Since independence 1960, Somalia has been a
leader in the field of conservation of wildlife and biodiversity
both aquatic and land base. The Somalia National Tourism Development
Master Plan focuses on better distribution of tourists so as to
relieve stress on existing areas of visitation, thereby minimizing
environmental degradation. These aforementioned noble objectives
will be achieved through: -
·Improved travel conditions to less visited tourist
area.
·Incorporation of nature and culture as major
considerations. In order to be compatible with popular wildlife and
beach attractions, laws pertaining to wild life conservation
reviewed to take the following aspects into the account: -
·Integration and sustainable conservation and
management of wildlife.
·Minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
·Developing and promoting sustainable nature-based
tourism.
·Maximizing community participation in tourism
development.
The concept of Beach Management Program has
been implemented along the Somalia Coast so as to ensure that the
beach is developed and managed as integrated ecosystem for
recreation and conservation purposes. The initiative is being
realized through the consulted efforts between the Ministry of
Tourism & Wildlife of Somalia, The Ministry of Environment.
The Program is aimed at enhancing the
conservation of the coral reef and other forms of biodiversity along
the coast. The beach management program entails: -
·Control of population encroaching on protected areas.
·Regulation of commercial activities along the beaches.
·Ensuring Visitor safety at the beaches.
To this end multi sectoral commission of the
Somalia Tourist Industry is created whose terms of reference
include: -
·Conducting a country-wide audit of eco-tourism
resources and products
·Conducting the requisite environmental impact
assessment studies.
·Formulating appropriate policies and guidelines on: -
(a)Land Tenure;
(b)Types of development to be allowed;
(c)Revenue sharing and;
(d)Planning and zoning
·Capacity building.
·Licensing and rating.
·Marketing Planning
The major players with in the National
Eco-tourism institutional framework whose active participation is
instrumental in attaining the desired development of sustainable
tourism include: -
