The Development of Tourism in Protected Areas and the Exploitation of the Natural Environment by Local Communities in Africa and Asia

From an economic point of view, protected areas do not bring in high profits, in comparison to other possible ways of land usage. National parks and nature reserves are costly in their creation, as well as in their subsequent upkeep and management. In developing countries, their operation can be the source of many political and economic problems. Usually, local communities neighboring protected areas perceive the existence of a protected zone negatively, although they are often able to avail themselves of park resources in various ways. Besides being given the opportunity to rationally make use of certain park resources, community members may be employed as park attendants, which is a practice that is widespread. A part of the profits obtained from the developing tourist industry may be allocated towards local development programs, e.g. the building of a new hospital or school. Some national parks, while lacking the adequate infrastructure necessary for tourism, grapple with a lack of funds. The lack of earning opportunities in connection with the development of tourism results in the local community’s over-exploitation of park resources. This often manifests itself in an increased incidence of poaching in the protected area.