COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM IN NATURE RESERVE OF CHINA

This paper introduces a new concept of community-based ecotourism (CBET) that originated in foreign countries. Then it analyzes the significance of CBET development in nature reserve (NR). The authors think that community participation is the evitable choice of nature reserve′s conservation and development. CBET, as the self-improved model of ecotourism, can promote tourism community sustainable development. Based on the stakeholder analysis of CBET in NRs, this paper addresses the reality, especially the problem of CBET development in NRs of China. In order to develop CBET in NRs of China, this paper takes some suggestions to promote the community participation: 1)gradual political empowerment, 2) deep level economic incentive, 3) widespread educational support, 4) impartial distribution of community benefits, and 5) stakeholders cooperation.

Research on Design and Management of Community-Based Ecotourism Model in Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve of Kazakhstan

This study investigates the community-based ecotourism (CBE) model using a sample of the Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (NR). The aim is to propose a suitable CBE model for Aksu-Zhabgly nature-based tourism destinations by employing a combination of field observation, examination, evaluation, and SWOT analysis. The study determines the strategic suggestions for CBE model designing by the results of SWOT analysis. It concludes that convenient transportation and superior location, diversified wild animals and plants, rich in ethnocultural resources, traditional and tranquil life in a typical rural setting, hospitality and positive attitude of locals to tourism and great potential of the region for sustainable development of ecotourism are the strengths. At the same time, the far residential location from the provincial cities, low-quality service, outdated facilities and shortage of skilled employees in tourism management are the main weakness. Another group of constraints to tourism development is lack of tourism marketing and promotion agencies, lack of transparency, poor institution arrangement and corruption, and lack of preferential policies for CBE development. Finally, the paper recommends that economic development, environmental protection, culture and heritage, marketing and image, favorable political environment, and local residents’ empowerment are the main essential to effectively implement the sustainable development of CBE in the Aksu-Zhabagly tourist destination.

The Influence of High-quality Rural Sanitation on Improving the Competitiveness of Traditional Village Ecotourism-Taking Toilet Improvement in Yunnan Province,China as an Example

The“toilet improvement”initiative has been actively responded to and implemented across China to improve the local sanitation environment and service quality since 2015..This paper takes Yunnan Province as an example to evaluate the impact of this measure on the competitiveness of ecotourism in rural traditional villages.The ArcGIS tool was used to compare and screen the geographic environmental characteristics of six batches of 778 villages in Yunnan Province that were evaluated as national-level traditional villages in the early stage,and 37 villages with the same elevation changes and slope were selected for a comparative analysis,to reduce the impact of differences in three-dimensional topography and geomorphology.Combined with the TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation method and OLS econometric regression model,this study examined the ecotourism competitiveness of the 37 selected traditional villages and the impact of the toilet improvement initiative on their competitiveness.The results show that the ecotourism competitiveness of traditional villages in Yunnan Province is generally low,and there are obvious hierarchical characteristics.The road choice,regional distribution quantity,distance and service accessibility of public toilet construction have a significant influence on the overall ecotourism competitiveness of the villages in Yunnan Province.Therefore,three suggestions are put forward:strengthen the ecotourism construction of traditional villages in Yunnan Province as a whole and in each local area,pay attention to and strengthen the quantity and quality of construction of the public toilets relevant to ecotourism in traditional villages,and pay attention to the accessibility and service scope of the public toilets in the construction process.

Does community-based health insurance affect lifestyle and timing of treatment seeking behavior?Evidence from Ethiopia

Objectives This paper aims to investigate the effects of enrollment in the Ethiopian community-based health insurance(CBHI)scheme on household preventive care activities and the timing of treatment-seeking behavior for illness symptoms.There is growing concern about the financial sustainability of CBHI schemes in developing countries.However,few empirical studies have identified potential contributors,including ex-ante and ex-post moral hazards.Methods We implement a household fixed-effect panel data regression model,drawing on three rounds of household survey data collected face to face in districts where CBHI scheme is operational and in districts where it is not operational in Ethiopia.Results The findings show that enrolment in CBHI does not significantly influence household behaviour regarding preventive care activities such as water treatment before drinking and handwashing before meals.However,CBHI significantly increases delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for diseases symptoms.Particularly,on average,we estimate about 4-6 h delay for malaria symptoms,a little above 4 h for tetanus,and 10-11 h for tuberculosis among the insured households.Conclusions While there is evidence that CBHI improve the utilization of outpatient or primary care services,our study suggests that insured members may wait longer before visiting health facilities.This delay could be partly due to moral hazard problems,as insured households,particularly those from rural areas,may consider the opportunity costs associated with visiting health facilities for minor symptoms.Overall,it is essential to identify the primary causes of delays in seeking medical services and implement appropriate interventions to encourage insured individuals to seek early medical attention.

