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Sea turtles’release in S. Tomé and Principe is used to educate local population on the importance of nature
conservation, namely young children.
Page 1 of 16
LEISURE & TOURISM | RESEARCH ARTICLE
Ecotourism based on the observation of sea
turtles –A sustainable solution for the touristic
promotion of são tomé and príncipe
Susana Mendes, Joana Martins and Teresa Mouga
Cogent Social Sciences (2019), 5: 1696001
LEISURE & TOURISM | RESEARCH ARTICLE
Ecotourism based on the observation of sea
turtles –A sustainable solution for the touristic
promotion of são tomé and príncipe
Susana Mendes
1
, Joana Martins
2
and Teresa Mouga
1
*
Abstract: Wildlife-based ecotourism has been stated as an efficient tool to promote
the conservation of endangered species and habitats. These activities also aim to
create economic revenue for local communities. Likewise, ecotourism, intends to
involve these communities in the management of the conservation programs and
develop educational activities, either for children, locals, or tourists, in order to
increase awareness about target species and habitats. This study addressed the
recent ecotourism activities in the observation of sea turtles which are being
developed in São Tomé and Príncipe. These charismatic marine reptiles are vulner-
able or endangered due to human activities, such as meat and egg consumption,
illegal trade, habitat loss, climatic change, pollution and fisheries bycatch.
Therefore, ecotourism using flagship species, like a sea turtle, establishes
a sustainable alternative to destructive activities, promoting the country’s environ-
mental, economic and social development, the three pillars of sustainability. In this
context, the objective of this study is to know the potential of São Tomé and
Príncipe as a turtle watching-based ecotourism destination. An exploratory analysis
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susana Mendes is professor at School of Tourism
and Maritime Technology (ESTM), (Portugal),
member of MARE –Marine and Environmental
Sciences Centre and studies applied multivariate
statistics. She conducted her PhD research at the
University of Salamanca (Spain) working on
three-way models and their applicability to
analyse data from ecological studies in time and
space.
Joana Martins has a master’s degree in
Tourism and Environment, and developed an
internship on Sea turtles Conservation and
Ecotourism in São Tomé and Principe, during
2015–2016, for 6 months, when she established
procedures for ecotourism activities, educational
environmental activities, and settled a project
for an eco-museum.
Teresa Mouga is a coordinating professor at
ESTM, member of MARE and studies biology,
ecology, growth and biotechnology of seaweeds.
She conducted her PhD research at the
University of Coimbra, where she obtained her
degree in Biology (Botany). She has also worked
on several projects on nature conservation.
PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT
Ecotourism activities are growing fast, for people
are eager to experience pristine environments
were wild animals thrive in their natural habitats.
This is the case of S. Tomé and Principe were sea
turtle’s nature-based tourism is being established
for the past few years. These tourism activities
must be implemented with care, so to allow
tourists to watch sea turtles without disturbing
their habitats or their activities. Also, income
attained from ecotourism must revert both to
local populations, leveraging local development,
and to nature conservation, improving natural
habitats. Finally, educational activities must be
developed, so as to increase environmental
awareness.
This study aimed to assess the potential of
S. Tomé and Príncipe as a turtle watching-based
nature-based tourism destination and we con-
cluded that both local population and tourists
generally comply with the ecotourism principles.
Thus, if well managed S. Tomé and Príncipe may
become a long-term successful ecotourism
destination.
Mendes et al., Cogent Social Sciences (2019), 5: 1696001
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1696001
© 2019 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons
Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.
Received: 02 December 2018
Accepted: 17 November 2019
First Published: 25 November 2019
*Corresponding author: Teresa
Mouga, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of
Leiria, Peniche 2520-641, Portugal
Email: mougat@ipleiria.pt
Reviewing editor:
Willem Coetzee, University of Otago,
New Zealand
Additional information is available at
the end of the article
Page 2 of 16
was carried out through two questionnaires (one focused to the Morro Peixe’s local
community and another to the tourists that were engaged in turtle watching
activities), in order to know the perception of the inhabitants and tourists regarding
the programs and initiatives for the conservation of sea turtles. Despite the
awareness that already exists among inhabitants regarding the conservation of sea
turtles, the results showed that they do not straightforwardly accept the prohibition
for the capture of sea turtles, but most of the population of Morro de Peixe is
receptive to changes in the community regarding their protection. In fact, the
population is beginning to recognize that tourism, due to the protection given to
these endangered species, may become (in the medium term) a sustainable source
of income. Regarding tourists’profile, these are mostly Portuguese, with a high level
of education and income. They are well informed about the need for sea turtle
conservation and seek to carry out tourism activities that pursue this protection. In
fact, this also demonstrates the potential the country has as a turtle watching-
based ecotourism destination.
