Application of Sustainable Architectural Design PR

Journal of Studies in Science and Engineering
Research Article
Application of Sustainable Architectural Design Principles to Enhance Eco-tourism
in Cross River State, Nigeria
Eugene Ehimatie Atamewan1,*

1
Department of Architectural Design, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, 540252, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author: Eugene EhimatieAtamewan, E-mail: [email protected]
Article Info Abstract
Article History Architecture transcends all aspects of human endeavours, including its relationship with place,
Received Aug 06, 2023 culture, recreation, and nature/historical sites of a people, which contributes to its tourism poten-
Revised Oct 06, 2023 tial. However, sustainable eco-tourism enhances natural ecological attraction, conservation, and
Accepted Oct 16, 2023 development through sustainable architectural planning frameworks. This paper aimed to explore
Keywords and enhance the eco-tourism potential of Agbokim and Kwa Falls in Cross River State Nigeria as
Architecture case studies by providing attractive infrastructure and landscaping associated with architecture.
Eco-tourism The study methodology used was a qualitative case study using interviews, observations through
Infrastructure visitation, and a literature review. The analysis was carried out using inferential statistics in a
Natural resources table for presentations. The study revealed that both Kwa Falls and Agbakim waterfall sites in
Recreation Cross River State, Nigeria, were not fused with architecture for development as attractive tourism
and historic sites that can boost the tourism potential of any place. The study emphasized the need
Socio-culture
to develop and maintain these historic and nature-given sites using sustainable architectural de-
sign practices to enhance their eco-tourism values/potentials that will attract millions of tourists
and be recognized by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and UNESCO as tourist sites,
respectively.
Copyright: © 2023 Eugene EhimatieAtamewan. This article is an open-access article distributed under the
terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license.
1. Introduction
Architecture and tourism are related in several ways, not just because they bring people together in
an environment but due to their uniqueness and versatility as both transcend all human endeavours. This is
why other professions view these subjects from their different perspectives. Thus, this study looks at tour-
ism from the architectural perspective regarding its relationships in enhancing the eco-tourism potentials
of any place or people. Architecture relates to a place's people, spaces, nature, and culture to bring about
comfort and relaxation and enhance the socio-economic status of individuals and communities through
sustainable architectural principles and practices.
On the other hand, tourism refers to traveling for leisure, business, pleasure, and enjoyment to places
of interest, which brings about revenue to the government irrespective of the negative effect on the envi-
ronment [1]. Eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, is "traveling to relatively natural or undisturbed areas with
Journal of Studies in Science and Engineering. 2023, 3(2), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.53898/josse2023321 https://engiscience.com/index.php/josse
E. Atamewan, 2023 2
the specific objectives of studying, admiring, and enjoying the natural scenery including sites and any ex-
isting cultural manifestations in such areas [2]. Although many countries depend on tourism on a large scale
for foreign exchange earnings, it is becoming unattractive as the environment is being threatened daily. The
solution to this challenge is the introduction of eco-tourism to replace mass tourism. Thus, eco-tourism,
being the major approach towards the protection of the ecosystem and the natural environment for the
benefit of all humans, animals, and plants, is now globally recognized as nature-based tourism which takes
into consideration the nature-given attractions, their conservations/preservations as well their development
[3].
From its origin, architecture is part of everyone's daily life since humans interact and live in buildings
and transit between open and enclosed spaces as a product of architecture. In the relationship between
architecture and tourism, it is an undisputed fact that humans are attracted to architectural products such as
buildings and planned landscapes. Hence, it is a dominant marketing tool in tourism management because
it appeals to human emotions. The cultural value of any place and its natural landmarks and landscapes are
usually augmented by architecture; hence, architecture is similarly a place, event, and symbol and helps to
brand the image and identity of a place and its people [4].
Although there are several waterfalls worldwide, this study focuses on Agbokim and Kwa falls, lo-
cated in Cross River State, Nigeria, which are considered wonders of nature. Though these two waterfalls
have received few visitors as tourists to these sites over the years, the absence of architectural concepts and
creations such as accommodation, landscape planning, and other basic infrastructure has weakened these
sites' awareness and eco-tourism potential. Undoubtedly, there has not been a proper utilization of the
Agbokim Waterfall and Kwa Falls in terms of their eco-tourism potential since their existence, as shown
by studies and observations. Thus, this study aimed to provide sustainable architectural frameworks and
principles required for the planning and development facilities, especially accommodations in lodges for
tourists, roads, and landscaping, constituting sustainable eco-tourism concepts globally. This will ultimately
increase tourists' interest and promote and strengthen eco-tourism potentials of these areas for the benefit
of the host communities and the State in general.
2. Literature Review
The literature review focuses on architecture and relationships with tourism, recreation, nature, and
eco-tourism to establish the fundamental components of architectural tourism and the economic viability
of the affected communities and people. However, for a clearer understanding, it is important to define key
concepts that constitute this study's core themes to establish the relationship between architecture, culture,
natural environment, and eco-tourism.
Application of Sustainable Architectural Design Principles to Enhance Eco-tourism in Cross River State, Nigeria 3
2.1 Tourism and Ecotourism

