Expert advises stakeholders to exploit ecotourism to develop local communities

Mr Manfred Nzekwe, the Special Assistant to Enugu State Government on Tourism, has advised tourism stakeholders to exploit ecotourism to develop the host local communities. Nzekwe gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that ecotourism had grown in influence and importance and should be developed in line with global best practices to boost the country’s economy. “Ecotourism helps in involving the local community in the conservation of the ecology and biodiversity of the area; this biodiversity, in turn provides the economic incentives to the local community.

“Ecotourism can help to ensure community development by providing an alternative source of livelihood, which is more sustainable for the people. “It will, however, require responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry to promote small and medium tourism enterprises.’’

According to Nzekwe, Ecotourism is a unique subset of the tourism industry, which focuses on the enhancement and maintenance of natural systems via tourism. “Ecotourism or nature tourism is a relatively recent development that has become very popular all over the world and man plays an important role in its survival or its demise.

“It involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and Nigeria is blessed with beautiful natural environments which provide interesting sites for leisure, adventure and other tourism related activities.

“The hills, caves, springs, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, forests and wildlife constitute important attractions for people to enjoy,’’ he said. Nzekwe also emphasised the need for Nigeria to preserve its environment and maintain the values left by its ancestors to ensure sustainable development of the country’s heritage.

“Ecotourism, as an alternative form of tourism, involves visiting natural areas in order to learn about them or simply enjoy the scenery; this enables the economic and social development of the host local community.

“It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality.’’

Nzekwe said that carefully planned and operated ecotourism sites, especially the village-based type, would provide direct benefits to the communities, thereby, protecting the environment and its natural assets.

“In order for ecotourism to encourage patterns of sustainability, which can benefit local communities, it must be comprehensive and account for the complexities that are associated with tourism.

“It must account for social, economic and environmental implications in order to succeed. “We must therefore continue to work on and suggest ways to evaluate and grow the practice of ecotourism and sustainable development,’’ he said.