Subjects: Niche Tourism; Tourism and the Environment; Tourism Development/Impacts
Keywords: Turtle-watching; sea turtles’conservation; flagship species; local communities’
development; marine ecotourism; wildlife-tourism; sustainable tourism
1. Introduction
Tourism is one of the most profitable economical activities in the world, and one of the fastest
growing (UNWTO, 2019b). Yet tourism constitutes an environmental challenge for it has a direct
impact on all three “pillars”of sustainability—economic, social and environmental and these
(Buckley, 2012; Eagles, Mccool, & Haynes, 2002;Hall,2011). In fact, tourism activities often do
not comply with the United Nations World Tourism Organization definition of sustainable tour-
ismbeingaformof“tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social
and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and
host communities”(UNWTO, 2019a), being responsible, for instance, for 8% of global greenhouse
gas emissions, for changes in land cover and land use, extinction of wild species, dispersion of
diseases, among other negative impacts (Hall, 2011; Lenzen et al., 2018). This means that
frequently tourism is unbalanced, in the sense that it does not create value in the socio-
economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Paradoxically tourism is severely
impacted by the consequences of an unsustainable environment, being extremely dependent
on a healthy natural and safe environment. Hence, there is an urge to reduce tourism negative
impacts which can be achieved by oriented long-term environmental policies, management
measures and technologies (Buckley, 2012;Butler,1999; Postma, Cavagnaro, & Spruyt, 2017).
Hence, policymakers are increasingly seeking for balanced sustainable tourism (Budeanu, Miller,
Moscardo, & Ooi, 2016; Hall, 2011) and a social change seems to be arising within tourists that
seek for more sustainable destinations (Hall, 2011; Liu, 2003). Consequently, the relationship of
tourists towards environment appears to be changing into more environmentally friendly prac-
tices. The ecological behavior and awareness of tourists have been accompanied by their touristic
choices, due to environmental concern regarding tourism impact. The development of ecotourism
and other nature-based tourism operations are, thus, examples of more sustainable options,
providing opportunities to appreciate and enjoy nature with less negative impact, and also to
develop visitors’knowledge and awareness regarding environmentally friendly attitudes and
nature conservation (Eagles et al., 2002; Lee & Moscardo, 2005; Peake, Innes, & Dyer, 2009).
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2. Wildlife-based tourism
In the past decades, the growth of non-consumptive wildlife-oriented recreation, ecotourism and
the increase of economic prosperity supporting wildlife conservation, became a reality (Griffin
et al., 2017; Wilson & Tisdell, 2000). Although the concept of ecotourism remains rather uncertain
(Mtapuri & Giampiccoli, 2019), according to The International Ecotourism Organization it can be
defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-
being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”(The International Ecotourism
Organization, 2019). Indeed, the principles followed by ecotourism are quite clear and include
minimizing all negative impacts, increase awareness, promote direct financial benefits for natural
and cultural conservation, as well as improve of welfare of local populations (Cobbinah, 2015; Coria
& Calfucura, 2012; Eagles et al., 2002). Thus, well-implemented ecotourism activities must provide
the enjoyment of the visitors as well as fulfill the corresponding component of nature conserva-
tion, that is, conserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects and wildlife, for high natural
standards play a key role in attracting international visitors to tourist destinations (Kaltenborn,
Nyahongo, & Kideghesho, 2011). On the other hand, tourism has positive impacts on local human
communities if the revenues obtained from ecotourism allow the development of management
measures for habitats and wildlife conservation. Besides, tourism also plays a major role in
improving the well-being and living conditions of local communities, if managed properly
(Adams & Infield, 2003; Briedenhann & Wickens, 2004; Buckley, 2010; Ceballos-Lascurain, 2001;
Coria & Calfucura, 2012; Das & Chatterjee, 2015; Inamdar, Jode, Lindsay, & Cobb, 1999; Jitpakdee
& Thapa, 2012; Li & Han, 2001; Mbaiwa, 2005; Queiroz, Guerreiro, & Ventura, 2014; Santarém &
Paiva, 2015; Walpole & Goodwin, 2000; Wilson & Tisdell, 2000). Although, it is also documented
that, if poorly managed, nature-based tourism may too have significant negative socioeconomic
impacts. In parallel, poor management of tourism have detrimental effects on either habitats or
wild animals, due to the nonexistence involvement of the local community, revenue leakage,
overcrowding, high patterns of visitor consumption, waste generation, wildlife damage, negative
impact in animal health, physiology, reproduction rate and behavior, among others negative
consequences (Das & Chatterjee, 2015; Jitpakdee & Thapa, 2012; Kafyri, Hovardas, & Poirazidis,
2012; Kaltenborn et al., 2011; Kroeker-Maus, 2014; Krüger, 2005; Stronza & Gordillo, 2008; Yacob,
Radam, & Rawi, 2009; Zal & Breda, 2010). Therefore, the implementation of effective long-term
sustainable ecotourism management plans will help to ensure economically viable ecotourism
operations, that decrease negative impacts on local communities, wildlife, and habitats. These
plans aim to reduce social and biophysical impacts, reduce leakage of potential benefits, increase
environmental awareness and action among tourists and local populations, develop activities with
educational purpose, preserve local culture and create opportunities for local people when they
participate directly in the management (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996; Cengiz, 2007; Griffin et al., 2017;
Jitpakdee & Thapa, 2012;Kaltenborn et al., 2011; Kiper, 2011; Pegas, Coghlan, Stronza, & Rocha,
2013; Queiroz et al., 2014; Waligo, Clarke, & Hawkins, 2015). The direct engagement of the local
population in management activities ensures their interests in ecotourism and aligns them with
sustainable objectives (Dehoorne, Murat, & Petit-Charles, 2010; Lequin, 2002; Waligo et al., 2015).
