Wildlife-based recreation and local economic development: The case of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka

There has been little study of the economic contribution of the wildlife-based outdoor recreation to local economic development in developing countries. This study presents the results from a survey of a sample of shopkeepers/vendors in the vicinity of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO), a unique captive elephant-based recreation facility in Sri Lanka. The aims were to assess the fundamental characteristics of the businesses in this area, their dependency on the PEO, the nature of the backward economic linkages, and their ability to generate employment. We also canvassed opinions of these businessmen about possible improvements to the Orphanage environment and facilities. We find that the businesses established in this area outsource regionally a host of activities. Although some variations exist among the businesses in the sample, the majority depend heavily on the PEO. Most have established significant economic linkages with the local and regional economies. Differences in relation to their ability to generate employment for local people relate to the nature of the activities that the businesses are involved in. Overall, the businesses in the Pinnawala area contribute significantly to the economic development in this area. However, to sustain or expand this impact more attention needs to be paid to the existing visitor and business community concerns. Nevertheless as indicated here, such suggestions must be put in a wider context before decisions are made.