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National park development in China: conservation or commercialization?
Guangyu Wang1, John L Innes, Sara W Wu
1Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. guangyu.wang@ubc.ca
Ambio
|November 1, 2011
Summary
China
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
- Ecotourism Management
Background:
- China's rapid expansion of national parks and ecotourism highlights protected landscapes and unique biodiversity.
- However, ecotourism development has, in some cases, negatively impacted local ecological, economic, and social systems.
- National Forest Parks serve as case studies for examining these complex issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the political, institutional, legal, environmental, and economic challenges facing China's National Parks.
- To examine the potential future development pathways for these protected areas.
- To assess the varied success of National Park systems in achieving their goals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of political, institutional, legal, environmental, and economic factors.
- Case study approach using National Forest Parks in China.
- Examination of current issues and future development potential.
Main Results:
- The success of China's National Park systems in improving environmental quality, protecting biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods has been inconsistent.
- Identified challenges span political, institutional, legal, environmental, and economic domains.
- The development of ecotourism has led to degradation in some areas.
Conclusions:
- Future success of China's National Parks hinges on their ability to reduce poverty.
- Long-term rehabilitation of wildlife habitats is a critical measure of success.
- Simultaneous protection of Chinese culture and biodiversity is essential for sustainable development.
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