Ecotourisme et développement local à Oveng, (arrondissement de Nkolmetet)

Abstract

Since the 1980s, ecotourism has emerged in practice as a form of tourism reconciling the imperatives of environmental sustainability and socio-economic development objectives which are inherent in tourism. Yet in certain localities as Nkolmetet, the practice of ecotourism is recent and actors acting in the sphere of local development are struggling to absorb this new situation. This little interest in ecotourism implies a low extension of existing sites as well as a revalorization of ecotourism potentials in the locality. This study provides an assessment of the impact of ecotourism potentials in Oveng in the Nkolmetet Subdivision on local development. The Nkolmetet subdivision is blessed with natural assets and human resources. These diversified assets have enabled the establishment or development of a tourist camp which meets environmental requirements prescribed in the practice ecotourism. Indeed, the Oveng Lodge tourist camp and its service offers are natural fits for tourists who wish to be in contact with nature. The location of this site in the region generates social and economic benefits in the locality. The improvement of the living conditions of the population is noticeable in their income especially during the high tourist season (December-February, July September). This tourist activity present in the area contributes to the enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. However, the development of tourism in the resort faces big challenge is the lack of promoting tourism by institutional actors in the region. Our analyses are based on a systemic approach. The method used in the data collection range from literature research, questionnaire, interviews and participant observation. Digital processing of field data and maps was done using SPSS software for questionnaires, Argis for maps and Erdas Imagine 2014 for satellite images. In sum, it appears from our investigations that, despite the difficulties, many efforts have led to reap success in the valuation of ecotourism. The tourist camp Oveng Lodge appears as one of the most significant achievements. It leaves its mark on local development and the development of the locality. However, much remains to be first to promote the participation and involvement of the local population, then to make ecotourism a lever of economic development. This probably requires a consistent development of infrastructure, accommodation facilities and strengthen financial support and techniques to promote ecotourism initiatives.