Protected Areas and Tourism in Southern Africa: Conservation Goals and Community Livelihoods

This book explores the complex relationship between protected areas and tourism in Southern Africa, examining their impact on community livelihoods. It highlights both the opportunities and challenges faced by communities and other stakeholders as they strive to achieve conservation goals and improve community livelihoods. Case studies from various countries address key issues such as human-wildlife conflicts, ecotourism, wildlife-based tourism, land governance, wildlife crop-raiding, and trophy hunting. The volume provides valuable insights into policy and practice for conservation and sustainable development in Southern Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The intricate interplay between protected areas and tourism is explored in this comprehensive volume, shedding light on their profound impact on community livelihoods across Southern Africa. While protected areas provide a captivating backdrop for tourism offerings, tourism generates vital revenue that can support conservation initiatives. However, this relationship is not without its complexities. The establishment of protected areas often leads to the displacement of local communities from their ancestral lands, restricting their access to natural resources and perpetuating social inequalities.

To address these multifaceted challenges, this book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach. It delves into the opportunities and complexities faced by communities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders as they strive to achieve conservation goals and enhance community well-being. Case studies from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe provide valuable insights into key issues such as human-wildlife conflicts, ecotourism, wildlife-based tourism, land governance, wildlife crop-raiding, and trophy hunting, including the highly publicized case of Cecil the lion.

Chapters in this volume highlight both the achievements and positive outcomes of protected areas while also shedding light on the challenges encountered and their broader implications for conservation priorities. By placing these issues at the forefront, the book aims to inform policy decisions and improve practices in the field of protected areas and beyond.

This book holds immense value for students, scholars, professionals, and anyone with an interest in conservation, natural resource management, tourism, sustainable development, and African studies. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex relationship between protected areas and tourism, providing valuable insights for future research and policy endeavors.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032044347