Tourism is often described as the backbone of the economy right after agriculture and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Africa. Africa itself is endowed with amazing sceneries and unique wildlife and is a number one tourist destination for most people; be it from a business perspective or a personal one. Our climate and geographical location make Africa the place to go relax even if you are just on business.

Nonetheless, everything has its own challenges. Tourism, despite its appeal, is not sidelined more so in developing countries.

My guest post today highlights ways in which tourism in African countries can be approached to achieve its full potential.

Tourism in Africa has a vital impact on the development of economies in the region as it contributes much to the GDP of most African countries.

However, despite the contributions tourism has on economic development in Africa, it has been limited by several challenges such as infrastructural deficiency, perceived insecurity and negative publicity from western media.

‘At a meeting held in Kigali, experts from IGAD, a regional bloc that includes governments from the horn of Africa, the Nile valley and the Great Lakes, discussed on ways to market the region and how to address regional tourism development.’ This is a clear sign showing governments are aware of the economic benefits tourism offers their respective countries.

Together, we must seek solutions so that tourist can continue to enjoy our attractions while preventing the destruction of those very things they come to see. The environment is under increasing pressure due to persistent over exploitations. This threatens ecosystem productivity especially in the coastal areas and in the end limits economic growth.

A proper Environmental Management System is an essential tool for tourism development. This enables the organisation to reduce their environmental impact and increase their operational efficiency. Goal 15 of The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) strives to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystem, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Environmental Management System seeks to; review a company’s environmental goals, ensure employees adhere to environmental awareness and competence, establish programs to meet these objectives and targets and ensure a monitoring and measuring progress.

Programs to be implemented to promote tourism are;

Water conservation

Good water conservation can help ensure the quality of tourism experience remains high. It helps protect the ecosystem which includes tourist attractions related to fishing, hiking or sailing. Water conservation helps protect minimum stream flows necessary for fish and wildlife, wetlands important for migratory birds and other wildlife, preserve plant species and protect wildlife habitat.

Waste management

Proper waste management in developing countries ensures a reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfills and organic materials in the effluent treatment process. Organic waste can produce rich organic fertilisers. This can be used in farms and gardens where food for hotels and other tourist accommodation areas can be sourced from. The environmental profile of a country’s tourist destination is also heightened.

Sustainable seafood

Our coast is on the edge. With a global race being run to exploit coastal resources that play a vital role in tourism, we have pushed these areas to the tipping point. Assuming these pressures will not subside in the foreseeable future, we must begin to identify and implement sustainable development strategies for the planets coastal areas if were to continue enjoying the treasure it brings to the society. Endorsing sustainable seafood while protecting their main sources, will go a long way in protecting our oceans.

Reduction of plastic

Plastic pollution can unfavourably affect lands, waterways and oceans. Living organisms, particularly marine animals can also be affected through entanglement, direct ingestion of plastic waste that might lead to death. Chemicals released from plastic affect animal’s reproduction and development.

Clean marinas

The international clean Marina program is a voluntary, incentive-based education and outreach program, it encourages environmental compliance and the use of best management practices for marinas. This protects inland and coastal waterways in an effort to boost the blue economy.

Proper environmental management is seen as a backbone tool to promote tourism in the region. For us to boost the economy, we must put measures to protect this vital asset.

Written by David Manyasa Wesonga

David is currently a Student at Moi University studying Civil Aviation Management. He is passionate about the environment and is in a group of a team of four undertaking a project called ‘The Green Aviation’ which is an effort to use renewable jet fuel that will ensure less pollution and cost reduction.  You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.