Ecotourism and Water Resources in Angola's Central Plateau: Pathways for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This chapter examines the ecotourism potential of Angola's Central Plateau, with a particular focus on Huambo Province, and explores how nature-based tourism can contribute to environmental preservation, water resource sustainability, and socio-economic development. The study assesses destination performance, and visitors' willingness to pay for ecotourism services. Findings reveal that the Central Plateau possesses high ecotourism potential but faces structural challenges, including poor access infrastructure, inadequate public management, and insufficient conservation mechanisms. Private-run destinations exhibit significantly better environmental conditions than publicly managed sites, highlighting the need for improved governance and investment models. Factor analysis shows a strong increase in visitor willingness to pay under improved service conditions. The ecotourism, when integrated with sustainable water management and community participation, can become a strategic catalyst for human development, poverty reduction, cultural preservation, and climate resilience in the region.