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Economics Unit

Social Impact Assessment of Ecotourism on the Rural Quality of Life in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park in Jamaica, West Indies

Investigators:

Evan Mercer, Southern Research Station
Alton Thompson, North Carolina A & T State University

Description:

Rural economies in the Blue and John Crow Mountains of Jamaica are characterized by slow job growth, high unemployment, a declining infrastructure, and under-developed human resources. This study uses a household survey of communities in and around the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park to determine the potential barriers and benefits of ecotourism in the park, how ecotourism benefits can be captured by local communities, how local residents' ideas and opinions can best be incorporated in the park planning process, and the potential for the park to impact (positively or negatively) rural quality of life.

Problem Area(s): Regional analyses, Influence of change, Market-level models, Rural development, Public programs
Status: Ongoing

Products:

Alston, Antoine J. 1998. Effective Community Development: Involving Local Residents in Planning Ecotourism in Selected Mountain Communities of Jamaica. MS Thesis, Department of Agricultural Education, North Carolina A & T State University.

modified: 13-MAR-2000
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