Contribution of Ecotourism Towards Sustainable Livelihood of the Communities Living on Wasini Island, Kwale County, Kenya

Ecotourism has traditionally been viewed as a panacea concept for developing countries to stimulate the economy, as well as, directly provide support for conservation efforts. This study examined the concept of ecotourism for a relatively sustainable, single activity within an established tourism destination of Wasini Island in Kwale County. The purpose of the study was to assess the contribution of ecotourism initiatives to the livelihoods of the local community, guided by the following objective： to assess the attitude of the local community towards ecotourism development. Descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The target population included all ecotourism entrepreneurs, conservationists, community based organizations （CBOs）, and tour operators based in Wasini Island. Systematic random sampling was used to select 320 respondents. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires while secondary data were obtained through critical examination of public and private recorded documents related to the study. Data were analyzed using techniques which included frequencies, means, modes and percentages. Ecotourism initiatives in the study area have significantly contributed to job creation and financial empowerment to the local people. Ecotourism in the study area has contributed to the acquisition of both human （education） and physical assets owned by the local community. Environmental conservation has also been achieved through ecotourism initiatives. In the face of joblessness, residents of Wasini need to be capacitated to venture into ecotourism projects as it has the potential of improving livelihoods.

A model of deep ecotourism development and its empirical study

Ecotourism requires the harmony of all factors involved in tourism system for a multilateral benefit. Based on such cognition, a concept of deep ecotourism development is put forward which includes two connotations: on the one hand, it should give prominence to the display of the eco-culture of the tourist destination and tourists' eco-experience, in which way the development behavior on the tourist destination and the tourists' behavior will be regulated; on the other hand, it implies the deep harmony among tourist entrepreneurs and tourists, the local governments and the local residents, as well as tourist activities and the ecological environment in the tourism development for the multilateral benefit of every element involved and sustainable tourism development. The common sense is that the degrees in a certain tourism destination will differ and that consequently four levels of ecotourism are divided - very shallow ecotourism, shallow ecotourism, deep ecotourism and very deep ecotourism. To move shallow ecotourism toward deep one, two models of "four subjects and two wings" and "connecting the two wings" of deep ecotourism development system are introduced to make ecotourism industry favorable to the display of eco-culture and the sustainable development of the destination community. With the two models, a case study of ecotourism development in Louguantai National Forest Park was made as a demonstration. The ultimate purpose is to build an ideal new Shangri-La.

Analysis of Ecotourism, Culture and Local Community Empower­ment: Case Study of Wasur National Park - Indonesia

The focus of this research lies in community empowerment based on culture and local communities as well as sustainable ecotourism,which is directed at a complicated mechanism of empowerment elements,local culture that is thick in ecotourism to get added value for the novelty of ecotourism research.The object of research is Wasur National Park(WNP),Papua,Indonesia.Qualitative methods have been used to obtain accurate data and information,i.e.,in-depth interviews with indigenous people to find out the benefits or functions of their culture that can be developed in ecotourism,interviews with leaders and staff of WNP and the Department of Culture and Tourism to find out the potential and processes empowerment and existing tourism potential.As a result,from the perspective of empowerment,local people will easily follow the empowerment process provided that they use methods that are culturally appropriate which is from the viewpoints from the culture of sasi,totem and sacred places.The culture adopted by the community is in accordance with the principles of ecotourism that supports sustainability,environmental conservation,protection of environmental resources and increases economic value.However,it is recommended to carry out modified socialization in accordance with the current conditions.Hence,tourists who visit WNP do not become afraid of the very rigid sanctions which are applied to them who violate the existing cultural and environmental customs.Moreover,to get added economic value in the tourism business within WNP,it is necessary to explore the potential of cultural wealth,natural and biological wealth so that it becomes the main attraction in carrying out the economic empowerment of local communities in the field of ecotourism.

Tibetan Attitudes Towards Community Participation and Ecotourism

Some Tibetan villages in Shenzha county, Tibet were chosen as typical Tibetan communities in China. Attitudes and perceptions towards Tibetan community participation in ecotourism were analyzed using face to face interviews. Most residents supported the development of ecotourism. They are willing to engage in ecotourism projects and accept ecotourism education and training, and expect that the government provides opportunities for them to participate in making ecotourism decisions. Most residents believed that ecotourism promotes local economies and social development, and enhances the ability and quality of local residents while improving their environmental consciousness. However, some residents were concerned that ecotourism may destroy local natural environments and Tibetan folk customs and culture. The level of community participation in ecotourism development is only in its infancy in Shenzha, but there is strong potential. The chief participatory approaches of ecotourism development for most residents were providing labor and catering services and commodities for tourism, and Tibetan performance singing and dancing. Limiting factors include language, a shortage of knowledge and skills, and poor ecotourism infrastructure. Most residents had little confidence that the government was willing to support them to participate in ecotourism. We put forward some mechanisms to enhance the level of community participation in ecotourism in this important region.

Ecotourism Development in China: Achievements, Problems and Strategies

Since the 1990 s, ecotourism has developed rapidly and been an important and distinctive part of the tourism industry in China. Based on an analysis of the current development status and problems of Chinese ecotourism, this paper puts forward the development goals and strategies for ecotourism in the future. In addition, it tries to provide some suggestions for Chinese ecotourism development. It is proposed that the main path for making China a competitive country for ecotourism is to form a comprehensive system including public services, resources conservation, environmental education, policies and regulations, eco-certification, marketing promotion, community participation, technology and talent by constructing ecotourism cooperation areas, destinations, ecotour routes and ecological scenic roads.

Ecotourism Development Evaluation and Measures for Forest Parks in China

Forest parks are one of the important kinds of destinations for the development of ecotourism in China. Based on the principles of ecotourism, an evaluation index system of ecotourism development in forest parks was established. This paper uses data from investigations in 27 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China to evaluate and analyze the ecotourism development of China＇s forest parks. In order to promote the sustainable development of ecotourism in forest parks, the paper suggests a number of measures, such as promoting the integration of the tourism industry and related industries, exploring folklore tourism products, planning an environmental interpretation system, perfecting the infrastructure and service facilities system in line with the principles of ecology, building an environmental monitoring system, setting up a reasonable mechanism for community participation, strengthening capital investment and investment management, and paying attention to the cultivation of professional talent for ecotourism. These measures can be used as references and guides to the development and construction of ecotourism in forest parks in China.