Impact and Outcomes

Poor people, poor education and poor health – so why a heritage centre?

80% of the world’s poor people (earning less than US$ 1 per day) live in just 12 countries. In 11 of these tourism is significant and/or growing (DfID 1999). As Zambia is one of these 12 countries the impact of tourism on the economy can be very significant. This is what the local association of tourism operators has to say:

“Recreational facilities are slowly developing in quality and diversity, but still offer limited opportunities for residents and tourists. This is an area of considerable opportunity aligned with the diversification of the tourism product, the promotion of cultural tourism and hence the transfer of a niche of tourism revenues into poorer communities.”

Statistical sources indicate that over 28% of the [local] ... population are immigrants. Given continued growth of the tourism sector this figure is likely to rise. A serious challenge then exists to maintain the cultural identity of the indigenous Kunda customs and traditions, for reasons of both cultural coherence and the development of cultural tourism opportunities.

It is not too far fetched to say that this venture could greatly assist the local population in its struggle to obtain education, income and opportunity, in other words to start fighting the causes of disease, poverty and death rather than the symptoms.

Total visitor arrivals to the valley in 1996 were 263,986. In the seven years to 2003 this number had grown to 577,526 – a growth of 118.8% over the period, or an average annual growth of 11.2%. This is not a package tourism destination, tourists tend to be both wealthy and discerning and are likely to be both receptive to and beneficent towards cultural tourism initiatives.

Dr Barham collecting Bisa DNA samples

This funding project is managed by Dr Larry Barham, a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Liverpool. Once established the Heritage and Conservation Centre will be managed and maintained locally by Zambia’s National Heritage Conservation Commission.

Funds are being held now by the University of Liverpool and donations can be made directly to the Liverpool University Development Fund. Please contact us to find out more about the ongoing research and conservation in the region or for further information regarding sponsorship and donations.