Browsing by Author "Waweru, Lucy Wanja"

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    The potential of ecotourism toward achieving sustainable development: Case study of Garissa, Ijara and Lamu districts, Kenya
    (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2010-12) Waweru, Lucy Wanja
    This publication is based upon a field study undertaken in June - August 2010 on the assessment of the potential of ecotourism development as viable enterprises in Southern Garissa, Ijara and Lamu Districts. The international eco-tourism society defines eco-tourism as a responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustains the wellbeing of the local people. Eco-tourism conserves the natural environment and wellbeing of local people through responsible travel. This definition emphasizes more on the impact rather than the motives for eco-tourism development. The objectives of the study were; to assess institutional capacity in the establishment of ecotourism enterprises; to determine and map ecotourism infrastructure facilities; to survey potential /perceived impacts! risks and costs of eco-tourism on environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and socio economic dynamics in the identified sites; to assess the potential for increased income generation from the proposed enterprises with view to asses visitor numbers and document current tourism earnings in the three districts and extrapolate eco-tourism earnings for the next three years; The research adopted the following methodologies in its endeavors to collect data and compile this report; Administered questionnaires, conducted consultative meetings, focused group discussions, and collection of secondary data. The study area has a number of protected areas and upcoming community conservancies particularly in Ijara and Garissa districts with the potential for increased eco-tourism earnings. The region is within the coastal tourism circuit with world heritage sites (Lamu) and Garissa, which is the economic giant of North Eastern province with remarkable visitor number mainly from the international organizations, and the public sector. Theā€¦