The economic benefits of wildlife tourism in local communities: a case study of Pilansberg National Park
Date
2009-10-30T08:16:15Z
Authors
Bokaba, Phineas Mapaka
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Abstract
The economic benefits of wildlife tourism in local communities are a burning issue at this
present time because nature reserves were concerned with conservation management
while ignoring the economic needs of their local communities. A study was taken to find
out how Pilanesberg National Park economically benefits the local community of
Moruleng. The community members, project leaders and business people were
interviewed to find out. Moreover the managers and employees of Pilanesberg National
Park were interviewed. The researcher maintains that the pace of Pilanesberg National
Park Development caused the major problem for lack of economic linkages between the
rural community of Moruleng and Pilanesberg National Park. Moreover the researcher
maintains that there is a need for community involvement in tourism plans for the
community to benefit economically from the tourism industries. The researcher
recommends that research must be undertaken before tourism development to analyse the
demographics and education levels of a community.