The discussion on eco-tourism cannot be completely isolated from the parent word tourism because
eco-tourism is a subset of tourism. Tourism, in general, is described as the totality of the events and rela-
tionships that emanate from the traveling experience of and stay of non-residents (tourists) to places of
attraction for a short period not exceeding a year for leisure and other purpose not related to remuneration
from within the places visited [5, 6]. It is also seen as a business activity connected to providing accommo-
dation services and entertainment for tourists visiting a place for pleasure and relaxation [7].
Eco-tourism is described as nature-based tourism that deals specifically with natural ecological at-
tractions, conservation, and development. Hence, authors have defined eco-tourism in several ways based
on the location in which eco-tourism occurs as a determining factor. Thus, some definitions are provided
here for a better and clearer understanding of the term. Accordingly, Fennell [8] defines eco-tourism as a
'sustainable form of natural-based tourism whose primary focus is on experiencing and learning about na-
ture which is ethically managed to be low-impact (that is, contributing to the conservation and preservation
of such areas), non-consumptive and locally oriented’. In his view, Weaver [9] describes 'eco-tourism as a
segment of alternative tourism (AT) which is commonly defined in its ideal configuration, as a locally
controlled sector adhering to vernacular architectural norms and attracting more community-minded cate-
gories of people or clients'. Similarly, eco-tourism has also been defined as purposeful time spent in an
environment in a sustainable manner that endeavour to study other cultures, assist the host community
economically, and work towards the conservation of the ecosystems [10].
Similarly, the International Eco-tourism Society views eco-tourism as responsible travel to natural
destinations, protecting the environmental resources and developing the indigenous people's well-being
[11]. In their submissions, Blangy and Mehta [12] viewed eco-tourism as a sustainable activity that directly
attempts to protect and develop both environmental potential and socio-cultural structure in the host areas.
The components of the various definitions and meanings of eco-tourism given by several authors make eco-
tourism more attractive, thereby drawing increasing attention globally as it is now seen as a better alterna-
tive to mass tourism with the potential to bring about the development of the ecosystem with minimal
negative influence as well as conserve the environment and attract tourists [3].
From the above definitions, the core issue is that eco-tourism must be sustainable and should not
negatively impact the ecosystem. However, it has been argued that 'insistence on sustainability' rather than
'emphasis on sustainability' is an impossibility and unrealistic as it is impossible to develop a natural eco-
system for tourist attractions and visits without some significant negative impact on the area [9]. However,
according to Mahravan and Vale [13] and Fisken [1], it should be noted that conservation and protection of
the natural environment through sustainable management practice is one of the most important aspects of
E. Atamewan, 2023 4
eco-tourism. It is the author's view that concerted efforts through long-term commitment should be em-
ployed by the developers and community alike to conserve the natural ecosystem of the study areas.
However, certain principles enhance eco-tourism. According to the International Eco-tourism Soci-
ety, eco-tourism principles include: 1. allow visitors to experience nature directly (Natural Area Focus); 2.
Provide opportunities to experience nature in ways that lead to greater understanding, appreciation, and
enjoyment, 3. Embrace Environmental Sustainability Practice); 4. Minimize impact; 5. Contribute directly
to the conservation of natural areas; 6. Provide ongoing contributions to the local community; 7. Provide
financial benefits and empowerment for local people; 8. Be sensitive to, interpret, respect, and involve the
culture/s existing in the area; 9. Consistently meets consumer expectations [14].
2.2 Relationship between Architecture and Tourism
Architecture and tourism have always been related because one cannot discuss architecture without
referencing people and their cultures who constitute the clients. The culture of a people, which describes
their way of life, is a vital component of architectural design and cultural tourism. Cultural tourism involves
visits to historical sites and monuments, architectural sites, and places of historical and religious importance
to satisfy cultural and intellectual curiosity [15]. Throughout history, architectural works have been an at-
tractive factor in tourism as famous architectural wonders of ancient, medieval times, or recent times were
tourists' motives [16].
Architecture is seen as the face of a destination, which expresses the society's history, artistic styles,
and preferences and gives tourists an impression of a place. Thus, architecture, through its designed and
constructed edifices, has always worked mutually with tourism to break the unfamiliarity of any culture by
providing the original spirit of the place, its evolution, and culture through a sequential method, thereby
'exposing' the place for attractions. This assertion was supported by Scerri, Edwards, and Foley [17] when
he noted that historical buildings are significant attractors while contemporary architecture could extend
the cultural offers. This is because it is impossible to separate tourists' motives for visiting architectural
monuments from motives for visiting other cultural attractions. This relationship gave rise to the term
'Archi-tourism', a relatively new concept that describes 'architecture as a destination for tourism'.
Architecture has been known to play two major roles in tourism: as infrastructure and as attraction
and complementary to tourism [18]. Thus, architecture complements works of nature, such as beautiful
landscape, and plays a supporting role in the enhancement of the physical assets of destinations and creating
