Emergent strategies for sustainable rural tourism development of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

The Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) is located along the central part of the North-Eastern border of Nigeria and Cameroon in Taraba and Adamawa states. The Park is the largest and most diverse enclaves in Nigeria and is an endowed home of extensive biodiversity, natural and socio-cultural potentials. Its expanse has the capacity to accommodate local and international tourism. The Gashaka Primate Project (GPP), being funded by the North of England Geological Society, London, through the Chester Zoo 2000, has, since 2000, undertaken a series of biodiversity activities in support of the Nigerian Biodiversity programme, to enhance sustainable rural tourism development of the area. This study, therefore, reviews the activities of GPP as an example of the emergent strategies for sustainable rural tourism development in Nigeria. The study equally analyses the various activities undertaken in the project which, among others, include biodiversity research and documentation, ecosystem conservation, human-wild life conflicts, capacity building and environmental protection and preservation. These activities are essential prerequisites for sustainable rural tourism development. The paper further examines the major impact of the project, challenges and constraints as well advances new conservation strategies for enhancing sustainable rural tourism development of the GGNP. The paper makes some recommendations which surround the necessity for further collaboration of a broad range of the society to push forward the new strategies. This requires holistic approach to tourism development which will continue to impact on biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development of the local communities in and around the Park. © 2012 WIT Press.