Assessing the Influence of Tourism Development on Wildlife Conservation In GISHWATI-MUKURA National Park, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t70122Abstract
This study examined the influence of tourism development on wildlife conservation in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda. It specifically assessed the influence of income creation, community-based tourism activities, and ecotourism activities on wildlife conservation. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting a population of 475 individuals, from whom a sample of 217 respondents was selected. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained through documentary review. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that income creation, community-based tourism activities, and ecotourism activities were positively and significantly associated with wildlife conservation. The regression results showed positive effects of income creation (β = 0.428, p < 0.001), community-based tourism activities (β = 0.372, p < 0.001), and ecotourism activities (β = 0.451, p < 0.001) on wildlife conservation. The model explained 76.1% of the variance in wildlife conservation, indicating substantial explanatory power. The findings suggest that tourism development, particularly through income-generating opportunities, community participation, and ecotourism, can contribute significantly to wildlife conservation. Strengthening community involvement and promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices may therefore enhance the conservation contribution of tourism in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Keywords: Tourism Development, Wildlife, Conservation, GISHWATI-MUKURA National Park, Rwanda.
References
African Wildlife Foundation. (2023). Africa protected areas report: Unlocking the value of conservation through tourism. African Wildlife Foundation.
Agyemang, K., & Owusu, B. (2023). Community attitudes and protection of wildlife conservation through tourism in Mole National Park, Ghana. West African Journal of Ecology, 18(3), 210–225.
Akama, J. S., & Kieti, D. (2023). Tourism and socio-economic development in developing countries: A case study of Mombasa Resort in Kenya. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 15(6), 735–748.
Anderson, P., & Smith, R. (2023). Indigenous-led tourism and protection of wildlife conservation in Australia. Australian Journal of Environmental Management, 30(1), 45–59.
Antolini, F., Terraglia, I., & Cesarini, S. (2024). Integrating multiple data sources to measure sustainable tourism in Italian regions. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 95, 101959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2024.101959
Balmford, A., Green, J. M. H., & Anderson, M. (2022). Protected areas and the financial case for conservation. Nature Sustainability, 5(3), 231–238. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00813-7
Bianchi, L., & Rossi, F. (2024). Environmentally responsible tourism and conservation funding in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy. European Journal of Environmental Management, 31(1), 54–70.
Buckley, R. (2022a). Environmentally responsible tourism: Principles and practices. CABI.
Buckley, R. (2022b). Sustainable tourism and protection of wildlife conservation: Integration and challenges. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(1), 24–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1937089
Buhalis, D., & Amaranggana, A. (2022). Smart tourism destinations and their role in development. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 23, 100713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2021.100713
Chissano, M., & Bento, F. (2024). Community tourism and anti-poaching in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. Mozambique Journal of Conservation Science, 22(2), 120–137.
Crotts, J. C., Magnini, V. P., & Calvert, E. (2022). Key performance indicators for destination management in developed economies: A four-pillar approach. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 3(2), 100053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annale.2022.100053
Dredge, D., & Jenkins, J. (2022). Tourism planning and policy. Routledge.
Drumm, A., & Moore, A. (2021). Eco-advancement of tourism: A manual for conservation planners and managers. The Nature Conservancy.
Dupont, J., & Martin, L. (2023). Economic contributions of environmentally responsible tourism to protection of wildlife conservation in the French Alps. Journal of European Environmental Management, 28(4), 325–342.
Emerton, L., & Bishop, J. (2023). Conservation financing: Models, mechanisms and policy options. IUCN.
Eyster, H. N., Naidoo, R., & Chan, K. M. A. (2022). Not just the Big Five: African ecotourists prefer parks brimming with bird diversity. Animal Conservation, 26(4), 428–442. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12816
Falatoonitoosi, E., Schaffer, V., & Kerr, D. (2022). Does sustainable tourism development enhance destination prosperity? Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 46(5), 1011–1031. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096348020988328
Fall, M., & Diop, A. (2023). Environmentally responsible tourism’s contribution to protection of wildlife conservation in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. West African Journal of Conservation Science, 21(2), 190–208.
Fennell, D. A. (2022). Environmentally responsible tourism (5th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003139835
Forest of Hope Association. (2021). Annual report on conservation and tourism at Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Forest of Hope Association.
Gachanja, M., & Mwangi, J. (2023). Financial mismanagement and conservation conflict in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. African Journal of Environmental Management, 14(1), 56–72.
Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2022). Tourism and global environmental change: Awareness, mitigation, and adaptation. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(2), 232–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1903019
Hall, C. M. (2023). Advancement of tourism and global change. Channel View Publications.
Hockings, M., Dudley, N., & Jonas, H. (2021). COVID-19 and protected areas: Impacts, responses and building resilience. Parks Journal, 27(1), 7–24.
