Effective Community Participation in Ecotourism Management

Tourism has brought many socio-economic benefits in many developing countries with limited options for development.The industry has been recognized as one of the best means of poverty alleviation due to its high multiplier effect on every facet of the economy.Unfortunately,these benefits are often accompanied by negative socio-environmental impacts,degrading the very resource base on which the tourism industry depends for sustainability.Effective community participation in Ecotourism management,ensures improvement of the tourism quality,and institution of mechanisms to minimize the negative impacts,in the tourism area.This is important as the people determine the long-term future and profitability of the ecotourism industry.The book is based on a study on Kimana Communal Ranch,Kajiado District,Kenya,where a wildlife sanctuary was established in 1992,as the first ever community wildlife sanctuary in Africa.The study investigated the extent of local community participation;opportunities and challenges,equity issues,and the impact on the success of the ecotourism enterprises, and mitigation measures.This can make ecotourism a viable economic activity in developing countries.