Sustainable use of nature resources is an essential condition for sustainable tourism benefits’ Case study on Mangrove tourism

Abstract

Conservation of mangrove is a primary responsibility of mankind as per wide silent contribution to the society, environment and related ecosystems. To mangrove, both conservators and researches have highlighted and made an attempt to give the due recognition over the past. In Sri Lanka, many initiatives are made in this regard. This study assesses on the issue highlighted in Kalpitiya area which is the biggest open lagoon of the country where many initiative taken for tourism development recently. Due to lack of independent system with continuous economic benefits to the neighbouring community the mangrove plants sustainability in many areas has been challenged in the long run. Result shows 51.8% of the families use mangrove for some purpose of which result is removal of mangrove while only 12% do not disturb them. As a result, again, over a period of time, those areas demand external intervention and resources for conservation & restoration of the same flora. Considering current trends, introduction of tourism with visitor facilities for research, study and activities will be an opportunity to generated additional or alternative income to the stakeholders. Alternatively when they use mangrove as a resource base for tourism which gains many economic benefits the stakeholders, they will start protecting their own resource base while using the same. This has been proven in Maduganga area by now. On the other hand, high tourism demand and visitor interest on the nature and related ecosystems, there will be an independent system get developed to gain continuous economic benefits to the community with tourists’ facilitation which will be practically and logically sustainable. Thus, the sensitive and important mangrove habitats that are mostly found in lagoons, estuaries and wetlands be protected by the new system and its neighbouring stakeholders sustainably.

Key words: mangrove, conservation, ecotourism, sustainable, communities, alternative income, economic benefits