Ecotourism Potential and Challenges at Lake Natron Ramsar Site, Tanzania

Abstract

Ecotourism is thought to carry the promise to generate funds for conservation and provide alternative livelihood opportunities that are consistent with conservation of nature. However, lack of careful ecotourism planning and appropriate management in protected areas may result in environmental deterioration and inequitable development among the local communities. This paper analyzes the ecotourism potential and challenges in contributing to local sustainable management and conservation of Lake Natron Ramsar Site. Data were gathered through questionnaire surveys to area’s residents and foreign tourists, interviews with key informants, and field site observation. Findings show that Lake Natron has immense tourist attraction potentials that are important for ecotourism development. However, lack of a general management plan, inadequate funding at the operational level, lack of mechanisms to secure a fair distribution of ecotourism benefits, and poorly developed tourism infrastructural facilities to support diverse segments of tourists were identified as the main challenges associated with the management of ecotourism in the area. The paper suggests a design of an effective management structure that can effectively address the obstacles and ensure that ecotourism achieves its long-term economic and conservation goals.