THE SCOPE OF DESERT ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES IN THE BULATURA OASES SECTOR (BOS) OF CHAD BASIN NATIONAL PARK (CBNP) IN YOBE STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Globally, sand dune is a blessing not a curse as perceived by Nigerians. Effective ecotourism planning and management requires the determination of attractions in destinations however, this information is grossly inadequate in Nigeria’s aeolian sand dunes destination hence the need for this study. The study aimed at assessing the scope of desert ecotourism activities in the Bulatura Oases Sector of Chad Basin National Park in Nigeria. The objective of this study is to assess the physical characteristics of sand dunes in the study area as well as determining ecotourism activities that can be supported by the dunes and patronized by tourist using Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), Laboratory analysis, field observation and interview. The result shows 440 dunes with 18 different shapes, variable sizes and heights with 7 different colours in the study area. The result also shows that all the 33 sand-based ecotourism activities compiled from literature can be supported by sand dune’s shapes, sizes, heights and colours which constitute their physical characteristics in the study area. Although all these 33 activities were observed to be supported by dune’s physical characteristics in the study area based on cultural compatibility however, only 27 were accepted for patronage based on economic consideration and uniqueness of each activity. The study concluded that the 6 rejected activities should be practiced. It further recommended the practice of all supportable desert ecotourism activities in the study area to enhance revenue generation and variability in ecotourism menu.