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APPRAISAL OF SUPPORT ZONE COMMUNITIES’ INVOLVEMENT IN ECOTOURISM PLANNING AND CONSERVATION IN OKWANGWO DIVISION OF CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to assess the involvement of Support Zone Communities’ (SZC) in ecotourism planning and conservation of natural resources in Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park. The specific objectives of the study were to (i) examine the traditional methods of resource conservation in SZC of Okwangwo Division (ii) evaluate the perception of SZC about ecotourism (iii) ascertain the sensitization of host communities on environmental conservation (iv) examine the involvement of SZC in ecotourism planning and development (v) examine the challenges facing ecotourism development in Okwangwo Division. The study adopted a descriptive design. Nine communities were selected from a population of 90 communities that make up support zone communities of Okwangwo Division using 10% sampling intensity. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the communities within the three categories of support zone communities- communities located inside the park (enclave communities), communities close to the park and communities far from the park, whose activities directly or indirectly affect the park. These communities were: Okwangwo, Okwa I and II; Butatong, Belegette I and Belegette II; Bamba and Kayang I and Kayang II. Snowball sampling method was used to select 80 people believed to have relevant knowledge on the subject matter. Thus, 27 community leaders (chiefs, women leaders and youth leaders), 36 community members (farmers, hunters, business owners and civil servants), 10 park staff, 4 staff NGOs working in the park and 3 staff from Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Calabar, Cross River State Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources and Cross River State Tourism Bureau were selected and interviewed. Through in-depth interview and focus group discussion, data were collected from interviews using tape recorder and field notes. Field observation, photographs and documentations were also used to obtain data. Geographic Positioning System was used to take coordinates of sites. Data were analysed using descriptive method of circular interactive framework. Result shows that support zone communities have traditional methods of natural resource conservation that were and still are effective despite the modern management methods in place. Among these methods are local taboos, sanctions, restrictions, fines, seasonal exploitation of non-timber forest products, including hunting and designation of objects and forest lands as sacred. A number of trees were found to be the abodes of gods and therefore could not be cut down without appeasing the gods. Shea Butter, Locust Bean, Palm trees and trees in this category are preserved for their economic significance, while others are protected for medicinal purposes. Different landscapes that were set aside as sacred places help to regulate the activities of man in the forest and reduce the utilization of resources. The concept of ecotourism has not been properly understood by local residence. However, the local people perceived that the proposed ecotourism development will benefit them and therefore are willing to support the project. Support zone communities have been sensitized more on modern methods of environmental conservation than on ecotourism. The implementation of micro projects in the area provides a boost to conservation sensitization. NGOs are more committed to educating rural people on environmental protection than the government. Host communities are not actively involved in ecotourism planning. Decisions are reached by the government and imposed on them. Inadequate funding of the project, lack of infrastructure, role conflict and increase human population of the park were identified as major challenges facing ecotourism development in Okwangwo Division.
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