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

The first assumption is largely based upon a moral stance with which many may
agree. Tourism destroys areas, cultures, identities, etc. and therefore must be
controlled. According to Davies (1996), the underlying assumption is that the world is
both 'perfect and finite'. He further states that there is a need for recognition that the
world is finite and that both costs and benefits are associated with tourism activities,
and as such, environments should only be protected if people's preferences place a
higher value on consumption, rather than on development. Recognition needs also
to be given to the fact that many of the difficulties experienced are not unique to
tourism. Similar problems in other areas of human activity have been considered
and form the basis of studies of conservation. In this light perhaps tourism ought to
be seen as a positive development - but with inherent problems (Davies, 1996).
2.7.1 Ecotourism
With the development of alternative forms of tourism in the 1980s, ecotourism has
become prominent, although a consistent definition of the concept does not exist
(Schaller, 1996; Robson, 2002; Fennel, 2003). Ecotourism is a form of
alternative/responsible/sustainable tourism, and was a term apparently coined in
1983 by Ceballos-Lascurain (Allcock et aI, 1994). However, a confusing and
complicating factor is involved in that many forms of tourism (such as outdoor,
nature, educational and adventure travel) are now included under the umbrella of
"ecotourism" regardless of their characteristics, which further hinders attempts at
definition (Valentine, 1993; Furze et aI, 1996).
However, if ecotourism is to be recognised as a legitimate sector of the tourism
industry, definitions of the concept need to be discussed. In its broadest terms it
refers to tourism that is based on the natural environment, but that seeks to minimise
harmful impacts, and better still, attempts to promote conservation (Ward, 1997).
According to the Mundo Maya corporate manual, ecotourism can be considered as
passive. It seeks to "...co-ordinate, assist and stimulate cultural and environmental
tourist development, recognising the importance of conservation and maintenance of
local cultural heritage and the natural resources of the region for present day and
future generations" (Mundo Maya, 1995, p. 7). According to this definition, the
tourists make no active contribution towards conservation, but instead simply seek to
minimise the damage caused by their presence (Ward, 1997). Panos (1995, pA)
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