Toward sustainable ecotourism development: an assessment of the benefits and environmental threats of Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility

ABSTRACT

Strategies for redesigning ecotourism facilities for the sustenance of their benefits are limited in the conventional literature.To address this gap, this study assesses the benefits and challenges of the Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility in Ghana. Data were obtained from 136 respondents who were carefully selected from the facility’s catchment. The results indicate the facility makes profound contribution to local economic development. However, poor environmental practices (poor waste management and agricultural practices) within the catchment area hamper the sustenance of the facility and its benefits.This study outlines strategies for redesigning the Lake Bosomtwe ecotourism facility to sustain its benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainability
• ecotourism
• environmental preservation
• economic benefits
• livelihood
• Lake Bosomtwe

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Francis Wiredu

Mr. Francis Wiredu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. He is interested in tourism research, spatial planning, and policy analysis.

Stephen Appiah Takyi

Dr. Stephen Appiah Takyi completed his Doctoral education at the School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Takyi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning specializing in Development Policy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. He also holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

Owusu Amponsah

Dr. Owusu Amponsah holds a PhD in Planning with emphasis on policy analysis, a Master of Science degree in Development Policy and Planning, Postgraduate diploma in Land Management and Informal Settlements Regularization, Master of Science degree in Development Policy and Planning and Bachelor of Science degree in Planning. His research and professional experiences have been in the areas of policy analyses, urban poverty reduction, and informal settlements regularization.

Nathan Tetteh

Nathan Tetteh is currently pursuing an MPhil Degree in Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He holds a BSc Planning degree (First Class Honors) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana and a Diploma in Basic Education Degree (First Class Honors) awarded by the University of Cape Coast. His research interest is in the areas of housing studies, Cities growth and management, as well as Environment and Climate Change.