This must be accompanied by proper education of local population which will enhance benefits
and helps local communities to make the necessary social and economic adjustments to ecotour-
ism (Das & Chatterjee, 2015; Pegas et al., 2013; Stronza & Gordillo, 2008; Stronza & Pêgas, 2008;
Wearing & Neil, 2009). In addition, the development of an educational program for tourists, tourist
operators and local people, allows the improvement of their awareness regarding natural values.
In fact, those programs can contribute to decrease negative impacts of visitation and to increase
the long-term sustainability of natural areas through the conservation of both habitats and wildlife
(Pegas et al., 2013; Queiroz et al., 2014). Therefore, ecotourism may promote conservation through
economic benefits. Moreover, through ecotourism the role of local communities in the manage-
ment will help sustain success over time (Stronza & Pêgas, 2008).
3. Ecotourism based on sea turtles’conservation
Ecotourism has been used as a tool to implement conservation program of several endangered
charismatic species, such as elephants, pandas, tigers, rhinoceroses, lions, whales, dolphins, sea
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lions, whale sharks, and sea turtles, among other large vertebrates. Although negative impacts due to
tourism activities have been reported (Davenport & Davenport, 2006) some successful well-known
non-consumptive wildlife-oriented recreational tourism activities have been implemented regarding
the observation of sea turtles. Examples of such successful cases are Mon Repos Conservation Park
and Heron Island National Park in Australia (Tisdell & Wilson, 2002; Wilson & Tisdell, 2000), Tortuguero
in Costa Rica (Meletis & Campbell, 2007), Gandoca in Costa Rica (Gray & Campbell, 2007) and Praia do
Forte in Brazil (Pegas et al., 2013;Pegas&Stronza,2010; Stronza & Pêgas, 2008). Turtle-based tourism
provides employment to local people, including tourists’guiding, nature conservation guarding, craft
selling, and so forth (Cope, 2015; Jacobson & Robles, 1992; Marcovaldi & Dei Marcovaldi, 1999;Pegas
&Stronza,2010; Tisdell & Wilson, 2002). Revenue obtained from turtle-based tourism also contributes
to the conservation of these endangered species, through the implementation of conservation plans
and educational strategies. It has also been stated that this type of tourism benefits conservation
through raising tourists awareness and appreciation of these reptiles (Ballantyne, Packer, &
Sutherland, 2011; Griffin et al., 2017; Wilson & Tisdell, 2000). Moreover, conservation improvements
may be due to social, culture and economic dynamics of the local population. Tourist can witness sea
turtles dragging their bodies ashore, nest excavating, egg-laying, egg hatching and baby turtles first
walk to the ocean. Yet, tourist activities may adversely affect turtle behavior (such as feeding,
breathing, and nesting activities) through flashlights, physical blocking, touching, noise, recreational
diving, and other human activities (Griffin et al., 2017; Hayes, Baumbach, Juma, & Dunbar, 2017;
Kamrowski, Sutton, Tobin, & Hamann, 2015; Pegas et al., 2013;Wilson&Tisdell,2000). Therefore, new
tourist activities regarding sea-turtles’observation must be implemented with the least disturbance
possible, preventing any negative impact on the animal populations, conversely building long-lasting
experiences that encourage tourists to adopt a more environmental responsible behavior.
4. Study area
The Archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe is a republic comprising mainly two islands—São Tomé
Island and Príncipe Island—and a few other islets, most of them desert. The Archipelago is in the
Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of central Africa, the Equator
passing through the archipelago (Figure 1). The islands are volcanic, and the climate is tropical hot
Figure 1. Location of São Tomé
and Príncipe in the Gulf of
Guinea, West Coast of the
African Continent.
