IB Diploma Geography
Analyse the effects of the growth of global tourism on the culture and environment of indigenous people, referring to examples. (20 marks)
Indigenous communities, peoples and nations are those which, having a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories, consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing on those territories, or parts of them. They form at present non-dominant sectors of society and are determined to preserve, develop and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories, and their ethnic identity, as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal system” (United Nations, 2004). Looking at the Massai tribe from Kenya/Tanzania as well as the Dani tribe, located in Papa New Guinea, we are able to see that although they live a very specific and unique lifestyle, contact with the western society has had a large impact on them. The reasons for these changes vary but are mostly economic, media, tourism, political as well as religious. However whether these changes are positive or negative is debatable.
Tourism has had profound effects on se two tribes. There are a few characteristics of the Massai’s location which have led to the fact of many people imposing themselves on them. The major issues for the Massai are that a vast number of their lodges as well as camps have been established near reserves making them revenue earners. Furthermore, 70% of the protected lands and wildlife preserves in Kenya and Tanzania are Massai land and this has led to them being forced off their land. Thirdly, as the Massai are one of the last primitive tribes in the world as well as one of the biggest they are a very good target for tourists as they are an accessible tribe. This has not been the case for the Dani tribe as they are located in a very remote area however...