The Environment Conservation Tourism at Risk

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

amibia is known for its pristine landscapes with internationally renowned scenery such as Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park with either Courtesy:EmbassyoftheRepublicofNamibiainJapan

Npristine landscapes and dunes or with spectacular wildlife such as the “big five”. The country is also a leader in Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), which is based on the understanding that if natural resources have sufficient value to rural communities as a people-centred approach to the integration of conservation of the natural resource

It therefore provides a boost to tourism covering approximately 16.5% of the total land area (approximately 136 000 square km) as well as some 200 privately owned game farms (gasteplaas) or reserves The total area of protected land in Namibia, enjoying conservation through state, community conservancy or private efforts is no less than 45% of the country's surface area.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) notes on its frequently asked questions that “the role of protected areas in Namibia is to promote the conservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat in Namibia and the sustainable use of wildlife resources Concessions provide opportunities for business development in Namibia’s protected areas. They allow visitors to Namibia’s parks access to locations that are ordinarily inaccessible. They also diversify the range of opportunities on offer and generate additional revenue from the conservation and sensible use of Namibia’s indigenous plant and wildlife resources Concession activities generally lend themselves to high value, low impact tourism activities

Tourists visit destinations hoping to observe and experience wildlife in their natural habitats When iconic species such as elephants, rhinos, or big cats are targeted by poachers, tourists may be less inclined to visit these areas due to the diminished opportunity for wildlife sightings. As a result, the impact of poaching especially in Etosha is a concern and the MEFT notes that poaching of Rhinos (45 in 2021, 87 in 2022) creates a “hotspot” requiring increased vigilance and funding for control Further noted is the threat to Namibia’s reputation for conservation and socio-economic development through tourism.

Poaching disrupts ecological balance and can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems as well as tarnishes the reputation of destinations associated with wildlife conservation and ecotourism The threat goes further, and poaching activities pose direct risks to tourists' safety and well-being. Incidents of poachers encroaching into protected areas may lead to confrontations with visitors, jeopardizing their safety

Tourism can also help protect valuable ecosystems and biodiversity by actively conserving and preserving natural resources. Revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested into conservation efforts. Entrance fees, park permits, and eco-tourism initiatives contribute to funding conservation projects, habitat restoration, and wildlife protection programs These financial resources enable governments and conservation organizations to implement effective strategies for preserving natural areas and biodiversityhotspots

In 2022, some 500 000 foreign visitors came to Namibia and 46.5 percent via air, with 44.1 percent arriving through the Hosea Kutako International Airport. With tourism said to be the fastest contribute approximately 12 percent to Namibia’s GDP and 5.7 percent to total employment in 2022 as well as estimated to employ some 100 000 persons, can Namibia afford the risk posed by poaching to its tourism industry?

As always, the conversation continues infocus@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings:

https://conservationnamibia.com/blog/rural-development-beyondtourism-2023 php https://www nwr com na/etosha-national-park/ http://namibiatokyo.or.jp/jp/pc jp tourism/ https://www meft gov na/faqs/ https://www meft gov na/files/files/poaching%20update%202022%2 023.pdf https://www solimarinternational com/impact-of-sustainabletourism/ https://www.meft.gov.na/files/downloads/MEFT-TouristStatistical%20Report-2022-new%20design 21-Aug-2023 pdf