Sustainable Development and Tourism in Yunnan (China)

Tourism often serves as strategy to promote sustainable development in China’s remote rural areas that have not yet profited of the economic boom. But to what degree does this kind of development align with the principles of... [ view full abstract ]

Tourism often serves as strategy to promote sustainable development in China’s remote rural areas that have not yet profited of the economic boom. But to what degree does this kind of development align with the principles of sustainability? How does it affect local communities? And what effect does it have on the environment? This research takes a holistic approach to tourism development by analysing a case study conducted in five villages in the Lashi Lake Wetland Area (Yunnan, China), that takes into account as many socio economic, political as well as ecological factors as possible. Consequently, the findings are able to generate profound insights on the changing processes stimulated by tourism development within the local community, economy and environment. It further demonstrates the conflicts between the idea of sustainability and the characteristics of Lashi Lake’s development. Even though social inequalities and environmental degradation rose with the economic growth brought by tourism, living standards have increased as well, and existential problems faced by local households on everyday bases have diminished. Furthermore, there appears to be an increasing awareness of environmental and social issues among the local residents, which may play an important role in directing the regions future development.