Impact of Tourism Activities on the Ecosystem. A Case Study of Gashashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria (Published)
This study assessed the impact of tourism activities on the ecosystems of Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP), Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the effects of tourism on vegetation, wildlife, soil, water resources and the general environmental condition of the park. The study adopted a mixed-method approach involving questionnaires, direct field observation and analysis of archival records. The study population comprised park staff and enclave dwellers within the park. A total of 496 questionnaires were administered, consisting of 168 questionnaires for park staff and 328 for enclave dwellers. Data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, while observations and archival records were analyzed thematically and descriptively. The findings revealed that tourism activities exert considerable pressure on the ecosystems of the park. Waste accumulation was identified as the most severe tourism-related environmental impact, with a mean score of 4.42, followed by vegetation loss and trampling (4.21), wildlife disturbance (4.13), and soil erosion and compaction (3.92). Noise pollution (3.45) and water pollution (3.16) were rated as moderate impacts. Field observations from 12 sites further showed that waste or litter was present in 83.3% of the sites, vegetation trampling or damage in 75.0%, soil erosion and trail widening in 66.7%, wildlife disturbance or absence in 58.3%, and water pollution or turbidity signs in 41.7% of the sites. Archival records also indicated an increase in tourist visitation from 2,270 visitors in 2016 to 4,734 in 2025, representing an overall increase of 108.5%. During the same period, documented environmental concerns increased from 29 incidents in 2021 to 71 in 2025, with waste accumulation, vegetation trampling and wildlife disturbance being the most frequently recorded concerns. The study concludes that although tourism contributes to environmental awareness, conservation interest and socioeconomic opportunities, poorly managed tourism activities pose significant threats to the ecological integrity of GGNP. The study recommends strengthened visitor management, regular environmental monitoring, improved waste-management systems, protection of wildlife, environmentally friendly tourism infrastructure, community participation, enhanced enforcement of conservation regulations, environmental education and the establishment of appropriate carrying-capacity limits for major tourist sites.
Keywords: Environmental impact, ecological integrity, sustainable tourism, vegetation and wildlife