TOURISM CONSTRAINTS OF UMLAZI TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS ...

When dealing with peace we must not only concentrate on peace between humanbeings. There is also another form ofpeace that is lacking in our communities - thatof the non-abusive use ofthe natural environment. There is an escalating rate ofviolence to our environment. This type ofviolence threatens the survival of a widerange ofanimal and plant species. Some ofthese species have become endangeredand others have even become extinct.Here we are referring to the destruction of forests for the purposes of gettingfirewood and building materials. We are referring to the toxic wastes that penetratethe land water systems, poaching, hunting, and many other forms ofviolence thatdestroys the environment (MacIntosh, et aI., 1995).Through responsible tourism people recognise that sustainable development requiresa custodial relationship between men, the environment and all its inhabitants. Thistype of behaviour and awareness promotes living in harmony and peace withnature (MacIntosh, et al., 1995).Hawaii and Africa are examples ofplaces where people are striving to gain peacewith the environment through responsible tourism. The residents ofHawaii havetaken a finn stance to correct environmental problems in their country and also toprevent problems even before they arise. Laws and regulations are being enacted topreserve the rainforest and to protect native species, many ofwhich are unique toHawaii. Most, if not all these measures were prompted by increased publicappreciation ofthe nature and ecology ofHawaii and the recognition that ifHawaiiloses its natural beauty and resources, it would also lose its tourism industry.18'.