Waste Management in Protected Areas: Benchmarking Recyclable Waste Emanating From Tourism

Abstract

The worldwide demand for wildlife tourism-based experiences has driven a global increase in demand for wildlife tourism experiences within protected areas. Tourism within protected areas has both positive and negative effects. The positive effects relate to the increased financial support for conservation initiatives that provide concrete substantiation for the long-term survival and conservation of protected areas. The negative effects, however, relate to the increased tourism infrastructure and the environmental impacts of accommodating guests and their hospitality staff within the protected areas. Of particular interest in this chapter is the issue of Waste management in protected areas, specifically recyclable waste. A mixed method single case study research design was employed to determine baselines and benchmarks of recyclable waste at a wildlife tourism lodge in the Greater Kruger Park area. Reflections on general waste management were also made regarding proposed principles for responsible waste management in protected areas.