Home » ADVENTURE TRAVEL » Beyond The Lens: Unveiling The Unexpected Benefits Of Botswana’s Tourism
Friday, July 5, 2024
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The Botswanan Ministry of Environment and Tourism highlights the benefits of hunting and photography tourism in northern Botswana. Through community trusts under the Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) initiative, these activities provide financial and social gains for local communities.
Revenue and Resource ManagementHunting Tourism
Hunting tourism generates revenue and benefits in game meat distribution. In Phuduhudu Village, the Xhauxhwatubi Development Trust distributes game meat from hunted elephants to 153 families, providing each family with 2,000 pula (about 150 U.S. dollars) annually. This initiative ensures sustainable resource management and benefits distribution within the community.
The Community-Based Natural Resources Management Initiative
The Community-Based Natural Resources Management, initiated in 1993, involves communities near national parks in wildlife conservation to prevent human-wildlife conflict. It includes wildlife-based tourist activities like photography and safari hunting, allowing local communities to participate in tourism development and conservation efforts.
Educational and Economic OpportunitiesScholarships and Skills Development
The Xhauxhwatubi Development Trust facilitates scholarships for hospitality courses and skill acquisition in tourism. It also sponsors local sporting activities, fostering community development and educational growth. In 2024, the trust is expected to earn 3.02 million pula (220,000 dollars) from regulated hunting under a quota system.
Economic TransformationShift to Tourism-Driven Economies
Communities such as Sankoyo, Khwai, and Mababe have transitioned from traditional livelihoods to a cash-based economy, with income from Community-Based Natural Resources Management becoming their primary source of subsistence. The Community-Based Natural Resources Management has successfully converted these traditional economies into modern, tourism-driven economies.
Employment and Community BenefitsMababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust
The Mababe Zokotsama Community Development Trust employs its members at lodges and campsites, generating income through wildlife. With the revenue, the trust builds houses for elders, sponsors tertiary education, and provides monthly allowances to elders and orphans.
Conclusion
Hunting and photography tourism, through the Community-Based Natural Resources Management initiative, have significantly contributed to the economic and social development of Botswanan communities. By involving local communities in resource management and tourism, Botswana has successfully transformed traditional economies into thriving, tourism-driven sectors.
Source link : https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/beyond-the-lens-unveiling-the-unexpected-benefits-of-botswanas-tourism/
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Publish date : 2024-07-05 07:40:43
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