Citation:
Ali Z, Shelly SY, Bibi F, et al., Prospects for alleviating poverty and protecting the Taunsa barrage wildlife sanctuary, Indus river, Pakistan, through cultural and eco-tourism, The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, Volume 25, Issue 3, 2015, pp. 341-347
Abstract:
The common assumption about protected areas is that they aggravate poverty amongst local residents by excluding them
from livelihood activities such as fishing, agriculture, tourism and logging. It has been increasingly recognized that
protected areas should instead contribute to sustaining the resident communities of surrounding areas. Eco-tourism could
be an alternative form of income generation and has a substantial potential to boost and develop a relationship between
people and nature. At the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary (TBWS), on the Indus River, Pakistan, local communities
rely on local ecosystem services for up to 90% of their daily needs. To determine the potential for eco-tourism growth a
SWOT analysis (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) was designed based on discussion with stake holders
(including community representative, non-governmental and governmental agencies)and personal observation during
2010. It is proposed as an approach for communities to utilize otherwise marginal cultural or ecological
assets.Sustainability and involvement are both fundamental for the enduring future of this form of tourism. This study
indicates that the prospects of eco-tourism as an instrument for empowerment and poverty alleviation at the TBWS are
good.Eco-cultural tourism can offers ways to achieve sustainable resource and to engage with wider society. It could also
act as a model for how cultural- and eco-tourism could empower local people in comparable settings in Pakistan.