the opportunity for tourists to travel to such places to identify and associate with these architectural land-
marks and for leisure, relaxation, education, sightseeing and to appreciate monuments, buildings, and places
of historical importance [19, 20].
This study evaluated a few studies related to the current study through extensive review. Subse-
quently, Eko, Ifere, and Udonwa [21], in their study titled 'Diversifying the Cross River State Economy
through Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges', the study discussed the need for Cross River State, Nige-
ria, to invest in tourism development owing to the enormous tourism potential of the State. The authors
listed potential tourism sites located across the State, including Kwa Falls, Agbokim Waterfalls, Drill Re-
habilitation and Breeding Centre Boki, and Cross River National Park, to mention but a few. The research
methodology employed was descriptive research, and the findings showed that although the state govern-
ment has revamped the tourism industry in the past few years, many challenges still hinder the State's
tourism drive. Among other challenges related to the current study is the lack of development of tourism
sites, evidenced by the non-provision of state-of-the-art facilities such as good roads and hotels/lodges for
accommodation. The study recommended the need for wider publicity, planning, and development of var-
ious tourism sites with adequate facilities to boost tourist attractions.
Similarly, the study by Eneyo et al. [22] on 'Tourism Viability Status of Kwa Falls Eco-tourism Site
of Aningeje Rural Community, Cross River State, Nigeria', assessed the tourism viability status of Kwa
Fall eco-tourism site in Cross River State with the objectives of evaluating tourists' perception of the site
and the level of patronage across different years from 2011 to 2020. The methodology used was a qualitative
participatory approach using stratified random sampling to select respondents, while data was collected
through field observation, questionnaires, and respondent interviews using a simple random sample tech-
nique. Their study revealed that the site is still unique, viable, and attractive, with low tourists' visitation
during the years, but lacks necessary support services and facilities. The study concluded that the viability
of Kwa Falls can only be enhanced through adequate funding and development of the sites to attract tourists
globally. The methodology, findings of the study, and the eco-tourism sites of the study area are useful and
are adopted for use in this study.
The study carried out by Kolo, Abdullahi, and Lembi [23] on 'Role of Architecture in Promoting
Tourism for Economic Development in Nigeria' explored the role of architecture in promoting tourism that
furthers economic development through the built environment in Nigeria. The study methodology was
based on a qualitative research method. Data was largely collected through questionnaires and semi-struc-
tured interviews, including reviewing relevant literature to elucidate useful information on the subject mat-
ter. Their findings showed the indelible mark of architecture on tourism growth and development. However,
the availability of tourism infrastructure and the attractiveness of these attractions remain inadequate and
below average. The study, therefore, concluded that, given the needed considerations, modern tourism is
closely linked to architectural development, which could turn tourism in Nigeria into a key driver of socio-
economic development and growth. This study, with the research methods used here, is closely related and
adapted to this study.
E. Atamewan, 2023 6
In addition, the study was carried out by Jakupi, Veseli, and Grajçevci [24]. On 'Eco-tourism Value
Defined through the Eco-Lodges Design - A Case Study of Kosovo' is worth appraising. The study identi-
fied the tourism potential across Kosovo to create a viable offer of accommodation based on eco-tourism.
The study aimed to increase tourists' interest and awareness and strengthen eco-tourism development. The
study was based on theoretical and empirical research methods. Analysis and findings revealed that Kosovo
has the potential for rich natural surroundings, which should be considered as positioning eco-tourism prin-
ciples for development. The study concludes that well-planned, sustainable approaches to the eco-lodge
design will expose the great potential that nature and the local community can bring into the overall strategic
planning. It recommends an intervention that will adapt to the natural preservation of the environment and
sustainable development, creating higher awareness among visitors and the local community. The princi-
ples of planning and designing eco-tourism lodges through sustainable developments advocated in the study
are highly valuable and, therefore, adopted in this study.
3. Methodology
The study methodology will include qualitative case study research methods involving an extensive
literature review. Data were collected using interviews, questionnaires, and observation. In addition, the
study adopted the research findings and data of recently concluded research on the study areas (though from
other perspectives), which were the bases for evaluating the areas from the viewpoint of architecture, which
forms both the primary and secondary data sources, respectively. One hundred twenty questionnaires were
distributed to respondents to express their opinions on the subject matter, out of which 98 were retrieved,
representing an 81.7% response rate. Also, 20 professional architects, planners, Cross River Tourism De-
velopment Board staff, and tourist organizations were selected through a purposive sampling method for
the interview. The study focused on two historic sites: Agbokim waterfall in the Etung Local Government
Area and Kwa rapids (falls) in the Akamkpa Local Government Areas of Cross River State, respectively.
These sites are chosen mainly because of their uniqueness as natural waterfalls and the seeming neglect of
the sites by the government over the years, as asserted by Eko, Ifere, and Udonwa [21]. The analysis was
carried out using inferential statistics in tables and charts for presentations.
4. Materials and Methods
4.1 The Study Areas

