IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN ONE ZAMBIAN NATIONAL PARK AIMING AT IMPROVEMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, REDUCTION OF COUNTRYSIDE’S POVERTY AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

This study present the first stage of this pilot project, - selecting an optimal site for placement of the ecotourism facility and feasibility of its construction, and operation. All assessed sites in the 3 National Parks have potential for the development eco-tourism activities. Considering the levels of presumed investments and securing their availability, the site in Kafue National Park has been selected as optimally suited for the pilot project.

Results show Kafue National Park as the preferred location on the basis of a comparative SWOT analysis of 6 predetermined locations completed independently by 5 experts who visited all identified locations in the field. In case of realization of the pilot project, we recommend the involvement of adjacent communities in the construction and operation of the eco-camp facility and in providing local food and fishing products. Capacity in sustainable natural environment of these communities would also be built via study exchanges, workshops and training by the project team. General market analysis and economic considerations are presented as well as an approximate cost estimate of construction and operation of the facility.

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• Tourism Feasibility ZAMBIA