Some sceptics believe the term was already being used as far back as 1965, when adventure-enthusiast and Californian-born Claus-Dieter (Nick) Hetzer pioneered ecotours in the Yucatán. Fast-forward to the present day, what relevance does this term have to the African continent, and is this form of tourism actually benefitting economies, the environment and local communities?

​

Not only are there mixed reviews about who defined ecotourism first; there are mixed feelings about whether the word itself is an oxymoron, lending to the fact that tourism leaves a human stain on previously untouched and pristine ecosystems. Adventure tourism is the number one motivation for travel. Today, tourists want to explore unchartered territory, to experience new adventures and see unspoilt locations. Ironically, these environments are the most fragile and susceptible to human interference. Further to that, there is confusion about the type of tourism the term includes. Strictly speaking, ecotourism is a type of tourism including travel to natural environments in such a way that minimises the human footprint on the area, travel which actually benefits the local communities and in turn, incentivises them to maintain the condition of the environment. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, that which requires the lowest possible consumption of natural resources; and travel which gains a greater appreciation of natural habitats, whilst respecting local cultures.

​

There are both advantages and disadvantages to this type of tourism. An advantage of the trend is that more and more eco-conscious travellers can feel they are part of something bigger and can actively contribute to their destination of choice. Visitors to African countries, in particular, can experience relatively untouched natural wonders and support the indigenous people in many ways. Not only should ecotourism revenue trickle down into communities (known as the multiplier effect), but it aims to preserve traditions and cultures that would otherwise be lost in time. Many tourists actively seek to experience interacting with local communities, and numerous establishments now offer packages including village tours and cultural heritage sites. If monitored correctly, ecotourism establishments can make a positive contribution and try to minimise the impact of human interference; pollution; loss of habitat and monitoring vital water sources.

​

One disadvantage is that it has now become trendy for tourism companies and lodgings to describe their establishment as being actively involved in sustainable tourism, green tourism or responsible tourism; whereas sometimes – sadly – their operations couldn’t be further from the truth and it is used purely as a marketing tool. True ecotourism, in every sense of the word, has the added vital component: Evidence of economic and social benefits empowering local communities and proven solutions benefitting the environment. Environmentalists argue that no matter how ‘green’ an establishment is, it will still have an effect on the surrounding ecosystem. Many of the areas used for ecotourism in African countries are owned by International investors, limiting the actual profit driven into local communities.

​

In Kenya and Tanzania, the Masai people were relocated by government to the outskirts of national parks formed for ecotourism, where over 70% of the area was previously Masai territory. The relocation has meant that locals and animals come into conflict often and even the smallest increase in population places pressure on the environment and resources. Many establishments employ better-educated workers from large cities instead of employing locals, which is referred to as ‘Pseudo-ecotourism.’ Large quantities of ecotourism operations are left unmonitored and do not meet conservation requirements, resulting in conflict over land and resources. Communities are left without infrastructure and lack adequate sanitation facilities, resulting in water sources being contaminated and local people, livestock and wildlife falling ill or perishing.

​

Despite varying opinions of its ethical contribution, the ecotourism sector is the fastest growing sector, increasing annually between 10% - 15%. It is the second largest industry on the African continent after mining and for the majority of developing countries, it is the primary source of foreign exchange. Although no precise figures exist, it is estimated that around 15 or 20% of all international tourism is ecotourism. Although African countries are still in development, the continent is ahead of the globe in this particular sector. Paving the way before others does come with risk, but also provides a platform from which to share experiences and case-studies as a guidance tool for international practice. The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) is an annual event hosted by The International Ecotourism Society, (TIES) aimed at sharing sustainability goals, solutions and ideas. With over 100 African village representatives attending, the 2014 event was hosted in Nairobi, Kenya and it showcased the importance of alleviating poverty while protecting the environment.

​

Conferences and tradeshows are just one of the platforms the African tourism community is taking advantage of to promote innovation in empowering women, improving community welfare and preserving nature. Botswana hosted the 2016 ESTC event, showcasing the success of the ‘Botswana Ecotourism Certification System.’ Developed in 2009 alongside the University of Botswana, the accreditation system combines performance milestones, including cultural safeguarding; community upliftment and environmental preservation. The sustainability project has the support of the Botswana Government, which has applied standards to fund tourism development in rural communities.

​

Ecotourism Kenya (IK) is another organisation dedicated not only to multiple community development projects but to building a governing body of all tourism operators in the region. The society has achieved many goals in energy management; waste management; human-wildlife conflict resolution and water conservation and hosts the ‘Eco-Warrior Awards,’ to reward achievements by businesses in the tourism industry. IK developed a flagship ‘Standards and Best Practices Programme’ to rate facilities using a gold, silver and bronze status of accreditation in responsible tourism, the first of its kind in East Africa. Organisations such as these are setting a high standard for African countries and the rest of the world. The certification scheme currently allows voluntary participation for all accommodation facilities in Kenya, outlining areas known as ‘green destinations.’ Voluntary certification is the first step towards achieving compliance, which could lead to compulsory certification in years to come.

​

The World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi has spearheaded a project using bamboo to clean up wastewater from community settlements, which would benefit both villages and bamboo farmers. One such opportunity is the use of bamboo in the Kibera slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, which is inhabited by over a million people. Bamboo grows faster than trees and produces 35% more oxygen than trees covering a similar area. Bamboo burns more efficiently than charcoal with less impact on the environment, and Kibera slum communities are now developing bamboo woodlots as a source of fuel. Initiatives such as these may provide solutions for deforestation sub-Saharan Africa.

​

Tanzania is a popular ecotourism destination and is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is one of the oldest ecosystems on earth. Companies such as Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience have created ecotourism operations to minimise tourist arrivals and are members of the organisation ‘Leave No Trace.’ The company is committed to preserving the area by reducing the human footprint on Kilimanjaro expeditions and safaris. Another successful case study is the Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge in Konso, Ethiopia, where Konso community members are employed to lead tour groups and teach workshops about permaculture and the effects of tourism on the environment. The Rural Development Centre in Belo, Cameroon, is another organisation heavily invested in community empowerment and conservation, providing employment and skills training for underprivileged locals, all which promote natural conservation.