There are many conservation agents scattered throughout Africa. Their lasting purpose is to protect and preserve the wonders and miracles of many of which they are custodians. Their main goal is to ensure that pristine forest areas are preserved for future generations. The core of this vision is to make sustainable conservation and empowerment of local communities.
Dr. Bruce Clegg, an ecologist who lives at the Malilangwe Trust in Zimbabwe, explains how wildlife conservation, rural development, and tourism are linked in Africa:
Only 3.6% of Africa’s GDP comes from tourism and travel, with only a handful of countries in Africa producing the majority. Ecotourism occurs. But it is only a fraction of a small figure, making conservation of wildlife a major obstacle.
Making money from tourism is difficult, and this is true for developing countries. Only 5% of the world’s tourists visit Africa. The market is very competitive with high overheads and low margins. The industry is vulnerable to natural disasters and outbreaks, etc. It generally takes several years to develop a credible reputation or recovery. High-level competition has made companies turn their attention to the more attractive species. (Such as the Big Five) inevitably preserves the needs of endangered species. But little cute and plant varieties are often overlooked. For these reasons, the hopes placed on eco-tourism remain ineffective.
However, there is light at the end of this tunnel. Many progressive organizations have identified these failures and changed their approach. They are currently establishing a partnership between philanthropists, philanthropists, charities and their ecotourism projects, such as South Africa accommodation in the safari. Moving to get better results. The benefits of community development through job creation for the villagers due to ecotourism and additional funding from charitable partners will be used to implement conservation programs and to further raise the community.
Many organizations have taken the following steps in partnership with professional conservation and development organizations. This provides better technical information and the experience needed to work truly meaningful. This method has the added benefit of instilling confidence in the organization. This three-way collaboration is a good foundation for future industries. If we are certified, we can see the role of ecotourism in enhancing and sustaining the community.