the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

These range from the numerous impacts associated with the wholesale removal of
vegetation and related wildlife, to more subtle, less obvious, effects on animal
behaviour (Table 2.1). Any activity which changes floral and faunal species
composition is a potential threat to an area's ecological balance. It may also threaten
the local social culture which has evolved as part of this ecosystem and, therefore, is
dependent upon it for continued survival (Hunter and Green, 1995; Pattullo, 1996).
Table 2.1: Some of the Potential Impacts of Tourism on the Natural
Environment
Impact Aspect: Potential Consequences
Floral and faunal
species composition
Pollution
Killing of animals through hunting;
Killing of animals in order to supply goods for the
souvenir trade;
Inward or outward migration of animals;
Trampling and damage of vegetation by feet and vehicles;
Destruction of vegetation through the gathering of
wood and plants;
Change in extent and/or nature of vegetation cover
through clearance or planting to accommodate
tourist facilities; and
Creation of a wildlife reserve/sanctuary or habitat
restoration.
Water pollution through discharges of sewage,
spillage of oil/petrol;
Air pollution from vehicle emissions, combustion
of fuels for heating and lighting; and
Noise pollution from tourist transportation and activities.
Erosion Compaction of soils causing increased surface
run-off and erosion;
Change in risk of occurrence of land slips/slides;
Change in risk of avalanche occurrence;
Damage to geological features (e.g. tors and caves); and
Damage to river banks.
Natural Resources Depletion of ground and surface water supplies;
Depletion of fossil fuels to generate energy for
tourist activity;
Change in risk of occurrence of fire;
Depletion of mineral resources for bUilding materials;
Over-exploitation of biological resources (e.g. overfishing);
Change in hydrological patterns; and
Change in land use for primary production.
Visual Impact Facilities (e.g. buildings, chairlift, car park);
litter; sewage; and algal blooms.
Source: Hunter and Green, 1995, p.14.
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