Analyzing Sustainable Tourism & CSR Initiatives in Uganda Case

This case study examines sustainable tourism initiatives in Uganda, focusing on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the lens of two key stakeholders: the University of Manitoba and Intrepid Travel. The analysis delves into the responsibilities organizations undertake when embracing CSR principles, their efforts to reduce environmental impact, and the transparency of their policies. The University of Manitoba's project in the Ruhija community, involving the re-opening of a gorilla park for tourism, faced challenges such as low literacy levels and resource constraints. Intrepid Travel's role in promoting sustainable travel and collaborating with the tourism ministry is also explored. The study highlights the importance of sustainability in supply chain management, community development, and the delivery of quality goods and services. It concludes by recommending that intermediaries engage in awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices, ultimately emphasizing the critical role of sustainability in environmental preservation and economic development in Uganda. Desklib provides access to similar case studies and solved assignments for students.

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Sustainable Tourism
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Sustainable Tourism
Question 1
Precaution and transparency in sustainability entails protection and disclosure. Precaution
is about safeguarding while transparency is opening up on all the activities that involve
sustainability (Khosrow-Pour, 2018). It is a corporate social responsibility to show or state what
is going on in the organization. The validity of this disclosure is later evaluated through
examining the information. The disclosed information should be trustworthy and reliable.
Transparency comes with regulation because not all information should be disclosed to the
public.
The principle of precaution is an integral foundation of sustainability. It is about
safeguarding the environment to guarantee its continuity in the future (McFarland, 2017).
Planting vegetation, preserving water catchment, preserving wildlife are all precautionary
measures of sustainability. People need to maintain and conserve the environment to preserve
their lives. The principle of precaution and transparency are essential aspects of the destination
tourism project in Uganda.
Several years ago, Uganda had numerous primary forests that supported a stable and
reliable climate. Today, most of those rain forests have been converted to crop land.
Deforestation affected the climate and it no longer rained as before (Uganda Tourism
Association, 2011). The local communities could no longer rely on rain for their agricultural
activities. Also, the depleted ecology affected wild animals and as a result, wildlife decreased
significantly. Some animals migrated to other more accommodative areas while other succumbed
to human violence.
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The University of Manitoba conducted a project to sustain tourism and enhance the
economic lives of the local people. Despite having a feasible plan, implementing it faced several
issues and challenges. In Ruhija community, he project involved re-opening a gorilla park for
tourism. Accommodation was part of the activities because it is part of tourism. Dr. Michael
Campbell successfully assisted Ruhijja and two other communities in this exercise.
Among the issues and challenges experienced in this project were low levels of literacy.
Dr. Campbell was expected to work with local people and empower them economically. Despite
their willingness in participation and learning, low education levels slowed down the progress
(Augustine, 2011). For instance, accommodation for tourists was initially rooms locally
constructed. Dr. Campbell guide them on how to enhance the accommodation camp and make it
attractive to the tourists.
Life in third world countries is difficult, especially in the rural areas. Establishing
resources is a major challenge. The University of Manitoba sponsored a beehive project for the
local people but they did not have land to hold the project. They had to request an individual to
allow the project on his land. Another major challenge that Dr. Campbell faced was working
with individuals who lacked training in tourism. Although the local people were interested and
cooperative in upgrading their lives through sustainable tourism, they had to undergo training
(Eweje & Perry, 2012). Despite the challenges and issues in this case stud, the University of
Manitoba was able to sponsor project that supported local communities in ecologically degraded
areas. Tourism will not only preserve the environment but also empower the people
economically.
Question 2
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Uganda is making efforts of improving sustainable tourism by utilizing the natural
environment. Intermediaries such as Intrepid Travel have a major role in supporting people,
planet, profits and the progress in such a case. This company is a tour company that practices
sustainable traveling. The company had collaborate with the tourism ministry in Uganda and
bring visitors to experience tourist destination in the nation. While doing, Intrepid Travel will be
promoting sustainability and expressing its importance to the travelers. Intrepid Travel will also
be benefitting as a business through profits earned from the tours.
Sustainability is a responsibility of every function and department, including supply chain
(Rezaee, 2017). This department is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and other
degrading factors in business. The supply chain department can engage in environmental
preservation practices that will both benefit their businesses as well as the surroundings. For
instance, utilizing renewable energy would reduce operational costs for the business and sustain
the environment.
Another essence of sustainability in supply chain is perpetuating supply. Sustainability is
derived from maintenance and guaranteeing a continuous flow (Robinson, 2012). This continuity
keeps the business operational. If the environment is destroyed, the entire life of humanity would
be destroyed as well. The environment gives resources such materials required in the supply
chain process. To secure tomorrow’s business, supply chain activities have to put into account
the future’s wellbeing.
Sustainability could be achieved by social responsibility practices such as community
development. The community is an integral part of supply chain and other business departments.
Conserving or protecting the environment is a responsibility for the entire community (Kenny &
Meadowcroft, 2002). Businesses and people ought to work together in cohesion to achieve this
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objective. Sustainable practices will deliver quality goods and services to consumers. This
benefit will continue to strengthen the bond between businesses and the community.
Intermediaries supporting sustainable initiatives is also for their interest. Sustainable initiatives
motivate intermediaries to be innovative. For instance, creating and developing business
processes that will reduce costs and maximize gains while conserving resources. Also,
intermediaries are capable of inventing new product and services (Rezaee, 22017). These
innovations add value and quality to consumers.
Recommendations
Intermediaries understand the importance of sustainability to the individuals, businesses
and entire globe. They could engage in awareness as they conduct their business activities
(Robinson, 2012). In this case, Intrepid Travels are a suitable opportunity of sensitizing
sustainable practices to tourists. It is even more persuasive when this company takes visitors on
adventures and practically shows them the gains of sustainability.
Conclusion
Sustainability is a critical determinant of environmental preservation. Do the depletion
that has happened to forests and other natural resources, the negative effects are being
experiences in numerous spheres of life, especially in the economy. A country such as Uganda is
implementing conservative measures that will increase tourism business, create job opportunities
and generally improve the lives of people in the local communities.
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References
Augustine, S. Tourism in Uganda. (2015). Florida : BluewaterPress.
Eweje, G., & Perry, M. (2012). Business & sustainability: Concepts, strategies and changes.
(Emerald business, management and economics ebook series.) Bingley: Emerald.
Kenny, M., & Meadowcroft, J. (2002). Planning sustainability. London: Routledge.
Khosrow-Pour, M. (2018). Green computing strategies for competitive advantage and business
sustainability. Hershey PA : IGI Global, Business Science Reference.
McFarland, B. (2017). REDD+ and Business Sustainability: A Guide to Reversing Deforestation
for Forward Thinking Companies. London : Taylor and Francis.
Rezaee, Z. (2017). Business sustainability: Performance, compliance, accountability and
integrated reporting. New York : Routledge.
Robinson, Z. (2012). Sustainability. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions.
Uganda Tourism Association,. (2011). Tourism investment opportunities in northern Uganda.
Uganda Tourism Association.
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