Applying Design Thinking in Ecotourism Curriculum Design: The Educational Design Ladder

The design thinking approach transforms student’s learning process to connect with real-world experience, making connections between knowledge and improving critical thinking and problem-solving capability. Previous research has focused on what design thinking is taught (content) and how it is taught (learning modes and assessment). However, there needs to be an integrative approach in the context of ecotourism education. Therefore, applying Wrigley and Straker’s Educational Design Ladder mode, this study develops an Ecotourism Design Thinking Curriculum framework to combine the ecotourism content, teaching/learning mode and assessment.

Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal,India

The importance of valuing environmental resources,especially in ecotourism sites,has become increasingly important over the last two decades.Ecotourism is now considered as an important source of livelihood of local stakeholders in backward regions.Therefore,the preservation of ecotourism sites through community participation seems very important to maintain continued flow of tourists.This study aimed at recognizing the importance of community participation for the preservation of ecotourism sites.For this,this study executed a survey based on non-probability sampling in two ecotourism sites(Garpanchkot and Baranti)covering 100 respondents in Purulia District,West Bengal of India.The central issue of this study was to assess the tendency of community participation for the conservation of ecotourism sites and find the optimum condition for offering participatory labour time.This study showed that the participation of young people is high,and the majority of respondents are aware of the importance in protecting ecotourism sites.Because respondents were too poor to offer money,the contingent valuation method(CVM)was used to elicit their willingness to pay(WTP)participatory labour time for the conservation of ecotourism sites.Respondents’age,income,education level,caste,and their perceived environmental quality had significant relationship with their WTP participatory labour time by applying the ordinary least square(OLS)model.It was found that the mean WTP participatory labour time of each respondent in a month is approximately 3.64 h.The significance of this study is that community participation can improve the sense of belonging,trust,and credibility of ecotourism sites,making them more appreciative of the value and protection of these sites.

Community-Based Hepatitis B Campaign in Asian Americans

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects minority groups in the US, particularly Asian Americans, with numerous factors contributing to this disparity. Of the 2.4 million people living with chronic HBV in the US, 60% are Asian American. Many are unaware of their status and lack access to proper clinical care, with less than ten percent receiving necessary antiviral treatment. Barriers to screening and care include lack of disease awareness, language and cultural barriers, and financial constraints. Additionally, healthcare providers and systems in the US often overlook the importance of CHB, leading to inadequate care. In response, the Center for Viral Hepatitis (CVH) has implemented a community-based outreach program over the past sixteen years, employing a multifaceted approach involving all sectors of society and various organizations to combat health disparities in CHB. This grassroots campaign has proven highly effective, leveraging CVH’s leadership in spearheading numerous collaborative activities with community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. We have summarized the key points of CVH's efforts and their significance in combating CHB-related health disparities. The CHB Screening and Awareness Campaign, tailored to the Asian American community, serves as a successful model for increasing CHB screening, linkage-to-care, and addressing socio-cultural barriers and health literacy. Insights from these outreach programs have guided the development of culturally relevant resources and education initiatives. These findings suggest that such community-driven approaches are essential for addressing health disparities. The strategies and outcomes of CVH’s efforts can inform future health initiatives for other minority communities in the US and globally.

A tale of duality:Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park,Ethiopia

This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection.A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used.We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas,namely Debark,Janamora,and Beyeda woredas.Finally,397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda.Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire,interviews,and focus group discussions.Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods,including means,standard deviations,analysis of variance(ANOVA),and logistic regression models.The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender(B=1.850,P=0.023),level of education(B=0.238,P=0.032),geographical location(B=0.420,P=0.041),and occupation(B=0.920,P=0.019).This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism.Furthermore,individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations,those engaged in tourism-related work,and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism.In conclusion,the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP.To achieve this,it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency,the Ministry of Tourism,and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions.Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.

Opinion of Stakeholders on the Management of Ecotourism in the Benue National Park of the North Region of Cameroon

Local communities living around protected areas stand high chance of benefiting from economic development and livelihood improvement through ecotourism if well planned. The objective of this study was to contribute to the understanding of stakeholders’ opinions on the valorization of ecotourism in order to propose alternative sustainable strategies. The study used a research method based on purposive sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 125 household heads and 10 stakeholders were also interviewed with a question guide. The results were inputted into a student statistical package (SPSS) version 16. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square was used to compare means. The results revealed that the test of dependence (Chi2) between the variables showed a significant difference at (p < 0.05). 51.9% of the respondent in ZIC 5 said that ecotourism has increased employment while respondents in the other sectors (ZIC 1, 4 and 9) who make up 76% of the respondents said ecotourism-related jobs in the park are seasonal and not frequent. Regarding the dependence of local communities on the park’s resources, 25% of ZIC 5 is highly dependent on the park, whereas, in the other sectors, only 18% are dependent on the park for their household income. This result is explained by the inaccessibility of local communities to the parks. The results of the impacts of ecotourism on the livelihoods of communities in localities reflect a general feeling of dissatisfaction with 88.8% of respondents manifesting their dissatisfaction with park authorities. Thus, 87.2% of respondents think that ecotourism does not bring significant economic benefits to the host communities. If ecotourism was planned, the benefits that accrue from activity could boost the economy of the area and support the conservation of the park, which so far remains insignificant. However, the strategy for enhancing ecotourism should be a participatory approach.

