THE EFFECTS OF WASINI WOMEN ECOTOURISM PROJECT ON COMMUNITY
LIVELIHOODS ON WASINI ISLAND, KWALE COUNTY
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This chapter will discuss the background of the study, the statement of the problem, the
objectives of the study, significance of the study and the scope and limitations likely to be
encountered during the study.
1.1 Background of the Study
Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas,
intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass)
tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation,
to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities,
or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s environmentalists
have considered ecotourism, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively
untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the
working definition of ecotourism (Harris, 2004).
Generally, ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and
environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora,
fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists
insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation
of our natural habitats (Potter, 2005).
In the global set up, responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative
aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local
people. For example In Southeast Asia government and nongovernmental organizations are
working together with academics and industry operators to spread the economic benefits of
tourism into the kampungs and villages of the region. A recently formed alliance, the South-East
Asian Tourism Organization (SEATO), is bringing together these diverse players to allay
resource management concerns.
2
