the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

example, the implementation of the 'high-cost, low-volume' tourism policy
focuses predominantly on the conservation of the Delta; and
• Tourism encourages cultural exchange and diversity. Many tourism
operators in the Okavango Delta regard the cultural exchanges that occur
through tourism as being positive, particularly for the local population, rather
than being a destructive force, as it is often assumed (Mbaiwa, 2002).
However, there are equally as many individuals in the Okavango who regard tourism
as having a seriously negative impact on the area and its people. The improvement
of infrastructure and other social amenities, brought about by tourism growth has
resulted in both Maun and Shakawe becoming semi-urbanised. This has in turn led
to the escalation of several social problems in the area which are directly linked to
the development of the Delta's tourism industry. These include changes in dress
patterns as local inhabitants, particularly the young, begin to adopt foreign dress
codes which can often be culturally unacceptable, especially to the elderly. Through
the demonstration effect, local inhabitants, particularly in areas such as Maun, often
start consuming the same foods as tourists, replacing their traditional staples with
imported, foreign foods, bought from shops.
With the growth of Maun, and to a far lesser extent Shakawe, prostitution in the
Okavango Delta has also increased. Although not yet as prevalent as in areas such
as Gaborone and Francistown, prostitution is slowly growing in areas in the Delta
frequently visited by tourists. Such areas include, in particular, bars and restaurants
in Maun such as the Sedia Hotel and Bull and Bush Restaurant and Bar. Prostitution
in Maun is a direct result of the urbanization of the town, which was/is largely
influenced by the growth of tourism in the Okavango. Prostitution is also associated
with the breakdown of local culture.
Even though Botswana is generally described as being a crime-free country, crime
in Maun is noted to be on the increase (Table 8.1). According to Cooper et al
(1998), the link between tourism and crime is difficult to establish. For example, does
crime increase in an area where tourism has developed simply because of the
associated increase in population density, or is it more specifically associated with
tourism itself. Cooper et al (1998) further note that the presence of large numbers of
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