Cross River State is one of the states in the south geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. The State is endowed
with tourism potential across the various local government areas. The State prides itself as the most famous
State in tourism drive in Nigeria and has been nicknamed 'Destination Cross River'. The government, over
the last two decades, has shown serious commitment towards tourism development through unprecedented
investment in the sector, resulting in the establishment of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau and the
Carnival Commission, as well as the identification and upgrading of some tourist sites to international
standards namely the Obudu Ranch in Obudu, the Marina Resort in Calabar, the Cable Car at Obudu
Ranch Resort; the Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku, Tinapa Business/Holiday Resort in Calabar and the popular
Calabar Christmas Carnival [21].
However, despite all the government's efforts, the non-development of eco-tourism sites such as the
Agbokim Waterfalls and Kwa Falls in the State to experience the wonder of nature is worrisome and has
limited the influx of tourists globally into the State. This view is supported by Onor [25], who opined that
the world's interest in nature and the environment is increasing; hence, Cross River State must find its
relevance and fulfillment in eco-tourism. He stressed that Cross River State must venture deeply into the
eco-tourism potential embedded in her history and natural ecosystem to attract a ceaseless flow of tourists
into the State with its attendant benefits.
Figure 1. Agbokim waterfall shows the 7 Streams constituting the falls [26].
4.1.1 Agbokim Waterfalls