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and humid, therefore the main vegetation is a tropical forest. The main economic activities are
artisanal fisheries and agriculture, mainly sugar cane, cocoa, coffee and palm oil (Frynas & Wood,
2003). Tourism is an emerging activity in S. Tomé and Príncipe, with only 8 thousand arrivals in
2010 (UNWTO, 2019b). Other unpublished data from the Tourism Office of S. Tomé and Príncipe
(Table 1), demonstrate a small but steadily growing influx of tourists into S. Tomé and Príncipe,
mainly from Portugal, Angola and France, up to more than 18 thousand tourists in 2014.
São Tomé and Príncipe is an important marineturtle nesting site, where four of the seven species of
sea turtles visit the sandy beaches for nesting, with nesting season reaching mostly from August to
May (Girondot, 2016). Sea turtles are ancient marine reptiles, existing for more than 200 million years
(Spotila, 2004). The species existing in São Tomé andPríncipe are Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta),
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback (Dermochelys coria-
cea) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), all of them being classified as vulnerable or
endangered (IUCN, 2017). Of these species, C. caretta uses the area only as a feeding area, but all
the other species use the coast of the islands of S. Tomé and Príncipe as nesting areas (Girondot,
2016). These species exhibit complex and very slow growth, reaching sexual maturity between 15 and
50 years of age and come ashore mainly at night to nest and lay their eggs (Wallace et al., 2011).
These charismatic animals play a vital ecological role in the health of marine ecosystems (Hamann
et al., 2010).
Sea turtles face a wide variety of threats such as natural predation, climate change, interna-
tional commercial fisheries bycatch, pollution, and other anthropogenic factors including degrada-
tion of terrestrial coastal habitats, illegal trade, direct consumption of meat and eggs, and
craftwork production (Girondot, 2016; Hamann et al., 2010; Hancock, 2013; Pegas et al., 2013;
Wallace et al., 2011). The archipelago represents a strategic area for feeding, reproduction, and
nesting, allowing the development of the entire life cycle of sea turtles. The size of the sea turtles’
populations and the variety of species make turtle-based tourism attractive for international
tourists visiting S. Tomé and Príncipe. Yet, it is estimated that S. Tomé and Príncipe may be losing
most of its natural patrimony in consequence of international industrial fisheries agreements, and
due to lack of surveillance of exclusive economic zone of the country (Frynas & Wood, 2003). In
fact, international commercial fisheries, namely from East Asian Countries operating in the Gulf of
Guinea, are severely disturbing the marine ecosystem, namely the populations of sea turtles
(Girondot, 2016), and other large organisms such as stingrays and sharks. Therefore, ecotourism
may be an interesting economic alternative contributing to the implementation of conservation
Table 1. Number of tourists to S. Tomé and Príncipe from the main five source countries, and
total arrivals between 2010 and 2014
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Portugal 3578 4385 5811 5447 7462
Angola 1105 1475 1866 1403 3051
France 514 673 843 765 1190
USA 280 - - - 410
UK 229 - - - -
Nigéria - 555 396 - -
Cape verde 409 494 327 -
Spain 195 -
Gabon 443
Other countries 2257 3786 4223 6093 6074
TOTAL
ARRIVALS
7963 10,319 12,743 13,708 18,187
Source: Data from the Direção Geral do Turismo of S. Tomé and Príncipe
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measures of sea turtles and other large vertebrates, also increasing the income of local people,
most of them leaving below the poverty line.
This last decade, a large panel of sea turtle conservation initiatives have been established in
Africa. Due to their political stability, some African countries, namely S. Tome and Príncipe, are
developing sea turtle-based ecotourism activities. Furthermore, a public awareness campaign
conducted for foreigner tourists has led to a reduction of the shell trade in S. Tome and Príncipe
(Girondot, 2016). Other conservation initiatives undertaken are nest surveillance, construction of
incubation centers, illegal trade surveillance, and educational initiatives with the local population.
All these initiatives are being developed since 2008 within a conservation program called Tatô, the
native name for Olive Rodley sea turtle, under the responsibility of the local nongovernmental
organization MARAPA (Mar Ambiente e Pesca Artesanal) and the Portuguese nongovernmental
organization ATM (Associação Tartarugas Marinhas).
Some of the sandy beachesbeing surveilled and protected are in Lobata district, namely Morro Peixe
and Micoló (Figure 2). In this area, a turtle-watching ecotourism activity started in2015, supervised by
ATM and MARAPA, including a small museum, educational activities, programmed tours to observe sea
turtles’nesting activities and release of offspring, and logistic support to staff and volunteers.
Thus, the research objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of São Tomé and Príncipe
as a turtle watching-based ecotourism destination. An exploratory analysis was carried out on the
Morro Peixe’s local community, to assess the perception of the inhabitants regarding turtle-
watching ecotourism and their willingness to support this activity and sea turtle conservation.
