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The page outlines the development principles and guidelines for all stakeholders in the
Bai Shan Zu ecotourism development project.
1.1 Ecotourism Ethics
The following ethical principles shall be the basis for the conduct of all tourism activities in Bai Shan Zu Nature Conservation Area:
1. Stakeholders in tourism development and tourists themselves should observe the social and cultural traditions and practices of all people living in the Bai Shan Zu area.
2. Tourism activities should be conducted in harmony with the attributes and traditions of the Bai Shan Zu region, to respect for their laws, practices and customs.
3. Tourist operators and visitors should not commit any criminal act and shall refrain from all trafficking in protected species and products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations;
4. Tourism activities shall promote self-education, mutual tolerance between tourists and local people and culture of the Bai Shan Zu region and surrounding areas.
5. Tourism activities should respect the equality of men and women and ethnic minorities of the Bai Shan Zu region.
6. The exploitation of the people of Bai Shan Zu in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism and shall not be tolerated.
7. Travel to Bai Shan Zu for purposes of health, education and cultural exchanges are particularly beneficial forms of tourism, which deserve encouragement.
8. All the stakeholders in tourism development in the Bai Shan Zu area should safeguard the natural environment with a view to achieving continuous and sustainable economic growth.
9. All forms of tourism development that are conducive to saving rare and precious resources, in particular flora and fauna, as well as avoiding so far as possible waste production, should be given priority and encouraged by tourism operators and the Qing Yuan County Peoples Government.
10. Tourism infrastructure in Bai Shan Zu should be designed and tourism activities programmed in such a way as to protect the natural heritage composed of ecosystems and biodiversity and to preserve endangered species of wildlife.
11. The stakeholders in tourism development in Bai Shan Zu should agree to the imposition of limitations or constraints on their activities if required for the protection of ecological or cultural heritage.
12. Tourism policies and activities in Bai Shan Zu should be conducted with respect for the archaeological and cultural heritage, particular care should be devoted to preserving and upgrading monuments, shrines and museums as well as archaeological and historic sites which are open to tourist visits.
13. Financial revenue derived from visits to cultural sites and monuments should be used to assist in the protection and development of the Bai Shan Zu’s cultural heritage.
14. Tourism activity should be planned in such a way as to promote traditional cultural products, crafts and folklore of Bai Shan Zu.
15. Local people should be associated with tourism activities and share equitably in the economic, social and cultural benefits they generate, and particularly in the creation of direct and indirect jobs resulting from the activities.
16. Tourism policies and programs should be applied in such a way as to help to raise the standard of living of the people of Bai Shan Zu and Qing Yuan County.
17. Tourism development programs should include studies of the impact of their development projects on the environment of Bai Shan Zu and Qing Yuan County.
18. Tourism operators should cooperate with the Qing Yuan Peoples Government, to provide security and safety, accident prevention and health protection for tourists.
19. The fundamental rights of local workers in the tourism industry and related activities should be guaranteed under the supervision of the Qing Yuan County Peoples Government.
20. Local workers in the tourism industry and related activities have the right and duty to acquire appropriate training and education if required.
1.2 Ecotourism Development Guidelines
To achieve world best practice in sustainable ecotourism development the following guidelines must be considered when formulating all stages of the development program:
1. Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Conservation
All tourism development will have an effect on the environment, but a high quality ecotourism project will have a beneficial effect if the development process adheres to scientifically formulated regulations and guidelines that prevent harmful activities and ensure a new ecological balance. The development program must adopt measures that are specific to a local area and will promote a sustainable ecological balance, resource conservation and rehabilitation. The emphasis must always be on sustainable development methods.
2. Localised Methods
Whenever possible local knowledge and methods should be used during planning, design and construction stages to ensure that the final product is suitable and appropriate to local conditions.
3. Fully utilise existing facilities
To minimise cost and environmental effects, provide maximum economic benefit and competitive advantage, all existing facilities, materials and resource should used in the development of the ecotourism product.
4. Produce a high quality market driven ecotourism product.
All tourism development should be based on the local and international tourism market direction. Successful, high quality tourism products cater to market demand. Since market demand changes frequently, tourism operators and the relevant government authorities in Qing Yuan County must ensure that development programs are flexible and have sufficient ongoing market research activities.
