4 Can we develop tourism in a sustainable way

The benefits include:

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that aims to develop the tourism of a place in a long-lasting way, benefiting the local economy while avoiding environmental and socio-cultural problems. It is important because it ensures that tourism can thrive without harming the environment or local communities.

The main objectives of ecotourism include:

1. Environmental conservation: Cause little harm to the environment and conserve wildlife.
2. Meeting economic needs: Provide jobs to local people and support economic development in the host area.
3. Meeting socio-cultural needs: Conserve local cultures, promote cultural exchange, involve local people in tourism development, and ensure fair earnings from tourism for locals.

Measures that can help meet the objectives of sustainable tourism include:

• Setting up a museum of art and history
• Inviting local people to be the tour guides

Developing a large-scale resort in a forest and building casinos in a residential area do not align with sustainable tourism objectives.

The government and voluntary groups have established protection areas and laws to safeguard the Geopark. This includes:

1. Setting up protection areas: Large parts of the Geopark are designated as country parks, marine parks, or special areas where all natural features are protected by law.
2. Dividing the Geopark into three types of protection areas:
   • Core protection areas: Contain natural features with high geological values.
   • Special protection areas: Provide additional safeguards for sensitive environments.
   • Integrated protection areas: Combine various conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.

Local people can be involved in tourism development by:

1. Organizing tours in their villages, such as in Lai Chi Wo, where villagers help organize different tours and farmers' markets.
2. Conducting workshops for making traditional snacks.
3. Becoming tour guides for local heritage tours to introduce their lifestyles, as seen in Wan Chai.

Holding small group tours in the Geopark is significant because:

1. It keeps the number of tourists within the carrying capacity of the area.
2. It enhances the enjoyment of the visit for tourists.
3. It helps protect the valuable resources in the area from overuse and damage.

The Geopark and heritage trails enrich people's knowledge and promote cultural exchange through research and education. They offer facilities like visitor centres and activities such as guided tours, workshops, and talks focused on environmental conservation and heritage preservation.

The half-day tour supports sustainable tourism objectives by:

1. Economic: Providing jobs to local people, such as tour guides and restaurant staff.
2. Environmental: Limiting the tour to 20 participants to maintain the carrying capacity of the Geopark and allowing photography only, which minimizes environmental impact.
3. Socio-cultural: Promoting cultural exchange by allowing tourists to learn about Hakka culture and involving local villagers as tour guides.

The Historic Centre of Macau is recognized as a world heritage site due to its unique blend of old Chinese and Portuguese architectural styles. This designation helps attract tourists while preserving important cultural heritage. The Macau SAR government successfully achieved this status in 2005, highlighting the importance of historical buildings in promoting sustainable tourism.

A-Ma Temple is a traditional Chinese temple dedicated to Ma Zu Po, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. It reflects the cultural heritage and religious practices of the local community.

Mandarin's House showcases traditional Chinese architecture with white walls and dark wooden windows, illustrating the historical residential style of the region.

St Joseph's Seminary and Church reflects Portuguese colonial architecture, characterized by its yellow facade, arched windows, and central dome, highlighting the cultural exchange between China and Portugal.

The Leal Senado Building has served as a government building and is a symbol of Macau's colonial past, showcasing its architectural heritage and historical significance.

St Dominic's Square is characterized by its paved surface, surrounding colonial buildings with arched walkways, and serves as a public space for gatherings and events.

St Dominic's Church is notable for its yellow colonial style, arched windows, and baroque facade, representing the blend of cultural influences in Macau's religious architecture.

The Ruins of St Paul's are the remnants of a 17th-century church, symbolizing the spread of Christianity in Macau and showcasing intricate stone carvings that reflect the artistic heritage of the period.

Guia Fortress is significant for its historical role in defense and as a lighthouse, representing the military and navigational history of Macau, along with its architectural simplicity.

The legal measures include:

1. Preventing changes and damage to historical buildings.
2. Limiting development and regulating land use in buffer zones.
3. Limiting the height of buildings around Guia Hill to maintain the original scenery.

Education contributes by:

1. Training young people as 'heritage ambassadors' to provide tour guide services.
2. Offering courses on heritage management in colleges.

The benefits include:

1. Attracting more tourists.
2. Providing more money for heritage preservation.

The Historic Centre of Macau features buildings in both old Chinese and Portuguese styles.

Mae Kampong Village is rich in natural resources such as:

1. Forests
2. Waterfalls
3. Mountains

These resources provide opportunities for ecotourism and cultural experiences.

Mae Kampong Village is considered a successful model of sustainable tourism because it:

• Attracts a significant number of tourists
• Preserves the natural environment
• Maintains the traditional culture of the village
• Promotes ecotourism and cultural tourism without causing harm to the area.

Tourists in Mae Kampong Village can experience:

• The production of fermented tea
• The cultivation of coffee beans
• Local crops and traditional northern Thai lifestyle

• Provide employment to local people, e.g. tour guides and homestay services.
• Provide business opportunities for local people, such as coffee shops. This helps economic development.

Income from the activities (e.g. ziplining) is used to conserve the environment and the biodiversity.

• Staying in a homestay may promote cultural exchange.
• Involve local villagers in planning, organizing activities, and managing resources.
• Part of the income helps develop the infrastructure in the village (e.g. roads) and provide social services to the villagers. This ensures all local people can enjoy the benefits from tourism.