False promise or false premise? Using tourism revenue sharing to promote conservation and poverty reduction in Uganda

Tourism revenue sharing, often touted as a solution for conservation and poverty reduction, faces significant challenges when implemented in practice. A study on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda reveals that despite its potential, the scheme struggles due to lack of genuine local participation, minimal economic returns relative to costs, inept institutional management, and complex governance structures. These issues are not unique to this case but reflect broader difficulties encountered globally. While tourism revenue sharing remains a promising concept, its effectiveness is hindered by economic and institutional shortcomings. The study suggests that addressing these challenges could enhance the scheme's potential rather than abandoning it altogether.

Tumusiime, D., & Vedeld, P. (2012). False promise or false premise? Using tourism revenue sharing to promote conservation and poverty reduction in Uganda. Conservation and Society, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-4923.92189