5. Drive economic development and increase per capita income.
Successful ecotourism programs must have a substantial and measurable effect on the local economy and standard of living. This requires that tourism operators and government authorities provide adequate investment and employment opportunities for the local people and ensure that financial benefits are distributed as equitably as possible.
6. Education and training.
Tourist operators and local people must be trained in world best practice natural resource management and environmental protection. Poorly educated people often do not understand the full implications of their actions, for this reason educating operators, visitors and local inhabitants is of primary importance in ecotourism programs.
7. Community based resource management.
The natural resources of Bai Shan Zu are the basis of ecotourism products in the region. To ensure that the natural resources are managed in a sustainable manner, the local people must be involved in all facets of resource management.
1.3 Codes of Practice
After the implementation of the program, operators and tourists should observe the following codes of conduct to ensure that tourism activities within Bai Shan Zu and Qing Yuan County remain sustainable and equitable.
Code of Practice for Ecotourism Operators:
1. Strengthen the conservation effort, and enhance the natural integrity of Bai Shan Zu and surrounding areas.
2. Respect the sensitivities of the local people and culture.
3. Be efficient in the use of natural resources such as water and energy.
4. Ensure waste disposal has minimal environmental and aesthetic impact.
5. Develop a recycling program for rubbish produced in the conservation area and local villages.
6. Support other businesses such as hotels that have a conservation ethic.
7. Ensure a thorough knowledge of current political and environmental at the local, regional and national levels.
8. Ensure close communication with the Bai Shan Zu Area Conservation Management Office and The Qing Yuan Peoples Government Network to keep each other informed of developments and encourage the use of this Code of Practice.
9. Endeavour to use local information networks and retail outlets to raise environmental awareness in Qing Yuan County by distributing guidelines to consumers.
10. Support ecotourism education and training for tourist guides and managers.
11. Employ tour guides with a good understanding and respect for local culture and environment.
12. Give visitors appropriate verbal and written education (interpretation) and guidance with respect to the natural and cultural history of the Bai Shan Zu area.
13. Use locally produced goods that benefit the Bai Shan Zu local community and the Qing Yuan County economy, but do not buy goods made from threatened or endangered species.
14. Never intentionally disturb or encourage the disturbance of wildlife or wildlife habitats in the Bai Shan Zu area.
15. Keep vehicles to designated roads and tracks in the conservation area.
16. Abide by the rules and regulations of the Bai Shan Zu Conservation Area.
17. Commit to the principle of world best practice.
18. Comply with China’s Local and National Safety Standards.
19. Ensure truth in advertising and promotion of Bai Shan Zu.
20. Maximise the quality of experience for hosts and guests.
Tourists who visit the Bai Shan Zu Conservation Area will be encouraged to behave in a manner that will minimise the negative social, environmental and economic effects of tourism activities:
Code of Conduct for Tourists:
1. Tourists are guests of the local people and should show respect and sensitivity for the local people and culture.
2. Be environmentally aware and show respect for the ecology and natural resources of Bai Shan Zu.
3. Allow enough time in each place to appreciate and study the conservation area.
4. Use methods of travel that have minimal environmental impact where possible.
5. Be careful not to introduce exotic plants or animals such as cats and dogs.
6. Stay on the designated tracks and walking trails.
7. Never remove plants or other natural material from the conservation area.
8. Leave scenic areas and other sites cleaner than when you found it, place rubbish in approved disposal bins and containers.
9. Don't disturb wildlife or wildlife habitats in the conservation area.
10. Familiarize yourself with Bai Shan Zu Conservation Area regulations.
11. Don't use soap, detergents or other chemicals in natural water bodies.
12. When travelling, spend money on local enterprises.
13. Consider the implications of buying plant and animal products. Find out if they're rare or endangered, taken from the wild, and if local authorities approve of the trade.
14. Do not encourage illegal trade by buying products made from endangered species from the Bai Shan Zu Conservation Area.
15. Promote an environmental and cultural understanding of the places you have visited.
16. Consider the environmental and cultural effects of your visit. Provide feedback to tour operators, travel agents and government agencies in Qing Yuan County.
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