Intersecting geo-hazard dynamics with tourism prospects on the mount Elgon biosphere in Uganda

Abstract

The highland ecosystems in tropical Africa continue to grapple with the increasing intensity and occurrence of geohazards associated with the interplay of changing ecological, climatic conditions and anthropogenic conditions. The situation particularly on the volcanics of mountain Elgon is projected to heighten if no viable interventions are implemented to ameliorate the burden imposed by these phenomena. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of the mountain Elgon ecosystem to a series of geo-hazards and their trajectories with a spatial lens with a view of providing alternative approaches for effective conservation and resilience. The study is premised on desktop review and meta-analysis of existing data and information pertaining to an array of geohazards. We collected and collated information from 113 studies spanning a period from 1981 to 2022, constituting an inventory that informed our analysis. The data was subjected to cross tabulation and descriptive statistical analysis. The results reveal a diversity of up to 15 geohazards which are prevalent and perpetual particularly on the Ugandan side of mountain Elgon. This finding underpins a high exposure of the mountain Elgon population, livelihood assets to multiple environmental stressors and ultimately disasters. The most significant environmental stressors are land degradation (27%)>, landslide (20%)>, climate change (11%) and land use and land cover change. The mountain Elgon districts of Bududda and Manafwa are currently considered hotspots for geohazards notably landslides and degradative processes, due their location on the critical slope gradients thresholds >30%. A time series analysis strongly associates landslide occurrence with enhanced “dark tourism” tourism on mountain Elgon. Moreover, these districts have an abundance of existing and potential tourism resources which can enhance ecosystem integrity and avert disastrous geohazards. Therefore, harnessing and optimizing green tourism assets might reduce land use pressures that often accelerate geohazards on the mountain Elgon slopes.