Agbokim Waterfalls is located in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, about 15km
from Ikom and 320km from the State Capital, Calabar, Nigeria. The waterfall lies 62.3m above sea level
between 4°71' latitude and 8°55' longitude. It is surrounded by swampy wetlands and rivers between three
to five kilometers southeast of the Cameron border and West of the Ikom and Obudu stations, respectively.
Agbokim Waterfalls is one of the wonders of nature, consisting of seven streams bordered by steep hills,
E. Atamewan, 2023 8
valleys, and vegetation, bordered in a rainbow-like atmosphere. The waterfall exhibits a unique flow of
fresh water tumbling down from the high cliff into the attractive scenery of the tropical rainforest. This is
why the waterfall is described as a 'Seven-faced Wonder'.
The architectural landscape of this waterfall is associated with a glowing beauty and serene environ-
ment, in addition to getting lost in the euphoria of nature's awesomeness. It is an ideal location for that
creative natural environment surrounded by the ever-greenish great spot for a picnic with family, friends,
tourists, and other recreational activities [26].
4.1.2 Kwa Falls

On the other hand, Kwa Falls is in Anegeje village, Akamkpa, one of the most visited natural sites in
Cross River State and one of the most popular Waterfalls in Nigeria. The source of the falls is traced to a
narrow, steep gorge on the headwaters of the Kwa River. It flows from the Cameroon River into the Atlantic
Ocean, forming a deep plunge pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
The plunge of the Kwa Falls descends through a wide vertical gash on a cliff, cutting across the Great
Kwa River channel, which flows graciously through Cross River State, Nigeria, draining the east side of
the beautiful city of Calabar. Interestingly, there are 234 steps in the Kwa Falls, and the waterfall flows into
a canopy of the tropical rainforest and mangrove forest with its fascinating landscape. The sparkling waters
of Kwa Falls flow down basement rocks at the Oban Hill side of the Cross River National Park and south-
wards to the Cross River estuary. The Kwa Falls is a natural wonder for tourists to feel and experience [22].
Figure 2. Kwa Falls [22].
5. Results, Data Analysis and Discussion

The data for the table below was generated using questionnaires. One hundred twenty questionnaires
were distributed to respondents to express their opinions on the general functionality and development of
the Agbokin, and Kwa falls in terms of infrastructure provision as the focus of this study. A total of 98
questionnaires retrieved from respondents out of the 120 questionnaires, representing 81.7%, were analyzed
from the response rate presented in the table.
Table 1. Respondents' Perception on the Development of Agbokin and Kwa Falls Sites. Source: Author's
fieldwork, 2023
S/N Respondents perception Yes % No % Total %