Honey, M. (2022). Environmentally responsible tourism and sustainable development: Who owns paradise? (3rd ed.). Island Press.
Honey, M. (2023). Environmentally responsible tourism and sustainable development: Who owns paradise? Island Press.
Iradukunda, J. (2022). Tourism revenue sharing and protection of wildlife conservation in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda [Master’s dissertation, University of Rwanda].
Katerere, Y., & Hill, T. (2023). Integrating local knowledge and tourism for biodiversity protection in Southern Africa. African Conservation Journal, 28(2), 151–167.
Kato, J., & Bwambale, R. (2024). Locally driven tourism initiatives and biodiversity conservation in Bwindi Forest, Uganda. East African Conservation Review, 25(4), 300–318.
KC, B. (2022). Complexity in balancing conservation and tourism in protected areas: Contemporary issues and beyond. Tourism Recreation Research, 47(3), 276–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2021.1935640
Lapeyre, R., & Spenceley, A. (2023). The contribution of locally driven tourism initiatives to conservation in Africa: A systematic review. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(5), 911–928. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2023.2194256
Lee, T. H., Jan, F. H., & Liu, J. T. (2021). Developing an indicator framework for assessing sustainable tourism: Evidence from a Taiwan ecological resort. Ecological Indicators, 125, 107596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107596
Lindsey, P. A., Allan, J. R., Brehony, P., et al. (2022). Conserving Africa’s wildlife and wildlands through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 6, 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01603-5
Mahmoud, A., & El-Sayed, H. (2023). Environmentally responsible tourism and habitat health in Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt. Journal of Marine Ecology and Tourism, 18(3), 240–256.
Manyara, G., & Jones, E. (2021). Locally driven tourism initiatives enterprises and the politics of inclusion: Lessons from Kenya and Uganda. Tourism Planning & Development, 18(3), 267–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2020.1851952
Marinello, S., Butturini, M. A., Gamberini, R., & Martini, U. (2023). Indicators for sustainable touristic destinations: A critical review. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 66(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1978407
Martin, C. J., Twambaze, J. M., & Riva, F. (2025). A nature tourism and citizen science alliance. BioScience, 75(5), 358–361. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf003
Mbaiwa, J. E. (2022a). Locally driven tourism initiatives and conservation in Botswana: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Environmentally Responsible Tourism, 21(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2021.2001342
Mbaiwa, J. E. (2022b). Environmentally responsible tourism and environmental sustainability in the Okavango Delta. Tourism Management Perspectives, 43, 100999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2022.100999
Mbaiwa, J. E. (2024). Community-based natural resource management in Botswana. In R. van der Duim, M. Lamers, & J. van Wijk (Eds.), Tourism and protected areas (pp. 31–49). Wageningen Academic Publishers.
McKenna, F. J., & Hanrahan, J. (2024). Meaningful community engagement through advanced indicator systems for sustainable destination planning. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 22, 100392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2024.100392
Miller, G., & Torres-Delgado, A. (2023). Measuring sustainable tourism: A state of the art review of sustainable tourism indicators. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(7), 1483–1496. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2023.2213859
Mkono, M., Ateljevic, I., & Brockington, D. (2022). Local tourism dynamics and protection of wildlife conservation outcomes in Southern Africa. Tourism Geographies, 24(2), 205–223.
Muganda, M., Sirima, A., & Ezra, P. M. (2021). The role of community participation in managing tourism benefits in wildlife-protected areas in Tanzania. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 10(3), 785–799.
Mukarugwiza, E., & Niyonzima, F. (2023). Locally driven tourism initiatives and conservation financing in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda. Rwandan Journal of Natural Resource Management, 14(2), 90–105.
Munthali, S. M., & Mumba, R. (2023). Environmentally responsible tourism and protection of wildlife conservation in Zambia’s national parks. African Journal of Ecology, 61(1), 25–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13067
Mvondo, E., & Tchatchoua, F. (2023). Wildlife tourism revenue and conservation outcomes in Lobéké National Park, Cameroon. Central African Journal of Conservation, 19(3), 210–228.
Mwansasu, D., & Komba, S. (2024). Tourism revenue impact on wildlife populations in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. East African Journal of Environmental Studies, 22(1), 115–133.
Ndayisaba, J. D. (2022). Locally driven tourism initiatives and protection of wildlife conservation: A case study of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda [Master’s dissertation, Mount Kenya University].
Nelson, F. (2023). Community rights, conservation and contested land: The politics of natural resource governance in Africa. Earthscan.
Niyonsenga, J., & Hakizimana, F. (2023). Tourism revenue and conservation effectiveness in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. Rwandan Journal of Natural Resource Management, 18(2), 95–110.
Niyonsenga, P. (2022). Impact of locally driven tourism initiatives on protection of wildlife conservation in Rwanda: A case study of Nyungwe National Park [Master’s dissertation, Mount Kenya University].
