Gorillas and economic development: A study of pro-poor conservation and tourism in central Africa

Abstract

National Parks worldwide are beginning to participate in "pro-poor" policies, a strategy aimed at using tourism revenue to reduce poverty through policies that create opportunity and offer benefits to local communities. This study examines four parks in Africa that specialize in gorilla-based tourism. Pro-poor policies of each park are discussed in the context of country and park history. Ugandan poverty rates are then compared based on proximity to national parks. The results indicate that lower poverty rates exist near national parks than in rural control groups; however, no causal link can be established between pro-poor policies and reduced poverty in these areas.