Perceived Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Nature-Based Tourism Destination: A Case Study of Mole National Park, Ghana

Abstract

Nature-based tourism (NBT) relies on the natural environment but is threatened by global climate change altering ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. This study addresses a gap in existing research by examining the vulnerability of nature-based tourism destinations in Ghana to climate change, with a specific focus on Mole National Park (MNP). MNP was purposively selected to study stakeholders' perceptions, adaptation strategies, and barriers to climate change. A qualitative case study approach served as the basis for the data collection and analysis, which involved 26 interviews with stakeholders such as MNP's managers, chiefs, A Rocha Ghana, Wildlife Society, West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Zaina Lodge, Mognori, and Murugu communities. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with park managers only, a women's group only, and a men's group only to triangulate and verify information from all participants. Field observations triangulated information from key informants and focus group discussants. Patterns and similarities in responses from interviewees and discussants were identified by organizing the data into themes and categories, encompassing climate change perceptions, impacts, adaptation strategies, and barriers to adaptation. According to the study, MNP is vulnerable to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and windstorms, leading to water scarcity, wildlife stress, wildfires, and human-wildlife conflicts. Adaptation strategies found included artificial waterholes, controlled burning, afforestation, and green accommodations. Barriers included financial constraints, socio-cultural beliefs, weak institutions, and limited technology. In light of these findings, government intervention and dedicated budget allocation are recommended to preserve MNP's ecological integrity and serve as a model for global climate change adaptation in NBT destinations.