Niyonzima, J. (2022). The role of community participation in advancement of tourism: A case of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda [Master’s dissertation, University of Rwanda].
Nkosi, T., & van der Merwe, P. (2024). Financial mechanisms for conservation in Kruger National Park, South Africa. African Journal of Wildlife Economics, 15(2), 180–197.
Oloo, J., & Mwangi, P. (2024). Environmentally responsible tourism revenue, governance, and protection of wildlife conservation in Maasai Mara, Kenya. African Protection of Wildlife Conservation Review, 33(1), 115–133.
Punzo, G., Trunfio, M., Castellano, R., & Buonocore, M. (2022). A multi-modelling approach for assessing sustainable tourism. Social Indicators Research, 163, 1399–1443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-02943-4
Ratsimbazafy, J., Golden, C. D., & Randrianambinina, B. (2021). Environmentally responsible tourism’s role in supporting lemur conservation in Madagascar. Conservation Science and Practice, 3(12), e482. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.482
Rwanda Development Board. (2022). Conservation and tourism performance report 2022.
Rwanda Development Board. (2023c). Tourism revenue sharing scheme annual report.
Rwanda Environment Management Authority. (2020). Environmental and social management plan for Gishwati-Mukura buffer zones.
Sabuhoro, E., Gray, M., & Spenceley, A. (2023). Mountain gorilla environmentally responsible tourism and conservation in the Albertine Rift. Parks Journal, 29(1), 12–22.
Sahabuddin, M., Alam, M. S., & Nekmahmud, M. (2024). How do perceived and environmental values influence tourist satisfaction, loyalty, and environmental awareness? Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05094-3
Saikim, F. H. (2022). Ecotourism in protected areas: A dual impact strategy in biodiversity conservation. Proceedings of the 2nd Asia Parks Congress. University of Malaysia Sabah.
Sharpley, R., & Telfer, D. J. (2022). Tourism and development in the developing world (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Shrestha, R., Koirala, R., Shrestha, S., et al. (2023). Ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods: Understanding the convergence and divergence. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks.
Snyman, S. S., Fitzgerald, K., Bakteeva, A., Ngoga, T., & Mugabukomeye, B. (2023). Benefit-sharing from protected area tourism: A 15-year review of the Rwanda tourism revenue sharing programme. Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism, 1, 1052052. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsut.2022.1052052
Spenceley, A., & Snyman, S. (2023). Inclusive tourism and community benefit sharing in protected areas. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(2), 198–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2022.2070204
Spenceley, A., Snyman, S., & Eagles, P. (2023). Wildlife tourism and community-based conservation: Evidence from protected areas. Tourism Geographies, 25(2), 178–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2022.2104936
Spenceley, A., Snyman, S., & Eagles, P. F. J. (2021). Guidelines for tourism partnerships and concessions for protected areas: Generating sustainable revenues for conservation and development. United Nations Environment Programme.
Tchereni, B. H. M., & Banda, M. (2023). Strengthening institutional support for CBT and protection of wildlife conservation in Malawi. Development Policy Review, 41(1), 105–123.
Theodore, S. (2025). Inclusive tourism and community benefit sharing in protected areas. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(2), 198–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2022.2070204
Tumusiime, D. M., & Vedeld, P. (2023). Tourism, conservation, and development: Conflicts and synergies in protected areas. Conservation and Society, 21(2), 165–175. https://www.conservationandsociety.org
United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Wildlife tourism and conservation: Global trends and impacts. https://www.unep.org
United Nations World Tourism Organization. (2023a). Tourism and the sustainable development goals: Journey to 2030. https://www.unwto.org
United Nations World Tourism Organization. (2023b). Tourism and protected areas: Supporting nature and livelihoods. https://www.unwto.org
Uwase, M. (2022). The impact of environmentally responsible tourism on protection of wildlife conservation: A case of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.
Uwizeye, D., & Niyonsenga, J. (2023). The role of environmentally responsible tourism in Volcanoes National Park conservation, Rwanda. Rwandan Journal of Natural Conservation, 17(2), 85–99.
Van der Duim, R. (2024). Tourism and conservation in African protected areas: Editorial overview. Tourism Review International, 15(1–2), 1–5..
Western, D., Russell, S., & Cuthill, I. (2022). The status of wildlife in Kenya’s community conservancies. Conservation Biology, 36(4), e13900. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13900
World Economic Forum. (2023). Travel & tourism development index 2023. https://www.weforum.org/reports
World Travel & Tourism Council. (2023). Nature positive travel & tourism report. https://wttc.org/publications/nature-positive-travel-tourism
Zhang, Y., & Ali, Q. (2024). Socio-economic determinants of sustainable tourism and their nexus with energy, environment, and economy (3ES): A panel data analysis. Energy Strategy Reviews, 56, 101577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101577
