&ol&e" tra&el in a &ariety o' motoriHe

&ehicle"% by lan% "ea an air. In "ome ca"e"% there i" little

alternati&e mean" o' tran"$ort a&ailable% e.g. in a 1000!(m 'our

+heel ri&e "a'ari acro"" enya. )" long a" minimal!im$act

$ractice" are 'ollo+e% thi" may "till be con"iere a" ecotouri"m. In

other ca"e"% there i" reaily a&ailable non!motoriHe alternati&e:

hi(ing in"tea o' an o!roa &ehicle BO- tour"

3learly category / i" not ecotouri"m# categorie" 1 an , may be%

e$ening on the e4nition ao$te an the +ay the tour i" run.

Im$act"% ho+e&er% e$en on ho+ an +here a &ehicle i" o$erate%

not +hy.

! oa" an 'orme trac("% i' not +ell e"igne an

con"tructe% can interru$t "ur'ace rainage an cau"e "oilero"ion% "ometime" on a ma""i&e "cale.

! ;hey cau"e local &egetation clearance an can act a" barrier"

to "ome animal"% $articularly "maller &ertebrate" an non!

ying in&ertebrate".

! Mu on &ehicle tyre" may contain +ee "ee" an 'ungal

"$ore".

! =a"t mo&ing &ehicle" cau"e roa(ill% an engine an tyre noi"e

can i"turb animal" con"ierable i"tance a+ay.

!


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+orm". MotoriHe boat" an aircra't can cau"e +ie"$rea

noi"e an &i"ual i"turbance to +illi'e.

! E&en balloon" may cau"e 'eeing +illi'e her" to "catter.

! oat engine ehau"t" cau"e air an +ater $ollution.

! Lea(" or "$ill" at helico$ter an light!aircra't re'ueling e$ot"can cau"e "e&ere "oil an +ater contamination.

+ Accommodation Impacts

Ecotouri"m accommoation may range 'rom barely etectable

o&ernight bi&ouac by the bu"h+al(er or climber to large ecologe"

an ecore"ort". ;he latter are "im$ly hotel" that ha&e ao$te be"t

$rinci$le" an $ractice" o' en&ironmental e"ign an management.

et+een the"e etreme" lie a +ie range o' accommoation ty$e":

hi(ing tent"% car tent"% tente cam$"% hut"% cabin" an loge". ome

ha&e ancillary in'ra"tructure "uch a" acce"" roa"% car $ar("%

maintenance $lant% generator" an "e+age treatment "y"tem"#

other" o not. -e$ening on "cale an com$onent"% im$act" may

inclue:

3ru"hing or clearance o' &egetation#

oil moi4cation"

Introuction o' +ee" an $athogen"

>ater $ollution 'rom human +a"te% "$ent +a"hing an cleaning

+ater% engine 'uel an oil re"iue"% an cleaning $rouct" )ir $ollution 'rom generator ehau"t"# noi"e 'rom machinery%

&ehicle" an &oice"

- o!roa 'or ecitement o' the ri&e +oul



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not. ;he latter +oul be more a$$ro$riately be cla""i4e a" a&enture

touri"m.

;here i" a +ie range o' outoor acti&itie" that may &ariou"ly be

con"iere a" outoor recreation% outoor eucation% outoor "$ort%a&enture touri"m% or ecotouri"m% e$ening on ho+ they are carrie out.

;he"e inclue bir +atching% boating% bu"h +al(ing% canoeing an

(aya(ing% climbing% 4"hing an hunting% mountain bi(ing% o!roa ri&ing

an touring% $hotogra$hy% "ailing% "(iing% +hale +atching% +illi'e &ie+ing

an other acti&itie" +hich can ta(e $lace in $rotecte area"% other $ublic

lan" an natural en&ironment". ome o' the acti&itie" may u"e &ehicle"%

helico$ter"% balloon"% motoriHe boat" etc. Other" u"e hor"e"% mule"%

mountain bi(e"% "(i". )ll the"e% e&en hi(ing boot"% lea&e "ome im$act.

