In search of identity and ownership of the MmaMotshwane Gorge: heritage tourism and management of Mogonye Cultural Landscape

Abstract

The paper discusses challenges associated with managing cultural landscapes at Mogonye, SouthernDistrict, Botswana. In this area, different stakeholders attach diverse values to the same locale. This hasbecome challenging in the face of heritage tourism since some stakeholders are perceived as detrimentalto the resources that are otherwise valuable to other stakeholders. These so-called ‘destroyers’ aretherefore considered as ‘outsiders’ –the ‘other’. However, the perceived ‘other’ do not see themselvesas being environmentally unfriendly but recognise themselves as having the right to the resources too.In discussing heritage tourism and values attached to the cultural landscape, the scientifi c, tourism, andspiritual values among others of the MmaMotshwane waterfalls are underscored. This paper furtherdiscusses gorges within theoretical frameworks developed by heritage practitioners and geographers inthe fi eld of recreation and tourism. To the local community of Mogonye, MmaMotshwane Gorge is asacred site; a spiritual haven to traditional doctors and churches while to tourists and other stakeholders,the gorge remains a scientifi c, recreational and economic resource. Examples are drawn from variousparts of the world including Jamaica, South Africa and Botswana.