Can community based ecotourism in northern Tanzania contribute to both conservation and rural development? This paper explores themes relevant not only to development and conservation, but also to natural resource governance and rural livelihoods in East Africa. More and more rural communities in northern Tanzania are signing agreements with private companies to develop ecotourism businesses on their land. These agreements offer important new economic opportunities. But the ability of local people to benefit from them can be compromised. The struggles and conflicts that arise illustrate some of the fundamental governance challenges to community-based natural resource management and ecotourism in Tanzania.

Tourism is the world's largest industry, and, in both developed and developing countries, ecotourism is now the fastest growing sector of this industry. Being such a powerful economic force, particularly in developing countries with little other industry, ecotourism has been able to prevent environmental destruction and, when managed correctly, promote community development and empowerment. Development of an ecotourism iscomplicated, however, and involves many different parties, all of whom aspire to gain from the process. All parties involved must collaborate to ensure not only that the wildlife and habitat are protected, but also that the venture is beneficial to the local communities who traditionally manage the wildlands

Pro-poor tourism strategies aim to influence tourism development to unlock opportunities from the poor – whether for economic gain, other livelihood benefits or engagement in decision-making. Such strategies are needed to harness the potential of tourism for pro-poor growth and poverty reduction. This report reviews practical experience of pro-poor tourism strategies in order to identify useful lessons and good practice. It synthesis findings from 6 case studies in South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Nepal, Ecuador and St Lucia.