Improving the conservation value of invertebrates through ecotourism : component A.
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Date
2003
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Abstract
Invertebrates are suffering the greatest species loss in the current biodiversity crisis. These
animals perform essential ecosystem functions upon which humanity depends yet they are
largely ignored m conservation efforts. The main challenges facing invertebrate
conservationists, in terms of raising public awareness, are to change common negative
perceptions regarding invertebrates and to apply some form of value to them. Conservation
efforts can be improved by raising public awareness of, and appreciation for, invertebrates in
the context of ecotourism.
Current levels of inclusion of invertebrates in ecotourism activities were gauged, using
qualitative research methods of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The
response of tourists to the concept of the inclusion of both western/scientific and indigenous
knowledge regarding invertebrates into current and planned ecotourism activities was
determined using the quantitative research method of a structured questionnaire. Canvassing of
tourists was done at a popular ecotourism destination (Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Reserve)
and 121 questionnaires were completed. In addition to tourists the opinions and attitudes of a
range of people working in ecotourism and conservation were examined via semi-structured
interviews. The respondents were specifically selected according to the positions they held in
the ecotourism and conservation field and a total of eight people in management, ten
ecotourism guides and seven ecotourism trainers were interviewed. The findings revealed that
there is currently negligible information regarding invertebrates in ecotourism activities. There
was an overwhelmingly positive response from tourists, with 95% indicating that they would
like to see information regarding invertebrates included in ecotourism activities. Ecotourism
service providers, such as tour guides and those in conservation management also indicated a
positive attitude toward the concept. There is thus potential to increase levels of information
regarding invertebrates in ecotourism and it is recommended that ecotourism include a focus on
invertebrates. Recommendations on how to address the lack of invertebrate information in
ecotourism are provided and examples of the types of invertebrates to include in specific
ecotourism activities are given. Including a focus on invertebrates in ecotourism will serve the
multiple purposes of placing value on invertebrates; raising public awareness and hence the
conservation status of invertebrates, and finally will increase the scope of ecotourism.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.
Keywords
Invertebrates--Conservation., Biodiversity., Ecotourism., Theses--Environmental science.