Evaluation of Mangrove-Based Ecotourism Potential in the Nun River Delta, Bayelsa State

Mangrove-based ecotourism offers an alternative livelihood pathway for communities in the Niger Delta while incentivising conservation of ecologically threatened coastal habitats. This study evaluated the ecotourism potential of the Nun River Delta mangrove ecosystem in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. A multi-criteria evaluation approach combined ecological assessments, tourist attraction inventorying, infrastructure audits, and community willingness surveys. Ecological assessments documented biodiversity values including mangrove species composition, bird species richness, presence of charismatic megafauna, and scenic landscape qualities. Infrastructure audits evaluated access routes, accommodation availability, guide service capacity, and safety conditions. Structured interviews were administered to 140 community members to gauge willingness to participate in ecotourism enterprises. Ecological inventory identified 6 mangrove species, over 80 bird species including migratory waterbirds, populations of West African manatee, and spawning grounds of commercially important fish as primary ecological attractions. Infrastructure was found to be largely absent, with no formal tour routes, visitor reception facilities, or trained guides. Community willingness to participate in ecotourism was high (78%), primarily linked to expectations of income generation. Regulatory overlap between state tourism authorities and conservation agencies was identified as a governance constraint. An ecotourism development feasibility score of 7.2 out of 10 was assigned to the study area, placing it in the high-potential category. The study recommends phased ecotourism development guided by an environmental management plan and supported by seed funding from the NDDC. Keywords: ecotourism, mangrove, Nun River Delta, Bayelsa State, community conservation.