We also questioned tourists engaged in sea turtles’observation activities in S. Tomé and Príncipe
and assessed their motivation to carry out such activities, their behaviour and knowledge regard-
ing ecotourism, as well as their willingness to pay for sea turtle conservation efforts.
5. Methods
5.1. Data collection
Aligned with the objectives, two different surveys were carried out. The first one with the purpose
of knowing the local community and the information locals have regarding Tatô program and sea
turtle conservation, and another survey characterizing the tourists. The methodological choice of
Figure 2. Species of sea turtles
occurring in S. Tomé island.
Adapted from Jiménez & Vieira
2016, Tatô Program (ATM).
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the questionnaire addressed to the community consisted in the application of a questionnaire
survey, with direct on-site management and addressed to residents of Morro Peixe (a small
fisherman village, with around 195 habitants
1
). The questionnaire included 19 questions, mostly
closed, involving factual aspects, with a predominance of qualitative variables, namely nominal
scales. Both the qualitative and quantitative approaches have their advantages, disadvantages,
positives and negatives points, and the chosen method should always be appropriate to the
research question. However, opting for a quantitative approach allows an objective analysis of
the data, where it is possible to establish and test relationships between the items under study. On
the other hand, it allows the use of statistical methods (deductive process), which allows the
construction of patterns of association or dissociation between the profiles under analysis. Thus, it
was possible to achieve results that contributed to the understanding of the phenomenon under
study.
Accordingly, the typology used was chosen taking into account the nature of the research, since
it was intended to measure that, despite the prohibition, residents still have turtle meat consump-
tion habits, as well as assess specific characteristics of the community under study (ascertain how
many inhabitants capture turtles, the importance given to the conservation of these animals and
to assess their knowledge of the decree regulating the capture and trade of sea turtles and their
products) (Annex I). The questionnaire was applied between March 11 and 19 April 2016. A sample
of 56 residents (working adults) was determined using the most conservative estimate for a single
proportion (0.5), a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 11%. This was estimated in
order to obtain the minimum number of elements necessary for the validity of the conclusions
obtained through the survey (and based on the universe under analysis, which is 195 individuals).
Regarding the questionnaire addressed to tourists, this was performed with the aim of
outlining their profile. Specifically, this was intended for tourists who carried out turtle watch-
ing. The questionnaire included 15 questions, with a structure similar to the questionnaire
addressed to residents (namely, predominantly qualitative variables and nominal scales)
(Annex II). The type of survey was selected based on the research objective, that is, to know
the motivations that lead tourists to carry out the activity, their opinions on turtle conservation
and protection programs (as a form of social and economic development of underdeveloped
communities) and what resources they have accessed, to know these tourist activities. The
questionnaire was applied during the spawning season 2015/2016 of sea turtles in São Tomé
(thatis,betweenJanuary1and8April2016).The surveys were applied in the communities of
Morro Peixe, Micoló and Porto Alegre. A sample of 55 tourists (older than 18 years old) was
determined using the most conservative estimate for a single proportion (0.5), a confidence
level of 95% and a margin of error of 13%. This was estimated in order to obtain the minimum
number of elements necessary for the validity of the conclusions obtained through the survey
(based on an unknown universe and contemplating the totality of the 22 guided visits made for
the turtle watching).
6. Data analysis
Data analysis begins with the descriptive assessment of residents’behavior and tourists’motiva-
tions. This is followed by a data analysis using the Chi-squared tests of independence that compare
the squared deviations between observed and expected frequencies by means of association in
contingency tables (Agresti, 1992; Fienberg, 1980). When a large difference occurs, the Chi-
squared value is high, which suggests dependence between the variables. In order to assess if
this difference is significant, the test statistic is compared to the value of the Chi-squared
distribution for a specific significance level (the critical value). When the test statistic exceeds
the critical value, the hypothesis of independence between the variables is rejected. In this case,
the p-value of the test is lower than the significance level. Therefore, it was possible to detect and
describe patterns of association (or dissociation) between the various issues addressed throughout
the two questionnaires. All results were considered statistically significant at the 5% level (that is,
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when p-value <0.05). All data collected were treated with the statistical program IBM SPSS
Statistics 22.0.
7. Results
This section is divided into two parts: (1) the community profile that refers to the data collected
through the questionnaires applied to S. Tomé residents; and (2) the tourist behaviour and profile
addressed to the analysis of the collected data through the questionnaires applied to tourists.
7.1. Community profile
A summary of the main socio-demographic characteristics of the residents analyzed is provided in
Table 2. The results showed that most of the respondents were male (66%), aged between 29 and
39 years old (37.5%) and hold the elementary education level (92.9%). Additionally, most of the
respondents were engaged in fishing activities (fisherman and fishmonger).
Concerning the general residents’behavioral characteristics and attitude towards sea turtles, the
answers given to the question “Have you ever eaten turtle meat?”were mostly positive (67.9%).