Impact of community-based rehabilitation on quality of life and self-esteem of persons with physical disabilities and their family members

Objective:Community-based rehabilitation(CBR)is a strategy by which persons living with disability(PWDs)access comprehensive rehabilitation services with limited evidence regarding its impact on the quality of life(QOL)and self-esteem(SE)of PWDs and their family members.This study compared the QOL and SE of Nigerian PWDs in communities with and without a CBR programme(CBR and non-CBR respectively),and the family quality of life(FQOL)of their family members.Methods:Cross-sectional study involving 2604 PWDs(1302 in CBR and 1302 in non-CBR);5208 family members of PWDs(2604 in CBR and 2604 non-CBR),recruited from four randomly selected geo-political zones in Nigeria,purposive/consecutive selection of eight CBR programmes,PWDs and their family members(CBR and non-CBR).Outcomes assessed using Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSES),World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-short form(WHOQOL-BREF)and Beach Centre Family Quality of Life Instrument(BCFQOL).Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank order correlation were used to analyse data at P<0.05.Results:PWDs in CBR scored higher in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF(P<0.0001 in all cases)and RSES than non-CBR group(P<0.0001).The CBR families scored significantly higher than non-CBR families in all domains(P<0.05)except Emotional Well-Being of the BCFQOL.The CBR group scores on Psychological and Social Health domains of the WHOQOL-BREF showed significant positive correlation with CBR families'Family Interaction(P=0.06)and Parenting(P=0.07)domains and total FQOL(P=0.07).Conclusion:Community-based rehabilitation positively impacted on SE and QOL of PWDs and their family members.

Practical Teaching Design of Ecotourism Course under the Construction of Park Cities:A Case Study of Qinglong Lake Ecological Wetland Park

The construction of park cities makes it possible for the popularization of ecotourism,and lays resource conditions and product foundation for the practical teaching of ecotourism course.In this paper,natural ecological resources and ecological leisure and recreation in Qinglong Lake Ecological Wetland Park were analyzed,and a series of practical teaching projects can be designed based on ecological cognition education,ecological responsibility,ecological experience,ecological environmental protection publicity and ecological tourism scenic spot management,as well as the teaching requirements of ecotourism course.

Construction of Industrialization Development Model for"1+4+X"Community-Based Elderly Care in Gannan Old Revolutionary Base Area in the Context of Population Aging

In the context of controlling population development in a planned way,China entered an aging society in the early 21 st century.In this context,how to meet the needs of the elderly care and form an effective elderly care model has become a key problem to be solved urgently by local government departments.With the continuous advancement of the elderly care policy,the community-based elderly care has gradually become the mainstream and is in the stage of vigorous promotion.Taking the Gannan old revolutionary base area in Jiangxi Province as an example,this study puts forward"1+4+X"community-based elderly care model based on the policy system of community-based elderly care,the physical and mental health of the elderly,the material space and the construction of evaluation system,and explores how to promote the application of this community model efficiently in the form of industrialization,so as to drive the economic growth of the Gannan old revolutionary base area,promote the employment development and improve the community-based elderly care service.

Assessing the Contribution of Ecotourism to Economic Growth and Rural Development Offered by Wildlife Resources to People Living in Communities around Matusadonha National Park

Ecotourism is one of the major drivers of economic growth and rural development in many countries involved in wildlife resource management.The objective was to assess the contribution of ecotourism to economic growth and rural development offered to people living in communities around Matusadonha National Park.A total of 140 participants were interviewed and questionnaires were administered to the same number of people.Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods.Results show that the majority of participants(57%)were females.Safari operations were the major(54.7%)ecotourism activity in Matusadonha National Park.Above half(58.8%)of participants indicated that ecotourism contributed toward economic growth in communities around Matusadonha National Park.Most people(343)were employed on a part-time basis from 2000 to 2022.Participants indicated that the standard of living in most communities increased by more than 50%.Above 50%of participants were satisfied with the contribution of ecotourism towards rural development.It can be concluded that ecotourism has the potential to improve economic growth and rural development if close monitoring and accountability of funds are monitored closely.Local people should be included in the accountability of funds and management of wildlife resources to improve economic benefits to local people.

