Poachers are a serious threat to many endangered animals, Smith explains. Unlike licensed hunters on commercial expeditions, poachers pay no attention to the number of animals they kill. And they provide no revenues for research and protection. Triplett believes that ecotourism will offer a double protection against poaching. Besides allowing the reserves to hire more personnel, it would pump money into the local communities.
Tourists pay for food, lodging, and handicrafts.
Such income might ease the financial desperation that tempts people to poach. Community involvement is a central theme for Triplett's work. They need a sense of belonging. In his grant proposal, Smith says that he asked for slightly more money than the workshop would actually cost. It's their only chance to get money.