Many o' the"e acti&itie" may al"o inclue o&ernight cam$ing% incluing

coo(ing% heating an +a"hing% +ith a""ociate im$act".

Im$act o' ecotouri"m acti&itie" on:

Soils touri"t &ehicle"% hi(ing both on an o trail" can moi'y "oil"

in a number o' +ay"% 'or eam$le by remo&ing litter an reucing

organic matter an nutrient content# i"integrating "oil aggregate"#

reucing $oro"ity% $ermeability% $enetrability an in4ltration# an

increa"ing "ur'ace runo an ero"ion. oil com$action can al"o

moi'y "oil tem$erature $ro4le". ;he"e change" aect "oil microbe"

an in&ertebrate"% $lant root" an animal burro+"# an the"e in turn

aect abo&egroun &egetation an animal".

&e!etation ;he eect" o' tram$ling on &egetation ha&e been

"tuie 'ar more inten"i&ely than any other recreational im$act%

$robably becau"e they are ea"ily *uanti4e e$erimentally. ;he

egree o' amage e$en" on the $re""ure a$$lie% the number o'

$a""e"% the time o' the year% the ty$e o' &egetation% an the

ini&iual $lant "$ecie" concerne. E&en a lo+!inten"ity im$act%

"uch a" $eo$le bru"hing again"t $lant" a" they +al( by% ha" been"ho+n to $rouce $hy"iological an biochemical change"% +hich

may be elaye "ome time a'ter the initial im$act B2ylgarr an

Lile% 1981C. In mo"t &egetation ty$e"% e&en relati&ely light

tram$ling cau"e" con"ierable initial reuction in $lant co&er% a" the

more "u"ce$tible "$ecie" are (ille. 2ea&ier tram$ling e&entually

remo&e" e&en the mo"t re"i"tant "$ecie"% but more "lo+ly. ;he

'ollo+ing are "ome conclu"ion" ba"e on tram$ling "tuie":

;he "en"iti&ity o' ierent eco"y"tem" to tram$ling &arie"

enormou"ly



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I' tram$ling i" hea&y enough in any eco"y"tem% $lant co&er

+ill ie an local "oil ero"ion% "ometime" con"ierable e$th%

+ill occur

I' tram$ling cea"e"% "oil an &egetation +ill generally reco&er

at lea"t to "ome egree% o&er &ariou" time"cale"% +hich maybe &ery long

>- &ehicle" % trail bi(e"% mountain bi(e" an $articularly

hor"e" cau"e &a"tly greater im$act" than hi(er"

>ith &ery 'e+ ece$tion"% the irect im$act" o' tram$ling it"el'

o not continue beyon the actual trac(% an o not continue

to gro+ i' tram$ling cea"e".

(irds 6umerou" "tuie" +orl+ie ha&e "ho+n that a +ie range

o' bir" "$ecie"% in a +ie range o' en&ironment"% may be i"turbeby noi"e or &i"ual "ighting" o' touri"t"% or e&en at lo+ inten"ity.

ome "$ecie" are more "u"ce$tible than other"% an +hile "ome

may become habituate to i"turbance% other" o not Bla(e"ley

an ee"e% 1988C. ir "$ecie" a""emblage"% $o$ulation" an

beha&iour may al"o be change in area" u"e 'or cam$ing% 4"hing

an recreational boating Bell an )u"tin% 1985# eller% 1989C an in

area" u"e 'or hunting an by recreational &ehicle" an aircra't

Belanger an ear% 1989C. e$eate i"turbance by touri"t"

cau"e" "ub"tantial reuction in the breeing "ucce"" o' a +ie

range o' "horebir"% o'ten o N 50D. Eam$le" inclue relati&ely

re"tricte an enangere "$ecie" "uch a" bro+n $elican an

2erman" gull B)ner"on an eith% 1980C. 6e"ting "ucce"" o' large

ha+(" an eagle"% +hich are o'ten maor touri"t attraction"% i" al"o

reuce ramatically by touri"t i"turbance.