Types and Characteristics of Ecotourism Resources in Gansu Province

With a vast territory,diversified climate and abundant ecotourism resources,Gansu Province has all categories in the 1st and 2nd class of YANG Gui-hua Three-class Classification Method,and 21 sub-categories of the 3rd class(total 26 sub-categories).According to the investigation and analysis,the ecotourism in Gansu Province has following characteristics:(1) Diversified ecotourism resources with various types;(2) Numerous ecotourism scenic spots with complete functions;(3) Unique,precious and rare ecotourism resources;(4) Not even distribution of ecotourism resources with an obvious trend of divergence;(5) Most of the ecotourism resources environment is fragile and has low carrying capacity,and the traffic conditions need to be improved urgently.

Research in the Prospect of Wetland Ecotourism Development

The characteristics and development model of wetland ecotourism resources were introduced,the prospect of developing wetland ecotourism and proper suggestions were put forward.

Study on the Ecotourism and Community Economic Development of Maolan National Natural Reserve in Guizhou Province

With Maolan National Natural Reserve as the example,the present development of ecotourism and its great significance to community economic development were expounded,the main problems existing in the ecotourist development of Maolan Reserve were exposed,and some suggestions were proposed for speeding up the construction pace of ecotourism,improving the service level and reception capacity,expanding the coverage of people receiving benefits from tourist economy,strengthening the development of tourist products,elongating the industrial chain of tourist economy and establishing feedback mechanism so as to promote the community economic development.

Construction of Artificial Wetlands and Ecotourism Resource Development in Jilin City

Definition of artificial wetlands or construction background and significance of artificial wetlands in Jilin City were introduced in this study,while characteristics of wetland tourist resources and advantages of ecotourism development in Jilin City were also analyzed,which put forward measures to develop artificial wetland ecotourism resources in Jilin City.

Status of and Strategies for Ecotourism Development in Chaozhou City

Ecotourism development can not only bring economic,ecological and environmental benefits,but also help realize the sustainable development of tourism industry. The authors analyzed the current ecotourism development of Chaozhou City and existing problems,tried to propose corresponding strategies for its healthy development from legislative and scientific perspectives.

Evaluation of Ecotourism Resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,China

Dawangling Nature Reserve in Guangxi is famous for its rich ecotourism resources such as diversified animal and plant resources,picturesque natural scenery and pleasant climate.A.Through the field investigation and the application of landscape resources management system,the authors adopted 7 landscape quality factors to evaluate aesthetic quality of Dawangling Nature Reserve that could be experienced,specifically,terrain,plant,water,color,influence of neighboring landscapes,scarcity and human modification.The evaluation score was obtained as 20.0(A-grade),which implied that natural scenery in the study area was of high aesthetic value,and suitable for various experiential tourist activities.B.Ecological assessment standards for nature reserves were applied to evaluate eco-quality of the tourist environment in the study area,6 specific assessment indexes were adopted,specifically,diversity,scarcity,representativeness,naturalness,appropriateness of area and threats of survival.The evaluation score was obtained as 86.1(Grade Ⅰ),which implied that tourist environment of the study area was excellent and suitable for ecotourism development.C.According to the detailed landscape grading standards,the total score of its landscapes was obtained as 86(up to the standards of international 4A-class tourist site or spot),which implied that landscape quality of the scenic area was fine,and had great development potentials.D.By consulting the evaluation model tree of mountainous scenic areas in China,a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the study area was carried out from the perspectives of tourist resource conditions,location and tourist source conditions,regional economic background.The score of its tourist resources was obtained as 60.67,accounting for 85.6% of the total;that of location and tourist source conditions was 11.83,accounting for 79.8% of the total;that of regional economic background was 10.55,accounting for 72.5% of the total,which implied that tourist resources in the study area were of high development value,enjoyed obvious location advantages,great value of regional economic background,thus had excellent development advantages.This study aimed at providing useful references for the further development of ecotourism resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,which would facilitate the overall improvement of tourism industry in Baise,enhance its economic development and exploration of more ecotourism projects.

Ecotourism Development Modes of Nature Reserves

Ecotourism is a significant approach for the protective development of nature reserves. Through analyzing the necessity of developing ecotourism, learning from the successful ecotourism development cases of nature reserves in China and abroad, the authors proposed a new Nature Reserve Protective Tourism Exploring Mode (NRPTEM) with the integration of "protection, development and management", such a mode contains 3 systems (protection, development and management), 12 projects (biodiversity protection, geological remains protection, protection of human ecology, environment monitoring, scientific planning, product development, market expansion, facility construction, capacity building, community co-management, environment education and management innovation) as well as human (a critical structural factor). The relationship between these items in the complicated process of ecotourism development of nature reserves was elaborated, and the dominant role of human factors in the 3 systems was also put forward.