Research Article
Potential Economic Benefits of Cultural Heritage Based Tourism for Rural Communities in Zambia
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
188-201
Received:
4 September 2025
Accepted:
17 September 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
Abstract: This article is based on the findings of a study that was carried out around Lake Kashiba in Mpongwe district of Zambia. In this article it is argued that there is a plethora of cultural heritage elements in Zambia. More than three quarters of these constitute the main tourist attraction and are ubiquitously located in rural parts of the country. This presents great potential for such communities to participate in local economic activities through tourism. The article used qualitative data obtained through field interviews with 79 participants and 2 focus group discussions. From the study findings, six themes namely: plethora of heritage elements; sustainability of heritage for tourism; employment opportunities; business opportunities; leasing and selling of land; and barriers to tourism economic benefits emerged. Findings reveal that while there is great potential for cultural heritage based tourism to contribute to economic growth of rural areas hardly any economic benefits are realised by the local communities. This, to a large extent, could be attributed the lack of local community participation in tourism. The lack of local community participation and the resulting absence of economic benefits from tourism could be attributed to six main barriers namely: unfavourable government policies; inadequate employment opportunities; inadequate business opportunities; poor state of infrastructure; uncodified land tenure; and restrictive local myths. For economic benefits of cultural heritage tourism in rural areas to be realised, there is a need for supportive government policies and political will that would facilitate the participation of the local communities in the related activities. Such policies should prioritize the creation of awareness about the economic value of cultural heritage tourism among the concerned rural communities and building local capacity for their effective participation.
Abstract: This article is based on the findings of a study that was carried out around Lake Kashiba in Mpongwe district of Zambia. In this article it is argued that there is a plethora of cultural heritage elements in Zambia. More than three quarters of these constitute the main tourist attraction and are ubiquitously located in rural parts of the country. T...
Show More
Communication
Exploring Anaesthesia Licence Students’ Knowledge of the Green Operating Room to Inform Prototype Development
Amel Rezgui,
Dorra Souid,
Oussema Khalfallah,
Maryem Bouallegue*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
202-209
Received:
7 August 2025
Accepted:
4 October 2025
Published:
28 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251104.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The climate change, the growing accumulation of waste, and the excessive consumption of natural resources highlight the urgent need to embed sustainable development principles within healthcare systems. The operating room, considered the core of hospital activity, is also one of the most polluting units. In this context, the present study was designed to analyze anaesthesia students’ pre-acquired knowledge regarding environmentally responsible practices in order to identify gaps and promote the integration of sustainable strategies into medical education. A prospective analytical study was conducted over an eight-week period (January–March 2023) with second- and third-year anaesthesia students (n=150) at Université Centrale, using an anonymous online quiz comprising 13 items covering bio-cleaning, waste management, air treatment, and greenhouse gas emissions. Results indicated that while a majority of students were familiar with certain eco-responsible practices such as bio-cleaning procedures and the labelling of yellow waste bags, substantial deficiencies persisted. Only 44% recognized that waste sorting must occur at the source, and less than 20% identified desflurane as the anaesthetic agent with the highest global warming potential. Knowledge of air treatment systems and greenhouse gas management also remained limited, reflecting a need for targeted training. To translate these findings into practical action, a 3D prototype of a “Green Operating Room” was developed using 3DS MAX software and aligned with international guidelines. The prototype integrates concrete eco-responsible solutions, including a color-coded waste sorting system with automated chutes, awareness posters on anaesthetic gas emissions, and environmentally friendly architectural design. Serving as both an educational and awareness-raising tool, this prototype provides a replicable model that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world application. In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of incorporating sustainability modules into anaesthesia curricula and demonstrates how a digital prototype can bridge knowledge gaps while fostering eco-responsible behaviour among future healthcare professionals. By linking environmental education with practical innovation, the project contributes to advancing sustainable practices in healthcare and offers a pathway for developing greener operating rooms.
Abstract: The climate change, the growing accumulation of waste, and the excessive consumption of natural resources highlight the urgent need to embed sustainable development principles within healthcare systems. The operating room, considered the core of hospital activity, is also one of the most polluting units. In this context, the present study was desig...
Show More
,
Gift Masaiti
