EXPLOITING THE POTENTIAL OF NATURE BASED TOURISM TO A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA. A STUDY OF AGBOKIM WATERFALL, ETUNG LGA

The main objective of the present agreement was to explore the potential of the nature-based tourism in Cross River State and to highlight the manner it can contribute to the sustainable development of the state and the benefits it can generate. In this context, the research inspected the general evolution of tourism sector in Cross River and the attractiveness of its natural heritage, jeopardized by the environmental issues. Nature-based tourism is considered the most rapidly developing form of tourism it represents a viable tool in the process of sustainability achievement, especially for the developing countries, as it can generate economic, social and environmental benefits. The vast potential of Cross River natural tourism, expressed by its biodiversity, various ecosystems, numerous natural protected areas, unique picturesque landscapes, flavoured with the renowned hospitality of people, represents an outstanding value and opportunity for its adequate exploitation. The need to incentivize the development of nature-based tourism becomes even more evident in the context of environmental challenges Cross River is facing: biodiversity loss, pollution of atmospheric air, vulnerability to climate change, vulnerability to water scarcity, exposure to such natural hazards as landslide, landslide, floods, and the anthropogenic factor being the main culprit of these events. In this context, arises the need of a multidimensional cooperation between all major stakeholders, including Governments (central, regional and local), private sector, and civil society and host communities. The private sector, as the main contributor to the GDP should be ensured with favorable conditions for the unfolding of their businesses, but only in the framework of sustainability. Thus, the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility will represent the guarantee that the companies are obtaining profit and in the same time are contributing to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the whole State. The so much needed social cohesion will be developed as result of the improvement of the sense of identity and pride, generated by the preservation and perpetuation of traditions. A more intense and specific target market oriented promotion policy is suggested for the increase of awareness towards Cross River as a nature tourism destination.