1. Awareness/Publicity 41 41.8 57 58.2 98 100
2. Patronage 39 39.8 59 60.2 98 100
3. Road infrastructure 36 36.7 62 63.3 98 100
4. Unique environment 89 90.8 9 9.2 98 100
5. Lodging/hotel Facilities 0 0.0 98 100 98 100
6. Security of the sites 35 35.7 63 64.3 98 100
7. Landscaped/recreational facilities 37 37.8 61 62.2 98 100
8. Attractiveness of sites 58 59.2 40 40.8 98 100
9. Cottage/Cultural affinity 50 51.0 48 49.0 98 100
10. Development of sites 31 31.6 67 68.4 98 100
From Table 1 above, 98 persons form the total number of respondents who expressed their views on
the variables presented for analysis by the study. Thus, the results indicate that the site's uniqueness is rated
highest by respondents with 89, 90.8%, followed by the site's attractiveness with 58, 59.2%. Cottage/cul-
tural affinity is rated next with (50, 51.0%), followed by awareness/publicity (41, 41.8%) and patronage
with 39, 39.8%. However, the lowest rated variable by the respondents is Lodging/hotel facilities with (0,
0.0%), followed by the development of the sites (35, 35.7%); security with 35, 35.7%; road infrastructure
(36, 36.7%); landscape/recreation facilities (37, 37.8%).
From the analysis above, it is clear that the study areas Agbokim waterfalls and Kwa Falls lack lodg-
ing hotel facilities, and the sites are poorly developed. In addition, the sites lack good security and infra-
structure in terms of good roads and planned landscape/recreational facilities to enhance the attractiveness
and eco-tourism potentials of the nature-given sites. This is the meeting point of nature, ecosystem, and
architecture for sustainable eco-tourism development.
From the interview analysis, architectural interest and proper development of the sites were the focus;
hence, themes such as providing lodging/accommodation facilities, good landscaping/recreational facili-
ties, and good road/accessibility emerged. Respondents agreed the sites were poorly developed and lacked
E. Atamewan, 2023 10
accommodation facilities such as well-designed eco-lodges. Similarly, according to the respondents, the
sites were devoid of designed landscaped and recreational facilities for leisure, thereby not creating the
feeling of relaxation to experience natural wonders at their best. It was also the views of the respondents
that access to the sites was inferior, and due to the long distance from the nearest town, visitors to the sites
get strained in and out of the sites, which was very discouraging to tourists. However, observation showed
the availability of a small cottage/ administrative building serving as a registration point and relaxation area
for visitors. In all, based on the analysis above and the views of the respondents, the study has revealed that
the two sites under review lack the touch of architecture in the planning of the sites and in the provision of
basic infrastructure that will enhance patronage and attract tourists from all walks of life both locally and
international for diverse motives.
6. Proposal for the Architectural Design and Planning based on Eco-tourism Principles
The discussion in this study is focused on sustainable architectural design principles necessary for
enhancing the eco-tourism potentials of the Agbokim and Kwa waterfalls of Cross River State, respectively.
The sustainable architectural design and planning contributions to eco-tourism are majorly around
the provision of accommodation known as eco-lodges and planned landscape/recreational facilities, which
now form the focus of discussion hereafter. Eco-lodge is a concept synonymous with accommodation pro-
vision in eco-tourism development. This is because traveling tourists need a place to rest as a home to enjoy
recreation. Eco-lodges are designed to make the surrounding nature an asset of inestimable value. This is
so because it intertwines without damaging nature but in harmony with the landscape, which is one of the
principles of sustainable architecture [27, 28].
The development of eco-lodges and landscape planning shall be based on highlighting the concept
and principles of eco-tourism and sustainable architecture for the desired benefits from eco-tourism. Thus,
the following constitute the basic concepts that would be applied in the proposed planning and development
of the natural sites' eco-tourism accommodations and landscape planning.
i. Design Concept: the concept of the architectural framework chosen for this study is to 'design with nature'.
This means the development of the accommodation facility will embrace a system where design blends and
flows with the natural ecosystem to give a feeling of a typical natural environment.
ii. African Cultural Affiliations: the design should basically and largely be and look original African in
nature with minor contemporary touches for universal acceptability. In other words, the study proposes that
the design suitable for such natural sites should be an vernacular architecture that carries the characteristics
of the host community rather than an alien building form in such locations. This will help promote the host
