Executive Summary

Natural Resource Conservation and Economic Development in the Congo Basin: The Role of Ecotourism

Sponsored by the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

February 21, 2003
Rosslyn, Virginia

The symposium assembled participants from the State Department and several other federal agencies, representatives from Congo Basin and CBFP countries, conservation NGOs working in Africa, ecotourism experts -- both academics and practitioners, and international organizations. The presentations and discussions focused on practical challenges for ecotourism development in the Congo Basin region, lessons learned from other ecotourism experiences especially in developing countries, and existing ecotourism potential in the area. Michael Fay, of the Wildlife Conservation Society, gave the luncheon lecture on his transect walk across the forest of Central Africa.

Representatives of several development funding agencies spoke on the criteria for funding projects and the essentials of any successful enterprise. Business skills, security, marketing, conservation of product, and education of a management and labor force were all considered important topics for emphasis in planning for ecotourism development.

Several experts suggested that people with business experience should manage ecotourism projects. The business plan must begin with an evaluation of the revenue to be expected, and facilities be developed -- either basic, moderate, or luxurious -- to meet the expectations generated by marketing. It was further suggested that debt/equity ratio should be around 50/50, that debt structure should provide for a long grace period and payback time, and that multiple facilities in a network should reduce risk.

Both the physical security and well being of patrons as well as security of business assets were discussed. Political unrest and crime rates for the Congo Basin area were mentioned as a major factor affecting the possibility of development of any sustainable enterprises. The availability of safe drinking water, protection from local disease, and proximity to medical facilities were mentioned as important considerations.

Marketing was discussed at length. The importance of appealing to a variety of audiences, and cultivation of national as well as international visitors was considered important. Highlighting the special features of the site in an accurate presentation of the product to as many media opportunities as possible with ample use of an appealing internet site was considered the appropriate marketing strategy. The participants were cautioned not to sell what could not be delivered.

Several speakers mentioned the importance of conservation of the ecotourism site. Appropriate mechanisms for waste management, water conservation, litter control, construction for housing and transportation would need to be planned so as to enable the ecotourism enterprise to be sustainable.

Education of the staff and management of the ecotourism site as well as the tourism industry and tourist were all deemed important to a successful enterprise. The staff should be well trained for their tasks from the cook to the groundskeeper to the wildlife guide. Community involvement in management was considered important and would require training in skills such as bookkeeping and personnel management. Presentations at various tourism industry trade shows to display the attractions was mentioned as an appropriate start in getting information out to the travel managers and tour operators. Education of the visitor was considered important both for their general enjoyment of the ecotourism experience and conservation of the site.

Many speakers emphasized the importance of involvement of the local community in planning, development and maintenance of the ecotourism product. Almost all presenters considered the many challenges inherent in ecotourism development in the Congo Basin, but also expressed enthusiasm for the rich visitor experiences and important contribution to conservation such enterprises could produce.

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