Ecotourism in Africa

A frica's wildlife and natural beauty have been

attracting tourists for years. But until

recently tourism did more harm than good

and the industry was not growing. Many of the

animal species that tourists came to see faced

extinction as a result of hunting, poaching, political

instability and the increase in human populations.

Profits that were made from tourism activities did

not benefit local communities.

Today tourism is a growing industry, which is

helping to protect natural resources and to empower

local communities. Africa has been a leader in the

international trend towards sustainable tourism,

which is what ecotourism is all about. Africa's

ecotourism industry helps to protect wildlife and to

educate tourists and local people about the need to

preserve natural resources. The industry now sees

the community as an integral part of tourism. The

idea of ecotourism is catching on fast.

Ecotourism started when people realised that

tourism could not work or be sustainable without

the support of local communities. Involving local

communities brought much-needed revenue into

cornmumtres and it gave people a reason to

preserve their natural resources. Hunters, who had

previously used their extensive knowledge of local

environments to kill animals, now serve as guides

to tourists. Local farmers, who had previously

grown only enough to feed themselves, are now

prospering because they are able to sell their crops

to hotels and restaurants.

Today ecotourists visit Africa to engage with and

learn more about African people, their history and

culture. They expect to stay in accommodation that

is environmentally friendly and that has a minimal

impact on the environment. They expect to eat

foods which are made from local ingredients. They

also corne to see wildlife in its natural habitat and

they are willing to play their part in preserving this

natural habitat. They want to help to prevent the

extinction of wild animals and plants.

So tourism is becoming more responsible.

Ecotourism is helping the tourist industry in Africa

to grow and to remain sustainable. A positive trend

for local communities and future generations will

also be able to enjoy this wonderful heritage.