Selling Nature to Save It, that is the essence of Ecotourism

Tourism has provided a valuable financial incentive to save plants and animals. ?In Kenya,? it is estimated that one lion is worth $7,000 per year in income from tourism, and an elephant herd is valued at $610,000 annually.? Hawaii?s coral reefs are estimated to generate $360 million each year from nature-based tourism! Isn?t that a reason to save wildlife? In Ghana, drones of people visit Tafi Atome and Boabeng Fiema to see monkeys living together in harmony with human beings. The Wechiau hippopotamus sanctuary and the Mole National Park where many animals including elephants can be seen at very close range attract many on daily basis. It is estimated that Mole National Park alone has an elephant population of 600. Ghanaians need to know the touristic value of our wildlife, who knows, Ghanaians may begin to appreciate the need to protect wildlife. There are elephants in Ankasa, Bia, Digya and Kakum protected parks.

The total amounts of money people spend just see an elephant is the elephant?s touristic value. These have always been in thousands of dollars for many countries.

The elephant is one of nature?s greatest gifts to mankind; this colossal mammal is known to be one of the wisest of animals in the jungle. Strong and majestic, and living up to 60 ? 80 years, living in close family knits and drinking an average of 50 gallons of water daily, the elephant is a marvel.

In Indian communities its common sight to see elephants roam about freely in the streets minding their own business. So one day, an elephant who was on her way to quaff water at the riverside had water splashed on her by a man who emerged from a small retail shop situated along the street. Miss elephant just turned to take a look at the man and left quietly. After what seemed like 30 minutes, Miss elephant returned from the riverside and stood in front of the shop from the man splashed water on her. She then hit the door with her trunk, probably knocking, then came the man thinking a customer had come to make a purchase, immediately he showed up, SPLASH! Right on his face making him wet all over his body. Miss elephant had kept water in her mouth that she used to revenge. Elephants have good memory. We need to protect our wild friends.

Recently an elephant died suddenly in a National Park, autopsy revealed coca cola bottle tops soften drink can and plastic wrappers in its stomach. Obviously visitors to the Park were lousy and left those thrash for the animals to pick up. We should protect our neighbors for the generation yet to come.

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