Eco-tourism Definition

Eco-tourism in China
Case Study: Laojunshan
My Reflection
Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to
relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and
appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural
features-both past and present) that promotes
conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and
provides beneficially active socio-economic involvement of
local population.
Sustainable
Nature-based
Educational experience
Not a mature market system, nor an established customer
based in the country. It is difficult for China to attract large
numbers of international eco-tourists in the current context
due to limited infrastructure in rural areas. While
institutional capacity for economic development has
expanded, support for sustainable rural development in
China remains relatively weak.

Increasing popularity of ecotourism can cause
local tourism operators to dismiss concerns
about carrying capacity
22% nature reserves in China is negatively
affected by eco-tourism. (2008)
Laojunshan situated in
northwestern Yunnan
Province, in the
southern end of the
Yunling Mountain
System. The elevations
of this region range
from 2100 to 4513 m,
and is bounded by the
Yangtze River on the
east and the Mekong
River watershed on the
west
Due to the unique geography, geology, and vertical
climatic range, a vast diversity of plants and animals can be
found in this area, some not found elsewhere. These same
characteristics make the area a potentially valuable region
for ecotourism development.

Although Shitou Township
is not included in any
governmental poverty
alleviation projects, the
communities in the area,
especially those near the
nature reserves core zone
and in very remote villages
with limited arable land, are
very poor.

Before the Project Launched
Environment Fragile
Residents Poor
Tourism Industry Undeveloped
The Global Environmental Institute (GEI) initiated the
Laojunshan Ecotourism Project in May 2004.

In the first stage of the research
review relevant literature including government documents
and GEI reports from the Laojunshan Ecotourism Project.
Key institutional stakeholder groups were identified in
collaboration with GEI staff.

NGOs, private business, local people, and local government.

GEI cooperated with local management committee,
launching a small eco-tourism cooperative.
Provide job opportunity to local residents
Cooperate with Yunnan Tourism Company, promoting and
marketing eco-tourism in Laojunshan.
Change the poverty in local community.
Conserve natural environment, and biodiversity.


Capacity-building
Such capacity means that local communities develop and
retain a degree of ability to survive after the withdrawal of
external support.


Be open and transparent
Compared with Fiji River:
No official website
No accreditation
No adequate data