Research Partnerships with Developing Countries
A Programme funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
The challenge of marginality and collective identities in sustainable tourism development strategies: Two case studies in African mountains
For the past two decades, tourism has been widely promoted as an opportunity for local development in marginalized areas. More specifically, sustainable tourism has been encouraged worldwide. However, in this domain, the criteria of sustainability in social and cultural terms for tourism development have got little attention so far, and the question of adjustment of global recommendations to local contexts is often left aside. MIST.AA aims at analyzing the interaction of global models of sustainable tourism and local issues in terms of social equity, collective identities and well-being. Case Studies This project focuses on these issues thanks to fieldwork research in mountain regions of Africa will highlight the role of spatial arrangements and collective identities and territorialities in tourism development. This research will be done in High Atlas (Morocco) and the Aïr (Niger) regions. The related comparative approach will rely on the following idea: Tourism development in High Atlas and Aïr region presents some similarities (identified by international tourism, marketed as alternative mountain destinations for Western tourists, cultural minorities asking for more cultural and political recognition, etc.) and strong differences (spatial arrangements and territorialities of local people, national contexts, geopolitical issues, etc.) which can help to weight the influence of the spatial and territorial factors. Meaning Such a comparative approach is also motivated by specific objectives in terms of development and security. The Touareg rebellion, which has recently compromised tourism activities in the Aïr mountains, can partly be explained by the poor territorial adjustment of tourism, mining and traditional activities. The High Atlas region presents high cultural and territorial specificities which should make us aware that tourism development is not free of social and political risks. The research project, grounded on on-going development projects and social initiatives, aims at promoting sustainable tourism, social equity, poverty reduction, and recognition of the rights of cultural minorities. Moreover, the comparative approach with lies at the very core of this research project means to ease exchange and cooperation between Nigerians and Moroccans, as well as between scientists and development stakeholders.
Contact Addresses:
Professeur Bernard Debarbieux
Département de Géographie
Faculté SES
Université de Genève
Bd du Pont d'Arve 40
CH-1211 Genève 4
bernard.debarbieux(at)unige.ch
Professeur Saïd Boujrouf
Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines
Université Cadi Ayyad
Quartier Amerchich
B.P 2410
MA-4000 Marrakech