community's cultural values and give them a sense of pride, as supported by Kazimee [29].
iii. Site Layout Design: The layout should be planned and designed to accommodate the various
buildings to be developed on the study site, the positioning of the buildings, roads and path networks, and
other planned outdoor areas. The buildings will include accommodations in the form of lodges of three
categories: single room, double, and suite for married spouses on honeymoons, holidays, and families vis-
iting. The design should be flexible and easily convertible to host tourists. Other buildings included are
administrative units, restaurants, and bars (with outdoor restaurants /bars) built with local building materials
in thatched roofs positioned around the various points to view the wonders of nature with paths/walkways
to link the entire landscaped areas adorned with nature given plants, shrubs, and grasses given a feeling of
nature-abode.
The design of the lodges will emphasize natural lighting and ventilation to enjoy the benefits of na-
ture, which is now becoming the desired architecture of today in terms of sustainable designs in line with
the opinion of Atamewan [30]. In the proposed design, the vernacular architecture of the host community
will be on display and evidenced in the use of local building materials, which are easily available and
recyclable, as well as in the finishes to reflect the culture of the people.
The site's arrival should signal excitement, wonder, and surprises as one journeys onto another planet.
With roughly windy tarred roads, visitors/tourists should have a warm embrace in the administrative build-
ing for registration formalities. The planning of the entire site should be in and around the waterfalls to
allow tourists to experience this wonder of nature wherever they are within the site and at any given time.
The parking lots should be located some distance from the site's hub to allow visitors/tourists to take a walk
deep into the site to begin to appreciate nature before getting accommodated. In addition, security posts
with personnel would be stationed at the entrance and around the sites to give the tourists a sense of security
and safety.
In all, the architectural framework for the planning and development of the eco-tourism potentials of
the study areas shall fully embrace the principles of sustainable design concepts, which help to minimize
waste, create a healthy environment, encourage the use of renewable sources of energy through energy
efficiency, water efficiency, adequate indoor environmental quality and enhance maintenance and opera-
tional practices.
7. Conclusion
This study has established the intertwined relationship between architecture and tourism, revealing
that only architecture can enhance the drive required to attract tourists to any tourism site. Tourism/eco-
tourism cannot thrive without architecture as the later design and planning of the natural landscape gives a
sense of value, aesthetic, and cultural appreciation of a place. The study also revealed that the eco-tourism
potential of Agbokim waterfalls in Etung and Kwa Falls in Akamkpa communities in Cross River State,
E. Atamewan, 2023 12
though unique, lacks the required infrastructure to make the area viable and more attractive. The uniqueness
of these 'wonders of nature' can be enhanced by architectural touches through space manipulations and
provisions in terms of designed eco-lodges, restaurants and bars, outdoor recreations, and planned land-
scapes using sustainable eco-tourism design principles outlined in this study.
The study has also demonstrated that architecture is a potent marketing tool in promoting the eco-
tourism potential of any place and emphasizes that eco-tourism enhances the relationship between archi-
tecture, nature, the environment, local community, and tourists. This study contributes to knowledge by
projecting the role architecture plays as an attraction force in tourism and outlining the architectural design
framework for planning and developing eco-tourism accommodations using sustainable eco-tourism prin-
ciples.
Therefore, the study recommends that both Agbokim waterfalls and Kwa fall sites should be vigor-
ously planned and designed by professional architects using sustainable architectural concepts from the
planning, construction, post-construction, and maintenance phases of the development as outlined in this
study for better patronage, which ultimately will make Cross River State the tourism hub of Nigeria with
its attendant economic benefits.
Declaration of Competing Interest:The authorsdeclare that he has no known competing of interest.
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Journal of Studies in Science and Engineering

Eugene Ehimatie Atamewan1,*

2.1 Tourism and Ecotourism

4. Materials and Methods

4.1 The Study Areas

4.1.1 Agbokim Waterfalls

4.1.2 Kwa Falls

Figure 2. Kwa Falls [22].

5. Results, Data Analysis and Discussion

S/N Respondents perception Yes % No % Total %

Declaration of Competing Interest:The authorsdeclare that he has no known competing of interest.

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