Pastoralism and Rangeland Management on the Tibetan Plateau in ...

for the introduction <strong>and</strong> spread of modern science <strong>and</strong> technology, business
concepts <strong>and</strong> management tools among farmers <strong>and</strong> pastoralists. With better
<strong>and</strong> more innovative services, the internal driving force of tourism will accelerate
the integration of pastoralists into modern society. In this way, our society
will achieve win-win development for both herders <strong>and</strong> the rural economy.
5.3 We shall ensure the balanced development of tourism <strong>and</strong> ecological
environment <strong>and</strong> increase the protection of rangel<strong>and</strong> resources
A good ecological environment is an important factor for attracting a large
number of tourists <strong>and</strong> for achieving sustainable development of rural tourism.
In the development of ecotourism in the Namtso Scenic Area, there is a risk
that natural ecology becomes more vulnerable as a result of economic development.
The slightest mistake in utilizing resources may easily lead to serious
ecological damage from which it would be difficult to recover. In resource
development for tourism, we must always adhere to the principle of “protection
first, development second”, striking a balance between tourism development
<strong>and</strong> environmental protection.
Throughout the development process, planning, construction, management <strong>and</strong>
monitoring there are four instances where accountability has to be measured.
We must seek out the market gaps <strong>and</strong> optimize the system of accountability.
First, we shall adopt scientific means to protect <strong>and</strong> monitor the ecological
environment in Namtso, impose reasonable control on environmental capacity
<strong>and</strong> strengthen tourist education. While respecting nature, we shall try our best
to provide tourists with memorable experiences at reasonable prices.
In the process of orderly development, tourism should play a bigger role in
the promotion <strong>and</strong> protection of the local ecological environment (Gao et al.
2006). We shall carry out scientific planning on the basis of the calculated
environmental capacity, the daily needs of local residents <strong>and</strong> the local livestock
production capacity. We shall control the number of visitors to within the
carrying capacity of the natural environment to avoid irreversible damages of
natural resources.
We should consider all kinds of tourist needs during the planning phase, <strong>and</strong>
develop an aesthetic design with a focus on harmony <strong>and</strong> synergy. This way
we will have both diversity <strong>and</strong> harmony in our rangel<strong>and</strong>-based tourist attractions
(Gao et al. 2006). We can also create an exhibition park of rangel<strong>and</strong>
ecosystems <strong>and</strong> establish a popular science education base for information on
the biodiversity of the rangel<strong>and</strong> ecosystem. We shall strengthen green oases
<strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scaping <strong>and</strong> improve hygiene <strong>and</strong> sanitation in the surrounding area.
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