However, it is noteworthy that several relevant reactions have been observed on this issue. Thus,
some of the respondents felt ashamed that they had already eaten the turtle’s meat (some revealed
that they no longer did), while others were afraid to respond affirmatively to the question due to the
existence of a law prohibiting the capture and consumption. Nonetheless, a large number have stated
convincingly that they have this eating habit and revealing that they greatly appreciate it. Likewise,
residents’reactions to the question “Have you ever caught a turtle?”revealed some reluctance to
respond. However, 35.7% of the answers were affirmative, of which 55% indicated that they had done
it accidentally. In addition, it should be noted that the affirmative responses were significantly male
(p-value < 0.05). On the other hand, it should be noted the significant association of thisissue with the
daily occupation, given that in the majority the residents are engaged in fishing activities (p-value <
0.05). When questioned about what they had done with the captured animal, most claimed to have
sold it to the Palaiês (fishmongers). Although, 14.3% stated that the catch was carried out to serve as
food, 28.6% of respondents reported that they had released the captured turtle. It should be noted
that fishermen who catch turtles do not generally kill them. They sell it alive to the Palaiês, who kill it
for later sale in the local market. In this way, the fishermen cannot be accused of acting in a pre-
determined manner regarding the capture and death of the turtles. Regarding the perception of
residents to the protection and conservation of sea turtles, a relevant number of respondents (33.9%)
revealed to be unaware of their importance and necessity (being the lack of knowledge significant
and extensive to both sexes) (p-value < 0.05). However, residents who answered differently (signifi-
cantly associated with individuals with a higher educational level; p-value < 0.05) identified the fact
that the sea turtles are part of the country’s natural heritage and are endangered of extinctionas one
Table 2. Community profile
Variables Categories % (n)
Gender Male
Female
66.0% (37)
33.0% (19)
Age 15–28
29–39
40–51
≥51
33.9% (19)
37.5% (21)
19.6% (11)
8.9% (5)
Education Elementary school
High school
92.9% (52)
7.1% (4)
Profession Fisherman
Palaiê
(a)
Housewife
Other activities
62.5% (35)
19.6% (11)
8.9% (5)
8.9% (5)
(a)
Name by which the woman fishmonger is identified (in the fisherman village of Morro de Peixe)
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of the elements that drive the protection and conservation strategy of the species (46.4%). On the
other hand, also tourism has proven to play an important role in this issue (14.3%). In fact, most
respondents (82.1%) are aware of the law imposed by the government to regulate the capture,
protection and conservation of sea turtles. The tourist presence in the community was the last topic
addressed in the questionnaire, whose main objective was to evaluate and know how the local
population reacted to the presence of tourists. Therefore, when asked if “Did you know people from
other countries come to see turtles?”all the answers were affirmative. This means that the commu-
nity is perfectly aware of how turtle watching can boost tourism in São Tomé, specifically in Morro
Peixe. The answers to the question “Does the presence of tourists bother you?”were crucial to
understanding that the activities associated with the conservation of sea turtles would not be
detrimental to the well-being of the local community. In fact, all the individuals answered that
they did not feel uncomfortable with the presence of tourists in the community, evidencing the
hospitable spirit that characterizes the resident community. Nonetheless, when asked why the
advantage of attracting tourists to the community through the observation of turtles, they revealed
a lack of information and knowledge. This highlighted the urgent need to clarify the economic and
social benefits that the community could obtain from the presence of ecotourism activities on São
Tomé.
7.2. Tourist behaviour
A summary of the main socio-demographic characteristics of the tourists is provided in Table 3.
The results showed that most of the respondents were female (63.6%), aged between 40 and 50
years old (38.2%) and hold a master education level (43.6%). Additionally, the majority of visitors
came from Portugal (52.7%) with an average income higher than 2000 euros (54.5%).
