Feasibility Study of Proposed Tourism Dev in Shewula, NE ...

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Chapter 7 - Conclusions pose significant impediments to achieving efficient and effective project planning, implementation and operation. 7.1.2.2. Project strengths arising from the planning process to date The fact that there is significant commitment from the leadership in Shewula to see the project become a reality, and that there has been intensive involvement of a few members of Shewula (notably those represented on the Shewula-Mbuluzi-Mlawula Trust) in the planning of the proposed projects is a significant strength of the project. So too, is the involvement of local l&APs and neighbouring properties. There is also government support for the initiative, and a degree of interest has been expressed by some representatives in the private sector. In order to undertake the necessary research for the current study a more participatory planning process was implemented, which encouraged greater participation of the Shewula community. During the fieldwork, feedback was obtained and relayed between the various l&APs. To some extent, the problems of lack of communication and lack of access to information were, therefore, partially overcome; and the positive responses of willingness and enthusiasm that were expressed to continue this participation, is an opportunity to strengthen the project. 7.1.3. Issues related to the envisaged tourism product 7.1.3.1. Constraints There are several problems related to the conceptualisation of the project, which are pertinent to an assessment of the projects' feasibility. These include: 1. The lack of a finalised concept plan (including the details of the project design and the operational model) 2. The lack of a strategic planning process. This has resulted in the lack of a number of essential planning and management tools, including: • A strategic plan for the area as a whole (such as might be required by the Lubombo Conservancy for tourism development and conservation management); • A management plan for the Shewula area in particular (encompassing both the conservation / natural resources management and the tourism management components); • A marketing study, which would help to pinpoint the requirements that must be met by the project for it to be a feasible business venture, and would provide the necessary input required for the finalisation of the concept plan, thereby eliminating some of the problems that have contributed to the situation developing as described in bullet 1 above. The finalisation of the concept plan is a prerequisite for effective project implementation. The current assessment of the project's feasibility, particularly in terms of financial and business feasibility, has been impeded by a lack of specifics on the exact project plan. Of greater significance, however, is the possibility that the concept plan could be finalised without due consideration of the broader context of the project and without the necessary market analysis, natural resource management and tourism planning. This could pose a serious threat to the feasibility of the project. Although it may seem necessary, in view of time constraints, hasty decision-making could have the potential to negatively impact the project's ultimate long-term feasibility. 154
Chapter 7 - Conclusions 7.1.3.2. Positive factors There is significant potential for the project to offer a unique tourism experience and to create an environment conducive to the sustainable use of Shewula's natural resources; and the fact that the project has arisen out of an awareness of the opportunities for more effective and beneficial use of the Community's assets is, in itself, a strength of the project. Furthermore, there are numerous resources that have already been identified as assets for the project, including: • The unique location of Shewula,, with its spectacular views and appealing natural and socio-cultural character; • The establishment of the Lubombo Conservancy and associated opportunities for co-operative management, planning and marketing; • Funding, for both the tourism development itself and strengthening the community's capacity to undertake the development; • Numerous possibilities for tourism activities, of both a cultural and ecological nature; • Local inhabitants who could be employed for the construction and operation phases of the project; • Building materials, from local and nearby regional sources; • Local skills and expertise in conservation, tourism and business management. Opportunities for obtaining resources that will further strengthen the project include: • The possibility of obtaining further funding from government and other initiatives; • Possibilities for establishing relationships with other parties, which could facilitate: • co-operative management; • learning from others involved in similar exercises elsewhere; • borrowing the necessary equipment and machinery for the construction phase of the project. 7.1.4. Community-related factors affecting the project The status of the Community members as primary stakeholders, and their role in / involvement with the project in its various phases is a key component of this assessment of the project's short-and long-term viability. With regard to the strengths . and weaknesses of the proposed project, the fact that it is based within the Shewula community, makes its viability heavily dependent on the response of this community to the project, and the attitudes and behaviour of local residents towards the project. 7.1.4.1. Constraints There are several community-related constraints that have the potential to negatively affect the feasibility of the project. These include: • Lack of awareness, lack of understanding and uncertainty • Lack of participation • Lack of access to information a) Lack of awareness, lack of understanding and uncertainty At present, the understanding in the Shewula community, about tourism especially, but also conservation, natural resource management, and business, is insufficient to sustain a dramatic influx of tourists, contractually binding agreements with private operators or extensive nature conservation initiatives in the Shewula reserve. 155
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A Feasibility Study of the Proposed
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would
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2.3. Biophysical Context ..........
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6.1.4. Conclusions ................
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Box 9.1 Figure 6.1. Consideration o
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
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Executive Summary INTRODUCTION The
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Executive Summary The findings of t
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Executive Summary Positive aspects:
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Executive Summary • Tourism input
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Chapter 1 - Introduction This chapt
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Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1.2. Des
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Chapter 1 - Introduction Objective
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Chapter 1 - Introduction It has bec
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Chapter 1 - Introduction • Local
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Chapter 1 - Introduction Sustainabl
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Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.4.2.2. G
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Chapter 1 - Introduction A particip
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Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.5.2.3. I
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inevitably lost. In some instances,
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the translation that occurred durin
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2.1. INTRODUCTION This chapter prov
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Chapter 2 • Situational Assessmen
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Although the reserve is relatively
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Chapter 2 ■ Situational Assessmen
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parks and reserves. As SNTC oversee
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2.4.3.4. British Council The Britis
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2.4.4.3. Economic support structure
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One of the transfrontier initiative
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The iNcwala or 'first fruits' cerem
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These political changes have eroded
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Chapter 2 - Situational Assessment
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Chapter 2 - Situational Assessment
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Chapter 3 - An Initial Assessment o
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3.5. RECOMMENDATIONS The recommenda
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4.2.2. Positive reactions At two of
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4.4. PROBLEMS This section presents
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and therefore how the benefits to t
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c) Re-establishment of game The bel
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) Indirect income generation Sugges
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Chapter 4 ■ Socio-Cultural Findin
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4.6.2. Requirements for successful
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Chapter 4 - Socio-Cultural Findings
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4.8.1.4. Schools • Schools need t
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iome of these assumptions will have
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