B. Economic Impacts

*+ -iscal impacts .Ta/es, fees, e/penditure0

;ouri"m not only generate" go&ernment re&enue through bu"ine""

an other general tae"% but al"o through inu"try!"$eci4c channel"

"uch a" $ayment o' occu$ancy an e$arture tae". 3on&er"ely%

touri"m generate" 4"cal co"t" in the 'orm% 'or eam$le 'uning 'or

in'ra"tructure. O' $articular intere"t in the ecotouri"m contet are

4"cal im$act" on $rotecte area". Ecotouri"m ha" "ub"tantial

$otential to 4nancially contribute to the creation an maintenance

o' $rotecte area"% an thi" $otential ha" been increa"ingly realiHe

uring the $a"t ecae. 2o+e&er% many "till charge little or no 'ee"%

an at "uch "ite" ecotouri"m may cau"e a net negati&e 4"cal im$act

ue to the co"t" in&ol&e in $ro&iing the ecotouri"m e$erience.



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+ 1educed access to resources

;ouri"m utiliHe" &ariou" re"ource" a" in$ut" into the $rouct" an

"er&ice" $ro&ie to &i"itor". In the ca"e o' ecotouri"m% one o' the"e

$rouct" i" nature in $artially or totally $re"er&e "tate.

re"er&ation o' natural area" o'ten in&ol&e" reuce local acce"" tore"ource".

2+ In3ation

Many e"tination" ha&e e$erience increa"e $rice" 'or goo"%

"er&ice" an lan ue to touri"m e&elo$ment% an thi" i" a co"t

borne by the re"ient" o' the area +ho $urcha"e the"e item".

4+ 1evenue sharin!

)t "ome ecotouri"m e"tination% re"ient" bene4t 'rom re&enue!

"haring $rogramme" that either $ro&ie ca"h $ayment" or% more

commonly% 'uning 'or community $roect" "uch a" +ell"% "chool"%

ho"$ital"% etc. =or eam$le% 6e$al" >illi'e con"er&ation )ct

$ro&ie" 'or the i"tribution o' /0 50D o' $rotecte area 'ee

re&enue to "urrouning communitie".

>hether the abo&e im$act" are goo or ba +ill e$en on one"

$er"$ecti&e. =or eam$le% "ome may e"ire continuity in local

economic relation"hi$% +hile other" may e"ire reuction" in income

ine*ualitie". er"on" +i"hing to "ell lan +oul +elcome increa"e

lan $rice"% +hile tho"e +ho +i"h to buy lan or retain lan they

o+n Ban on +hich they may $ay $ro$erty tae"C +oul o$$o"e

increa"e $rice". Li(e+i"e% touri"m i" "ai to com$ete +ith other

"ector"% notably agriculture% 'or lan% labour an 4nance. ;he

e"irability o' thi" com$etition e$en" on one" $er"$ecti&e#

+or(er" earning a higher +age or in&e"tor" recei&ing a higher return

'rom touri"m may i"agree +ith member" o' the community +ho

lament the tran"ition a+ay 'rom traitional agricultural acti&itie".

5+ 6ea7a!e

Lea(age i" o'ten li"te a" a negati&e im$act% but it i" more

a$$ro$riately &ie+e a" the ab"ence o' a $o"iti&e im$act. ather

than cau"ing economic harm% it "im$ly oe" not $ro&ie the bene4t

o' 'oregone ob". imilarly% the in"tability an% in "ome ca"e"%

une"irability o' touri"m ob" i" o'ten "een a" a negati&e im$act% but

can alternati&ely be &ie+e a" the lac( o' $o"iti&e im$act" B"table%

e"irable em$loymentC. It i" true that touri"m ty$ically in&ol&e"

high le&el" o' lea(age% but that oe" not nece""arily mean it i"



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une"irable a" a e&elo$ment "trategy. )$$ro$riate *ue"tion" in thi"

contet are:

i. >hether lea(age" can be reuce an% i' "o% at +hat e$en"e# an

ii. Gi&en current or reuce lea(age"% combine +ith other bene4t"an co"t"% +hether touri"m remain" more e"irable than alternati&e

e&elo$ment o$tion".

