The Importance Of Ecotourism

Introduction

Ecotourism is an important concept that puts into consideration biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability as well as securing tangible natural resources for future generation use. According to Kiper (2013), ecotourism’s perceived potential as an effective tool for sustainable development is the main reason why developing countries are now embracing it and including it in their economic development and conservation strategies. It helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local community. Medina (2005) explains that a criterion for sustainable tourism should include indicators of social and economic sustainability adding up to indicators of environmental sustainability. Okomu

If the environment has not at least achieved a net benefit toward its sustainability and ecological integrity, then the activity is not ecotourism. Wall (1997) argued that for tourism to contribute to sustainable development it must be economically viable, environmentally sensitive and culturally appropriate, and the forms that this might take are likely to vary with location. However, without careful planning and management that balance ecological, social, and economic objectives, it may lead to environmental

Pendjari National Park is situated within longitude 06°45’N and latitude 02°23’E (Figure 2). It covers an area of 2,755 km². The Pendjari National Park is situated in the north-west of the country, against the international frontier with Burkina Faso, where it is contiguous with the Arli–W–Singou protected area complex (Cheke, 2001; Nago, et al., 2006). The main vegetation type encountered was Sudan and Northern Guinea savannas (Cheke, 2001). The park is flat apart from the Buém hills in the east, which reach 423 m, and a second group of hills to the south-west (Cheke, 2001). It is bounded on three sides by the perennial Pendjari River, which rises in the Atacora Hills south of the park, before draining into the Oti River which flows into Togo and Ghana. The course of the Pendjari along the northern edge of the park forms the international border with Burkina Faso (Cheke,