UNWTO research: poaching and illicit trade in wildlife serious threat to tourism industry in Africa

MADRID, 2015-3-4 — /Travel PR News/ — Wildlife watching tourism is one of the most important tourism segments in Africa, according to new UNWTO research released on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. In view of tourism’s potential in advancing inclusive growthacross the continent, poaching and illicit trade in wildlife pose a serious threat to the future of Africa’s socio-economic development, the publication warns.

In support of international efforts to tackle unprecedented levels of poaching and to strengthen the role of tourism vis-à-vis wildlife crime, UNWTO is spearheading efforts to increase knowledge on the economic value of wildlife watching in Africa. Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa, provides a first overview of this segment, its economic impact and the current involvement of tourism in anti-poaching measures.

“Poaching is not only destroying precious ecosystems, it also poses a serious threat to socio-economic development. The loss of biodiversity is directly linked to lost development opportunities in the African tourism sector, which provides livelihoods for millions of people”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai in his message on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said “Illegal wildlife trade undermines the rule of law and threatens national security; it degrades ecosystems and is a major obstacle to the efforts of rural communities and indigenous peoples striving to sustainably manage their natural resources.”

According to UNWTO’s findings, wildlife watching represents 80% of the total annual sales of trips to Africa, with safari as the most popular product. The species most threatened by poaching such as elephants and rhinos, are among the most popular in wildlife watching tours.

The research also brings further insights into the economic significance of wildlife watching tourism. Alongside generating crucial income for protected areas through entrance fees, a typical wildlife watching tour costs on average US$ 433 and captures an additional US$ 55 in out-of-pocket expenses per person, per day. In addition, tours often include locally hired services such as accommodation, transportation, tour guides and cultural performances, creating important job opportunities for the local population.

Tourism authorities are only involved to a minor extent in anti-poaching efforts and there is room for improvement, the paper indicates. Around 50% of the participating tour operators are funding anti-poaching initiatives and/or engaging in nature conservation projects, however only a few are so far proactively informing and engaging their customers on the issue.

“Given its economic importance, the tourism sector can and should play a key role in raising awareness among both policy makers and tourists on the devastating impacts of wildlife crime, and help finance anti-poaching initiatives. UNWTO remains deeply committed to mobilizing the international tourism community on this critical issue, which requires our immediate action“, added Mr. Rifai.

In order to advance knowledge of the economic importance of wildlife watching and its potential to directly contribute to conservation efforts, the paper recommends a number of actions for national tourism authorities, including increased involvement in anti-poaching initiatives, systematic integration and evaluation of available data, and capacity building for a more consistent monitoring of protected areas visitors and receipts.

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa builds on a survey of 48 African tourism and conservation authorities from 31 countries, as well as 145 international and African-based tour operators. The survey has been complemented with available statistics, case study reviews and in-depth interviews with governments and international organizations.

Note to editors:

Wildlife watching tourism relates exclusively to non-consumptive forms of wildlife-based activities such as observing and sometimes touching or feeding of animals, in contrast to consumptive forms like hunting and fishing.

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa was prepared by UNWTO in collaboration with the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS), and released on the occasion of the second annual World Wildlife Day (3 March).
Useful links:

UNWTO Briefing Paper: Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa 

Message by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai on the occasion of World Wildlife Day 2015 

Press release: UNWTO, UNODC and African Tourism Ministers to join forces to fight wildlife crime 

UNWTO Sustainable Development of Tourism Programme

UNWTO Regional Programme for Africa

World Wildlife Day

Photos: UNWTO is #seriousaboutwildlifecrime 
Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

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