Why tourism is a “necessary evil” for gorilla conservation

06 Nov Why tourism is a “necessary evil” for gorilla conservation

From | Sana Noor Haq

The relationship between tourism and conservation has always been difficult in Africa; the tourism industry provides jobs, but some argue that it can have a negative impact on local biodiversity.

But conservationist Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka says tourists could be a “necessary evil” for environmental protection.

“I saw the positive impact of tourism, which was very important for me as a vet student, as a scientist,” she told CNN’s Larry Madowo. “Tourism can really help to sustain conservation.”

In the late 90s, Kalema-Zikusoka set up the first veterinary unit at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, before undertaking a zoological medical residency and masters in specialized veterinary medicine at North Carolina State University and North Carolina Zoological Park.

“Humans have disturbed the wildlife so much,” she said. “I found out that the gorillas’ habitat was really encroached.”

Now, conservationists have found a “happy medium” between enabling conservation efforts, engaging with local communities and boosting the overall economy, added Kalema-Zikusoka.

“There are four subspecies of gorillas in the wild,” she explained, “but the only subspecies that is growing steadily in number is the one where there’s tourism, which is the mountain gorillas. So, tourism is helping. Maybe it’s a necessary evil.”