Non-consumptive Wildlife Tourism Resources Utilization Dynamics

Wildlife has several uses that generate revenues for the betterment of landowners and society. Wildlife is used both consumptively and non-consumptively. Wildlife tourism can play a great role in fighting against global wildlife challenges such as the illegal trade in wildlife. This chapter contributes to the literature on wildlife tourism by drawing attention to what has been happening in the non-consumptive wildlife tourism sub-sector, thereby emphasizing the need for greater wildlife protection. To perform the assessment of the non-consumptive wildlife tourism uses, a rigorous review of published, unpublished and grey conservation literature related to both consumptive and non-consumptives use, with bias towards the latter in southern Africa was conducted. Wildlife non-consumptive use dynamics are discussed using case studies of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The results show that wildlife non-consumptive tourism is one of the main sources of revenue and livelihood for countries in southern Africa. Generally, wildlife tourism has been increasing over time except for a period in 2020 when COVID-19 struck. Furthermore, results indicate that there are some benefits and challenges which come with non-consumptive wildlife tourism use. These benefits and challenges are classified as economic, socio-cultural and environmental. There is need to maximize the economic benefits whilst minimizing the costs. However, given that not all wildlife areas are able to sustain profitable ecotourism ventures, there is need to ensure that the local communities have access to financial support so that they are incentivized to actively contribute to wildlife conservation. In terms of socio-cultural impacts of non-consumptive wildlife tourism, there is need for wildlife managers to continuously monitor wildlife tourism impacts. It is important to ensure that the natural environment is not affected negatively by non-consumptive wildlife tourism. This can be achieved using different management tools that address negative environmental impacts.