CASE STUDY Footsteps in Gambia ecolodge (Paper 1) Flashcards
Where is Footsteps Eco-Lodge located?
It is located in The Gambia, West Africa, near the village of Gunjur.
What is the main aim of Footsteps Eco-Lodge?
To provide a sustainable and low-impact tourism experience while benefiting the local environment and economy.
How does Footsteps Eco-Lodge reduce its environmental impact?
It uses solar power, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting to minimize waste and energy consumption.
What kind of energy does the lodge use?
100% solar energy is used for electricity and water heating.
How does the lodge manage waste?
Composting toilets turn waste into fertilizer.
Recycling and reducing plastic usage.
Filtered well water instead of bottled water to reduce plastic waste.
What type of buildings are used at Footsteps?
Lodges are built using local materials like mud bricks and thatched roofs, which help with natural cooling and reduce energy consumption.
How does Footsteps benefit the local economy?
Employs local staff, ensuring money stays in the community.
Uses locally sourced food and materials, supporting Gambian farmers and businesses.
Encourages local craft-making and cultural performances for tourists.
What percentage of the staff are local Gambians?
100% of the staff are local, providing stable employment.
How does the lodge support local businesses?
Tourists are encouraged to buy local crafts, visit nearby villages, and use Gambian guides for excursions.
How does Footsteps support local culture?
Promotes traditional Gambian music and dance.
Offers educational programs for visitors about Gambian customs and traditions.
Encourages tourists to engage with the local community respectfully.
How does Footsteps involve the local community?
The lodge works with local villagers to create jobs, offer training, and support local schools.
What are some challenges Footsteps faces?
Climate change (hotter temperatures affect water supply).
Economic instability (Gambia relies heavily on tourism, making it vulnerable to global events).
Access to technology (solar power needs maintenance and investment).
How does Footsteps meet the three pillars of sustainability?
✅ Environmental sustainability – Uses solar power, composting toilets, and natural building materials.
✅ Economic sustainability – Provides jobs for locals, supports businesses, and reinvests profits.
✅ Social sustainability – Respects local culture, involves the community, and educates tourists.
How many tourists visit The Gambia each year?
Around 150,000–200,000 tourists per year (before COVID-19).
How many people does the tourism industry employ in The Gambia?
Tourism accounts for over 20% of employment in The Gambia.
What percentage of Gambia’s GDP comes from tourism?
Around 20% of GDP.
How much water is saved by using composting toilets?
Composting toilets save 20,000 liters of water per year.
How is food sustainability managed?
60% of food is grown onsite in organic gardens.
What are the main challenges facing ecotourism in The Gambia?
Seasonal tourism – Many visitors come only in winter months.
Climate change – Rising temperatures and water shortages could affect tourism.
Economic vulnerability – Gambia is reliant on tourism, so events like COVID-19 led to massive job losses.