3on"ier the eam$le o' an )merican touri"t +i"hing to &i"it )mbo"eli

6ational ar( in enya. he might buy a tour 'rom a A outboun tour

o$erator% +hich in turn ha" arrange 'or an inboun o$erator to lea the

tour in enya. ;he inboun tour o$erator +ill in turn $urcha"e ami""ion

to the $ar(% +hich i" manage by enya >illi'e er&ice. )lternati&ely% the

touri"t may choo"e to arrange the tri$ irectly +ith an inboun tour

o$erator% either to "a&e money or becau"e "he i" alreay in enya. It i"

al"o $o""ible that "he might 'orgo u"ing an o$erator in 'a&our o' tra&eling

to the $ar( irectly by her"el'.

Many ob"er&e" &oice the concern that much o' the tri$ co"t% an thu" the

economic bene4t% remain" +ith the outboun o$erator" an "ource

country airline". ;o "ome etent% thi" i" "im$ly ue to the nature o' the

touri"m inu"try# "ub"tantial 'un" are "$ent on mar(eting% commi""ion"

an tran"$ort be'ore touri"t" e&en reach the e"tination".

) con"i"tent 4ning o' economic im$act "tuie"% $articularly in e&elo$ing

countrie" i" that there i" high le&el o' lea(age. Much o' the initial touri"t

e$eniture lea&e" the e"tination country% an e"$ecially the e"tination

"ite it"el'% to $ay 'or im$orte goo" an "er&ice" u"e in the touri"m

inu"try.

Socio-ultural ImpactsB=iguerola% cite in earce% 1989C

1. Im$act" on $o$ulation "tructurea. iHe o' $o$ulation

b. )geJ"e com$o"ition

c. Moi4cation o' 'amily "iHe

. ural!Arban tran"'ormation o' $o$ulation

,. ;ran"'ormation o' ty$e" o' occu$ation

a. Im$act onJo' language an *uali4cation le&el

b. Im$act on occu$ation i"tribution by "ector

c. -eman 'or 'emale labour

. Increa"e in "ea"onality o' em$loyment/. ;ran"'ormation o' &alue"



26/31

a. olitical

b. ocial

c. eligio"u"

. Moral

. Inuence on traitional +ay o' li'ea. )rt% mu"ic an 'ol(lore

b. 2abit" an cu"tom"

c. -aily li&ing

5. Moi4cation o' con"um$tion $attern"

a. ualitati&e alteration"

b. uantitati&e alteration"

CHA5TER FOUR:

OVERVIE( OF LEGISLATIVE AND MANAGEMENT FRAME(OR=SFOR ECOTOURISM IN =ENYA

E%/"ro%,%$&' M&%&


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eco"y"tem". u"tainable e&elo$ment mean" e&elo$ment that meet"

the nee" o' the $re"ent generation +ithout com$romi"ing the ability o'

'uture generation" to meet their nee" by maintaining the carrying

ca$acity o' the "u$$orting eco"y"tem".

G%r&' 5r"%!"#'s o7 $0 A!$

)rticle / o' the En&ironmental Management an 3o!orination )ct% 1999

$ro&ie the 'ollo+ing general $rinci$le":

1.CE&ery $er"on in enya i" entitle to a clean an healthy

en&ironment an ha" the uty to "a'eguar an enhance the

en&ironment.