Most of the visitors traveled with the family or with their companion (61.8%), being residual the
number of tourists that traveled alone (5.5%). Regarding the periodicity and reason for the visit to
São Tomé and Príncipe, it was observed that most of the visitors were in the country for the first
time (83.6%), and the main motivation was tourism (90.9%). In fact, the level of tourist informa-
tion available on the island was considered good by 45.5% of the individuals. Specifically, in
relation to turtle watching most tourists (65.5%) were doing it for the first time, although showing
prior knowledge of the activities associated. The communities of Morro de Peixe and Porto Alegre
were the ones that aroused a greater interest (45.5% and 41.8%, respectively). In relation to the
importance of sea turtles to the environment, the majority of respondents (85.5%) recognized their
importance in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. When questioned about whether “It
Table 3. Tourist profile
Variables Categories % (n)
Gender Male
Female
36.4% (20)
63.6% (35)
Age 18–28
29–39
40–50
≥51
9.1% (5)
29.1% (16)
38.2% (21)
14.5% (8)
Education Elementary school
High school
Graduation level
Master
PhD
9.1% (5)
9.1% (5)
25.5% (14)
43.6% (24)
12.7% (7)
Monthly income (net values) No answer
<1000€
1000€-2000€
>2000€
18.2% (10)
3.6% (2)
23.6% (13)
54.5% (30)
Nationality Portugal
Other countries in Europe
Other World Countries
52.7% (29)
38.2% (21)
9.1% (5)
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considers that this type of ecotourism programs is useful for the sustainable development of São
Tomé”, the majority demonstrated to agree in totality (89.1%). This demonstrates the awareness
and sensitivity of tourists to promote the conservation and protection of the species. Therefore, the
sustainability and success of sea turtle protection initiatives play a leading role within local
communities in terms of cultural, economic and social development. Positive satisfaction with
tourism experience is also demonstrated by most respondents (72.7%). The same pattern is
observed in the evaluation of the quality–price relation of the service, in association with the
salary level of tourists (p-value < 0.05), where the majority of the respondents (76.4%) consider it
adequate and fair.
8. Discussion
An ecotourist is someone environmentally concerned and assess the importance of environmental
sustainability. Age, sex,education and income contribute to their vacation choices (Hedlund, Marell, &
Gärling, 2012). These tourists tend to cause less negative impact because they are more environmen-
tally aware. Tourists are also motivated to visit the island for the nature attributes, and for the
conviviality. Our findings are consistent with other studies regarding the motivation for the visit to São
Tomé and Principe (Alaeddinoglu, Turker, Can, & Ozturk, 2013; Ballantine & Eagles, 1994;Holden&
Sparrowhawk, 2002; Reinius & Fredman, 2007;Wood,2002; Yacob et al., 2009) which found that
tourist’s motivations when visiting protected areas are related to experiencing pristine natural areas
and to the observation and appreciation of natural features, along with cultural and historical sites.
These can be associated with nature-based tourism and to ecotourist.
There are many researchers studying the relationship between gender and environment
concern (Alexander, 2012; Blocker & Eckberg, 1997; Casey & Scott, 2006;Guimarães,Amaral,
Santos, & Santos, 2009; Leonidou, Coudounaris, Kvasova, & Christodoulides, 2015; Sakellari &
Skanavis, 2013; Scott & Willits, 1994) which indicates that the female subjects are more con-
cerned with the environment than male subjects and in other cases there is no difference
between genders. Cultural, social or economic aspects, however, may be more important than
gender regarding ecological attitudes (Alibeli & White, 2011; Omoogun & Odok, 2013). Some
authors have been studying the effect of age on environmental behavior and the results
obtained suggest a complex relationship, as it has not been possible to establish consistent
significant patterns in the correlation between age and environmental behaviors (Gabriel & Silva,
2005; Hedlund et al., 2012;Liere&Dunlap,1980;Schultz,Oskamp,&Mainieri,1995). Moreover,
Gabriel & Silva, 2005), correlated age with education level, and found out that both were
significant, being education positive and age negative. This means that the people with higher
education have more pro-environmental attitudes than the elder people that probably have few
qualifications than the younger people or the middle-aged tourists. As we could confirm with our
results, ecotourists, thus, tend to be middle age, have a relatively high income and level of
education, and are involved in the environmental cause (Ballantine & Eagles, 1994; Hill & Gale,
2009).
Higher education is generally positively associated with environmental concern, since people
who studied longer are more exposed to information and are more able to understand it, to
critically analyze it and question it (Hill & Gale, 2009; Howell & Laska, 1992; Ogunbode, 2013;
Queiroz et al., 2014). Also, Queiroz et al. (2014), suggest that most tourists with higher education
seek for alternative tourism, namely, protected areas and have positive perceptions of biodiversity
conservation of the protected areas. In the study of Filby, Stockin, and Scarpaci (2015), the results
reinforce that education is wanted by participants, that they expect interpretation as part of their
tour, and indicates that tour guides are central to the tourist experience. This means that it is
expected that the tour leaders can provide information about the site that they were motivated to
visit. Therefore, efforts must be further implemented on-site to fulfill the expectation of ecotourists
visiting S. Tomé and Príncipe, so to educate tour guides with enough information on sea-turtles
biology and ecology, environmental issues and conservation programs.
Mendes et al., Cogent Social Sciences (2019), 5: 1696001
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Environment education should be carried out not only among tourists and tour guides at the
destination but also among local children through outdoor education programs, wherein environ-
mental issues should be incorporated, starting to develop a deeper environmental awareness and
sustainable behavior. The development of educational experiences will increase the knowledge
regarding existing values, thus, increasing environmental awareness (Benckendorff, Moscardo, &
Murphy, 2012; Reinius & Fredman, 2007). Likewise, environmental education must be provided for
other stakeholders, to encourage good environmental practices enhancing conservation practices
(Lee 2013), namely to managers, local people and tourism operators.
