Dr. E. O Akindele, Dr. JB Balogun, PT Apeverga and AS Ringim

Editors: Dr. E. O Akindele, Dr. J. B. Balogun, P. T. Apeverga and A. S. Ringim 0 NTBA/FUD/020/19 Identification and mapping of ecotourism resources in Nasarawa state: a tool for environment and ecosystem sustainability Ujih, Osu Umar1* Dahiru Musa Kazaure1, Muazu Abubakar1 & Habibu Musa Gebbe1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, P.M.B. 7156, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria *Correspondence: [email protected], [email protected], +23408036291532 Abstract This research identified and mapped the ecotourism potentials of Nasarawa State as a tool to environment and ecosystem sustainability. Five hundred (500) questionnaires were administered in four communities. Purposive and random sampling methods were used to select samples. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that Nasarawa state offers a wide variety of potential tourism sites, which include; Akiri warm spring, Ara rocks, Doma dam, Farin Ruwa Waterfall, Gurku hills, Hunki Lake and Okwu Akpa. Community views of tourism potential of Nasarawa State were assessed under one major sector of sustainable development goals (SDGs), i.e. environmental sustainability. It was find out that in Nasarawa State, majority (>60.0%) had positive views on the potentials of tourism in enhancing environmental sustainability. Then, So, there is no significant difference between those that had positive view on tourism potential for environmental sustainability and those that had negative view at 95% significant level. This suggests that local communities in Nasarawa State believed that tourism could enhance and hinder environmental sustainability. Inadequate communities participation was the most recognized constrain to tourism development (86.5%) and that tourism development is capital intensive is the least recognized factor (49.5%). Nasarawa State offers wide variety of potential tourism sites, which if well planned, implemented and managed, could contribute to sustainable development. It was recommended that tourism development should be encouraged and supported via participatory approach, identified and mapped to achieve sustainable development. Key words: Ecotourism, Environment, Mapping, Potentials, Nasarawa, Sustainability Introduction Ecotourism as a leading global industry is of conventional mass tourism on cultural contributing to a significant proportion of and natural environment of host world production, trade, investments and communities (destinations) have led to the employment (UNWTO, 2001; 2012). invention of a ―new tourism‖, namely, Reports show that, international travel for ecotourism (WTO, 2015). recreational, leisure or business purposes Natural environment and has become one of the fastest growing ecosystem services are services vital to the economic activities worldwide (UNWTO, support of human life, provided by intact 2001; 2012; 2015). The number of natural ecosystems. These include the international tourist arrivals rose by nearly purification of air and water, detoxification forty fold from 25 million in 1950 to 980 and decomposition of wastes, regulation of million in 2011. It reached 1 billion in climate, regeneration of soil fertility, and 2012, and is expected to reach 1.56 billion production and maintenance of by 2020 (UNWTO, 2001; WTIC 2012; biodiversity, from which key ingredients 2015). However, the degrading outcomes of our agricultural, pharmaceutical, and 188 industrial enterprises are derived ways of reducing negative human impact (Chandrawati, 2010). In Nigeria, tourism and enhancing ecosystem services, and the is well acknowledged as one of the fastest first of these is environmental management growing and important industries that can and a second approach is through demand enhance economic growth and it has management of human resource use. The become one of the impetuses behind underlying driver of direct human impacts economic development efforts in both on the environment is human consumption urban and rural areas (UNWTO, 2013; (Tijjani 2005b). This impact is reduced by WTO, 2006). Tourism has become a key not only consuming less but by also strategy to generate economic, social and making the full cycle of production, use environmental benefits to communities, and disposal more sustainable. This foster community development, and research identified and mapped out alleviate poverty (Tijjani, 2005a). potential tourist sites in Nasarawa Stat, as Tourism exposes people to new ―worlds or a tool for environments and ecosystem environments and life style thus making sustainability. Ecotourism is a relatively participants to learn about new new idea and has emerged in the late environments. In Nigeria, the vast tourism 1980s that has dramatically capture d the potentials such as table mountains, attention of many people from a variety of beautiful landscapes, overwhelming backgrounds (Kumari, 2010). It is seen by serenity, wildlife, waterfalls, architecture, many conservation groups as a means to and craft has necessitated the existing ensure ecologically sustainable tourism drive in the country. development (TISTR, 1997). International Nasarawa State is highly Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) prospective for growth and development defined it as environmentally responsible considering its natural resources travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy endowment such as solid minerals and and appreciate nature that promote diverse attractive resources that can be conservation, have a low visitor impact developed as tourist sites. Its proximity to and provide for beneficially active Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of socioeconomic involvement of local Nigeria, is an added advantage to enhance people (Jeomah, 2007; 2010; 2011). accessibility which has always been a According to Butler (1997), major barrier to tourist development. ecotourism follows two important However, the State is still operating at the principles of sustainability namely, mercy of monthly Federal allocation to the promoting conservation of the natural neglect of Internally Generated Revenue ecosystems and supporting the local (IGR). Its primary occupation is economies. agriculture, with over 90% of its working The major characteristics of ecotourism population involved with little or no include: mechanization to the neglect of other a. Involves travel to natural development potentials (Yaro and Ebuga, destinations 2013). Nasarawa State blessed with b. Minimize the negative impacts of attractive natural resources can benefit mass tourism immensely from tourism, when properly c. Builds environmental awareness planned and implemented in a and respects local cultures and participatory approach. It will not only traditions provide economic gains but also enhance d. Provides direct financial benefits social and environmental sustainability. for conservation and The study focused on ecosystem provides empowerment for local people vital goods and services to humans and other organisms. There are two major 189 e. Local participation in decision- development and management and a major making (UNWTO, 2001, 2006, proportion of the benefits remain within 2012, and 2015). the community, (Bahaire, et al, 2012). The study bridged the knowledge gaps of Generally, the basic concept of stakeholders, tourism practitioners and ecotourism incorporates the three main state officials on the value addition. elements of (1) natural resources, (2) sustainable management and (3) Methodology environmental education activities. Other Study area minor elements are low impact, a limited Nasarawa State, one of the 36 States in number of tourists or tour operators, Nigeria was created on 1st October, 1996 protection and increase of the benefits to out of Plateau State. It is located at the nature and local people and local Centre of the Middle Belt region within participation (Barnett, 2013). While most latitude 8°N to 9°N and longitude 7°E to of mass tourism practices are 9°E. The State shares common borders unsustainable, a small part of ecotourism with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can be accused as being unsustainable, as Abuja on the West, Kaduna State on the illustrated by Butler (Banerjee, 2010). North, Plateau and Taraba States on the Ecotourism should in all cases, aim to East, and Benue and Kogi States on the achieve sustainable development. South. Ecotourism is considered as a component of sustainable tourism Reconnaissance survey development (Bahaire, 2012). Ecotourism First a reconnaissance survey was carried should be integrated into the conservation out which gave an insight of potential and development concept in a holistic tourist sites (springs, waterfalls, rivers, manner that means all components must be rocks/hills, rich forest belts), linked, compromised and balanced to each archaeological edifies, settlement pattern, other (Dhammapititaka, 2000). Ecotourism major economic activities, land use, is widely promoted as an ideal component population and environmental conditions of the sustainable development strategy of the area. Four Local Government Areas whereby natural resources can be utilized (Awe, Wamba, Nasarawa and Nasarawa as tourism attractions without causing Eggon LGA) were identified to have harm to the environment. It helps educate higher potential tourist sites than others. the traveler; provides funds for conservation, directly benefits the Sources of data economic development and political For the purpose of this research both empowerment of local communities, and primary and secondary sources

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