EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MANAGEMENT MEASURES UNDERTAKEN TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON VEGETATION, SOIL, WATER AND WILD GAME

Abstract

Purpose: Hiking, climbing and walking have the potential to disturb wildlife and affect soil in a number of ways including trampling, littering, changing animal habitat or degrading soil through use of undesignated trail and trailside management. The aim of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the management measures undertaken to mitigate the impact of recreational activities on vegetation, soil, water and wild game. Methodology: The descriptive survey research design was used. Out of the three hundred and twenty nine (329) questionnaires administered, two hundred and sixty three 263(79.9%) responded to the questionnaires by completely filling and returning them. Descriptive statistics that included frequencies and percentages were used to organize and summarize the data. Tables and bar charts were drawn to present the collected data. Findings: Proactive planning, change design of facilities and improved maintenance were the most used methods of limiting recreation impact. This is attributed to the check in and checkout procedures, hardening of recreation sites, use of already established trails, designed and established water points. Managing tourism in a sustainable way requires both a long-term perspective and careful consideration of ways in which tourist activities and environment interrelate. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is need for the ministry of tourism to develop a systematic approach to address environmental conservation threat of recreation activities and come up with management frame works of monitoring visitors’ impact in national parks.