ABSTRACT

This paper explores the ecotourism potentials of Wuling mushroom rocks and boulders (WMRBs) in north western Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach covering 24 respondents. The results show that WMRBs' potentilas are the presence of beautiful geological and geomorphological formations interlaced with interesting local uses, myths, and availability of tourism infrastructure. Apart from the opportunity to protect local biodiversity, community members are also enthusiastic about developing the site since it will offer them jobs and recognition. However, there are some challenges and threats to ecotourism development in Wuling, including bureaucratic processes associated with tourism regulators and promoters, low investor interest, free access to the site and possible reprisal if tradtional sources of livelihood are truncated by the development of ecotourism facilities. To address these challenges, the paper recommends aggressive marketing of the potentials of WMRBs and sensitization to allay the fears of community members about ecotourism development.

摘要

本文探讨了加纳西北部武陵蘑菇岩和巨石 (WMRB) 的生态旅游潜力。该研究采用了涵盖 24 名受访者的定性研究方法。结果表明，WMRB 的潜力在于美丽的地质和地貌构造与有趣的当地用途、神话和旅游基础设施的可用性交织在一起。除了保护当地生物多样性的机会外，社区成员也热衷于开发该网站，因为它将为他们提供工作和认可。然而，武陵生态旅游发展面临一些挑战和威胁，包括与旅游监管机构和促进者相关的官僚程序、投资者兴趣低、如果传统的生计来源因生态旅游设施的发展而被截断，则可以免费进入该地点并可能进行报复。为了应对这些挑战，本文建议对 WMRB 的潜力进行积极的营销，并进行宣传以减轻社区成员对生态旅游发展的恐惧。