,.C;he entitlement uner "ub"ection B1C inclue" the acce"" by any

$er"on in enya to the &ariou" $ublic element" or "egment" o' the

en&ironment 'or recreational% eucational% health% "$iritual an

cultural $ur$o"e"./.C I' a $er"on allege" that the entitlement con'erre uner "ub"ection

B1C ha" been% i" being or i" li(ely to be contra&ene in relation to

him% then +ithout $reuice Bbia"C to any other action +ith re"$ect

to the "ame matter +hich i" la+'ully a&ailable% that $er"on may

a$$ly to the 2igh 3ourt 'or rere"" an the 2igh 3ourt may ta(e

"uch orer"% i""ue "uch +rit" B"ummon"e"C or gi&e "uch irection"

a" it may eem a$$ro$riate to

aC $re&ent% "to$ or i"continue any act or omi""ion eleteriou"

Bharm'ul% inuriou"% amaging etc.C to the en&ironment#bC com$el any $ublic oRcer to ta(e mea"ure" to $re&ent or

i"continue any act or omi""ion eleteriou" to the

en&ironment#

cC re*uire that any on!going acti&ity be "ubecte to an

en&ironment auit in accorance +ith the $ro&i"ion" o' thi"

)ct% notably by the 6ational En&ironment Management

)uthority B6EM)C

C com$el the $er"on" re"$on"ible 'or the en&ironmental

egraation to re"tore the egrae en&ironment a" 'ar a"$racticable to it" immeiate conition $rior to the amage#

an

eC $ro&ie com$en"ation 'or any &ictim" o' $ollution an the co"t

o' bene4cial u"e" lo"t a" a re"ult o' an act o' $ollution an

other lo""e" that are connecte +ith or inciental to the

'oregoing.

.C) $er"on $roceeing uner "ub"ection B/C o' thi" "ection "hall ha&e

the ca$acity to bring an action not+ith"taning that "uch a $er"on

cannot "ho+ that the e'enant" act or omi""ion ha" cau"e or i"

Ecotourism Notes by George Otieno (2016)| 2(


28/31

li(ely to cau"e him any $er"onal lo"" or inury $ro&ie that "uch

action

aC i" not 'ri&olou" B$er(y% $lay'ulC or &eation" Baggra&ation"%

u$"et"% annoyanceC# or

bC i" not an abu"e o' the court $roce"".

5.C In eerci"ing the uri"iction con'erre u$on it uner "ub"ection B/C%

the 2igh 3ourt "hall be guie by the 'ollo+ing $rinci$le" o'

"u"tainable e&elo$ment#

aC ;he principle of public participation in the e&elo$ment o'

$olicie"% $lan" an $roce""e" 'or the management o' the

en&ironment#

bC ;he cultural and social principle traditionall# applied b# an#

communit#in enya 'or the management o' the en&ironment

or natural re"ource" in "o 'ar a" the "ame are rele&ant an are

not re$ugnant to u"tice an morality or incon"i"tent +ith any

+ritten la+#

cC ;heprinciple of international co%operationin the management

o' en&ironmental re"ource" "hare by t+o or more "tate"#

C ;he principles of inter!enerational and intra!enerational

e8uit#. Pintragenerational e*uityQ mean" that all $eo$le +ithin

the $re"ent generation ha&e the right to bene4t e*ually 'rom

the e$loitation o' the en&ironment% an that they ha&e an

e*ual entitlement to a clean an healthy en&ironment#

eC ;he $olluter!$ay" $rinci$le# an the $re!cautionary $rinci$le.

$olluter!$ay" $rinci$leQ mean" that the co"t o' cleaning u$

any element o' the en&ironment amage by $ollution%

com$en"ating &ictim" o' $ollution% co"t o' bene4cial u"e" lo"t

a" a re"ult o' an act o' $ollution an other co"t" that are

connecte +ith or inciental to the 'oregoing% i" to be $ai or

borne by the $er"on con&icte o' $ollution uner thi" )ct or

any other a$$licable la+.

'C ;he $re!cautionary $rinci$le. ;he $rinci$le that +here thereare threat" o' amage to the en&ironment% +hether "eriou" or

irre&er"ible% lac( o' 'ull "cienti4c certainty "hall not be u"e a"

a rea"on 'or $o"t$oning co"t!eecti&e mea"ure" to $re&ent

en&ironmental egraation.

E%/"ro%,%$&' 5'&%%"%

Ecotourism (Georges 2014).doc

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