These activities are already being undertaken by ATM and MARAPA, under Tatô program, and
hopefully, in the short term the awareness of the population regarding the need for the conserva-
tion of the sea turtle will increase, for our results indicate that further work is required among the
local population.
The profile of the tourist in our study can be related to the ecotourist, that is, someone with
a higher level of education and income, more environmentally aware and active than the
general tourists and usually travels in small groups or alone. Because these tourists are more
aware of environmental practices, they are more willing to pay for green products and perform
activities with educational and ecological purposes that support the preservation of the con-
servation of the natural environment and wildlife. Ecotourism, if managed properly, allows the
maintenance of good ecological conditions, because it depends on it (Yacob et al., 2009). The
growing number of nature-based tourists in protected areas causes degradation of sensitive
ecosystems. So, limiting the number of visitors, namely through ecotourism, is easier in an
island than in mainland, and it is a crucial tool to allow nature conservation (Queiroz et al.,
2014; Yacob et al., 2009). Moreover, management is a major concern when dealing with pristine
natural ecosystems, because minor disturbance caused by tourist activities may have negative
impacts on the equilibrium of such ecosystems. Studies such as Remacha, Pérez-Tris, and
Delgado (2011) concluded that reducing the size of visitors’groups not only helped to minimize
the impacts on wildlife derived from leisure activities, but also allowed visitors to watch more
wildlife increasing the satisfaction of the visitor. Therefore, organizing visitors in smaller groups
is recommended so to control the impact of such activities.
In fact, in this research, most respondents demonstrated their support to turtle conservation
since it contributes to the local tourism economy. This is a key shift in value where turtles are now
more valuable alive than dead. This sustains the claim that ecotourism can create an incentive for
locals to change the way they use and value wildlife (Pegas et al., 2013).
9. Conclusions
S. Tomé and Príncipe is an important archipelago for the observation of sea turtles and the tourism
activities are increasing. Through our study, we canconclude that the destination has the potential to
become a reference for sea turtle-based ecotourism activities, if managed properly. The implementa-
tion of a management plan for ecotourism is needed, one that keeps ecological integrity, satisfies the
needs of natureconservation, rewards thelocal community, and satisfies the expectations of tourists.
Being an archipelago, the management can control of the influx of tourists and establish a maximum
number of tourists to prevent any highly detrimental impacts. This maximum must take into account
that most tourists visiting the archipelago have the profile of ecotourists, having a higher level of
education and income, and being more environmentally aware and willing to perform activities that
support the conservation of the natural habitats and wildlife. These ecotourists tend to cause less
negative impact than others, and to spend more money in such activities. Hence, the management of
tourism in S. Tomé and Príncipe has the opportunity to take advantage of this market niche to
implement limited but expensive tourism activities with high-quality standards.
The population is also increasingly sensible regarding the importance of sea turtles and well-
preserved habitats, all being aware of the national law that regulates capture, protection and
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conservation of sea turtles. The residents are getting more involved in tourism activities and are also
conscious of the importance of these activities to boost the country’seconomy.Besides,theyseem
very comfortable with the increasing presence of tourists. Thus, being further encouraged the
population should be willing to become more involved in tourism activities, namely by offering
hospitality and accommodation facilities, implementing various events, producing local products,
and so forth. Population’s long-term involvement is key to the success of ecotourism in S. Tomé and
Príncipe promoting responsible behavior and diminishing the negative impacts on the environment.
The development of an ecotourism practice guide should be implemented, following the princi-
pals defined for ecotourism: defining alternative products that can be appropriate for the area and
evaluating the suitability of each tourist product already existing. The challenge, therefore, is to
convert the paradigm of tourism from nature-based tourism into ecotourism.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to ATM –Associação Tartarugas Marinhas,
for the support granted to the author Joana Martins during
the development of field work in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Funding
This study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência
e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UID/MAR/
04292/2019 granted to MARE.
Author details
Susana Mendes
1
E-mail: susana.mendes@ipleiria.pt
Joana Martins
2
E-mail: jmcmartins@gmail.com
Teresa Mouga
1
E-mail: mougat@ipleiria.pt
ORCID ID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4849-8840
1
MARE –Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre,
ESTM, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche 2520-641,
Portugal.
2
ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche 2520-641,
Portugal.
Cover Image
Source: Author.
Citation information
Cite this article as: Ecotourism based on the observation of
sea turtles –A sustainable solution for the touristic pro-
motion of são tomé and príncipe, Susana Mendes, Joana
Martins & Teresa Mouga, Cogent Social Sciences (2019), 5:
1696001.
Note
1. According to the latest census carried out in 2001 by
the National Statistics Institute of S. Tomé and
Príncipe.
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