Abstract
This current study explores the interconnections between natural resource conservation, sustainable tourism development, and the well-being of local communities in East African Community (EAC). As the region experiences rapid growth in tourism, there is increasing pressure to balance economic development with environmental stewardship and social equity. Through a mixed-methods approach—combining literature review, policy analysis, field interviews, and community-based surveys conducted across selected sites in the EAC—this research explores how conservation initiatives and tourism policies impact local livelihoods, access to resources, and cultural integrity. It also examines how conservation initiatives and tourism practices influence socio-economic outcomes for local populations. The investigation is founded on the assumption that while sustainable tourism can generate income, employment, and infrastructure development, its benefits are unevenly distributed and often constrained by governance issues, limited local participation, and external control over resources. The study highlights both opportunities and tensions: while eco-tourism has generated income and employment for some communities, it has also led to restricted resource access, displacement, and unequal benefit-sharing. We seek to argue for the importance of inclusive governance, equitable participation, and culturally sensitive conservation models that prioritize the voices and needs of local populations managing natural assets and shaping tourism trajectories for a sustainable future. By integrating environmental sustainability with socio-cultural and economic equity, we aspire to contribute to the discourse on sustainable development in the Global South, offering policy insights for enhancing community resilience and fostering long-term ecological stewardship.
Presenters
Bernard KithekaAssociate Professor, School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, Missouri State University, Missouri, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Sustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
East Africa; Local people; Conservation; Tourism tourism; Community well-being; Sustainability
