The Prospects of Ecotourism as a Conservation and Development Tool in Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary in Ghana

Abstract

Despite the copious contestations depicting the inefficacies of ecotourism as a conservation and development tool, nonetheless there is increasing trend that depicts ecotourism as a potential tool for conservation and development. This article seeks to tease out the prospects of ecotourism activities on the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary and how that contributes to the conservation of the fauna and flora in the Sanctuary and towards the development of the local community. The Sanctuary lies between latitudes 60 40 and 60 44 North of the Equator and longitudes 10 15 and 10 22 West of the Greenwich. The total area of the Reserve-for ecotourism is 54.6 sq. km and falls under the Juaso District of Ashanti Region. A total of 63 respondents from the village of Kubease were selected for the study. Questionnaires were administrated and responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Themes sought from respondents included  community involvement in marketing ecotourism, development of ecotourism resources in the community, reasons for residents’ enthusiasm about ecotourism and the benefits community members derive from the Sanctuary.  The research found out that at the moment, there is some semblance of ecotourism based on Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary as a conservation and development tool. In addition, the study revealed that majority of the residents are enthused about ecotourism and appealed to be allowed to be more involved in the operation of the ecotourism site.

Keywords: Ecotourism, Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, Conservation, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development