Abstract:
This study explores the role of wildlife tourism in promoting local community
development in the Minneriya area of Sri Lanka. Wildlife tourism is a significant
recreational and economic activity in many countries, providing substantial income generating opportunities for local communities. This study focused on the Minneriya
area due to its unique concentration of wildlife attractions, such as Minneriya
National Park, Kaudulla, and Hurulu Eco Park. This study employed a qualitative,
inductive approach to explore the social, economic, and environmental effects of
wildlife tourism on surrounding communities. As the total population around the
conservation areas is unknown, a purposive sample of fifteen residents, those who
actively engage in the tourism industry, was selected. Data were gathered through
semi-structured interviews, which allowed for rich insights into the participants'
experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key areas of impact,
generating seven themes. The findings reveal that wildlife tourism contributes to
community development through several dimensions, including economic and social
empowerment, environmental conservation, infrastructure and educational
development, employment generation, attitudinal transformation, and the creation of
new income sources. Consequently, this study emphasises the potential of wildlife
tourism to foster sustainable and inclusive community development.
