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This study explores the effects of observed changes in rainfall,
temperature and land cover on the physical and sightseeing aspects
of trekking in Kilimanjaro National Park. The impact analysis is
organised around hazard-activity pairs approach, combinations of
environmental change aspects (such as higher temperatures) and
tourism activities (such as trekking and sightseeing). The results
suggest that higher temperatures and reduced rainfall have lowered
the risks of landslides, rock fall and mountain sickness, improving
physical trekking conditions. Changes in land cover have affected
sightseeing: there now are more flowers and groundsels to admire
and less wildlife, waterfalls and snow. In the short term, the
disappearing snow may give rise to “last chance tourism”, increasing
visitation, but eventually, the loss of snow and forest cover will likely
decrease the number of tourists. The paper concludes that effective
management of the attractions in the expanding heathlands is the
most promising option to limit the losses. |
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