Visitor Appraisal on Impact of Urban Wildlife Centre and Green Space: Study of Kitale Nature Conservancy, Kenya

Abstract

This article examined the contribution of an urban wildlife education centre, in promoting visitor connection to nature and awareness of conservation concerns. The study adopted a post-visitor appraisal quantitative survey approach on knowledge, attitudes and practices of visitors in relation to green spaces; individual action towards wildlife and environmental conservation; and level of use of signages and interpretations facilities. Our study revealed that upon visiting the facility, majority of the respondents had a better understanding of wildlife and the ecosystems; had learnt something new about wildlife and environmental conservation; and importance of sustainable tourism. Additionally, most of the respondents affirmed that their individual actions can significantly promote conservation measures, with a minor a population understanding how they can contribute to nature conservation This study stresses the contribution of wildlife education centres and green spaces in availing hands-on experiential lifelong knowledge essential for positive behaviour change and empathic human-wildlife-environment interventions.