Conserving desert biodiversity through ecotourism

a r t i c l e i n f o Deserts are often neglected in what concerns conservation funding. Ecotourism, an alternative land-use with ability to preserve threatened biodiversity, is also less developed in these arid lands. Since ecotourism can constitute a complementary approach to natural and cultural resources and to local economy development, more investment should be allocated to desert ecotourism research. Particularly in sites where few alternatives remain to sustain the livelihoods of poor communities. Some key issues on desert ecotourism are discussed here. More research on this particular topic is needed. It has been shown that ecotourism preserves threatened biodiversity and enhances local economies in remote regions (Buckley, 2009). Eco-tourism is the fastest growing segment of tourism, generating annual revenues of more than US $28 billion for developing countries (Kirkby et al., 2011). These estimations are much higher than previously predicted by Goodwin (1996) for the 2000s. Some of the most remote regions are located in deserts, often perceived as bared lands with no life. This misconception is so generalized worldwide that little conservation funding has been allocated for deserts in the last years (Durant et al., 2012). Ecotourism is underdeveloped in deserts, whereas forests and savannahs are preferred (Krüger, 2005). Though several desert attractions and incentives have been proposed by Weaver (2001), the reality is that few tour enterprises have invested in these areas to date. However, desert ecosystems need alternative land-uses to decrease poverty (6% of the world's population live in deserts in poor conditions; United Nations Development Programme, 2014) and to preserve their natural and cultural heritage. This short communication constitutes a call for ecotourism research in deserts. Deserts show several advantages for ecotourism development (Brito et al., 2014; Vale, Pimm, & Brito, 2015). They are often unaltered by human activities and intervention (an exception goes for Las Vegas). They also offer tourists a broad viewing range, which enhances visual encounters with desert animals, especially in sparsely vegetated and tree uncovered areas (Weaver, 2001). Some of these desert species are among the most endangered worldwide (Durant et al., 2012), which attract very specialized tourists. Several unique attractions justify the development of ecotourism activities within deserts: exceptional geological features (e.g. sand dunes, mesa, alluvial fans, and playas); unique desert flora that blooms quickly in rainfall periods and ancient or unusual vegetation (e.g. the 2000-year-old Welwitschia mirabilis plants endemic to Namib desert and the giant …