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

economic activities in rangel<strong>and</strong> areas, tourism as a whole is more compatible
with principles of nature conservation <strong>and</strong> environmental protection since it is
usually not based on the direct removal or consumption of natural resources. At
the same time, tourism generates local employment. In this sense, it is an ideal
approach to integrating development <strong>and</strong> conservation objectives. However, if
managed improperly, the negative impacts of tourism activities on environments
could also exceed the capacity of the environment to absorb. As the
numbers of tourists grow, so does the interest in seeing new places <strong>and</strong> seeking
new experiences. On some locations it is obvious that tourism can have negative
impacts. Poorly planned <strong>and</strong> managed tourism may damage the same wildlife,
natural or cultural resources that draw the tourists. In this way tourism will not
be sustainable. Therefore, even for tourism development, following the ecological
principles is extremely important.
Two concepts, nature tourism <strong>and</strong> ecotourism, that are frequently <strong>and</strong> sometimes
intentionally indiscriminately used by developers, should be distinguished
for theoretical as well as for practical purposes.
Nature Tourism is a form of tourism that involves travelling to relative undisturbed
or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objectives of studying,
admiring, enjoying the scenery, its wild plants <strong>and</strong> animals, as well as any
cultural areas.
By contrast, Ecotourism is a form of tourism with low impact on the environment
<strong>and</strong> wildlife due to the environmental friendly tourist services <strong>and</strong> behaviour of
the tourists (e.g., low energy use, low pollution, <strong>and</strong> low disturbance) <strong>and</strong> due
to careful selection, siting <strong>and</strong> area zoning, design <strong>and</strong> use of materials of tourist
facilities <strong>and</strong> respect of local cultures. Ecotourism is “responsible travel to
natural areas that conserves the environment <strong>and</strong> sustains the well-being of
local people” (The Ecotourism Society 1991). It is a sustainable development
tool. Ecotourism shall comply with the principles of:
(1) Conservation: Environmentally sound development, <strong>and</strong> no degradation
of the resource allowed; contributing to conservation of biodiversity;
ecologically, economically <strong>and</strong> socio-culturally sustainable; although
conservation of nature is its fundamental criterion small impacts on the
environment occur;
(2) Education: Education about biodiversity <strong>and</strong> habitats is an integral
component for both communities <strong>and</strong> tourists; building environmental
awareness through the nature experience;
(3) Participation: Sustains the well-being of local people; local ownership
<strong>and</strong> business opportunities for local communities is promoted;
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> > > 3. Eco-tourism <strong>and</strong> Nature Protection in Relation to <strong>Pastoralism</strong> <strong>and</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong> <strong>Management</strong>