A research to assess community eco-tourism and suggestions of solutions fo sustainable tourism development in Van Don district - Quang Ninh province

TTg dated 07.26.2007 on the approval of the project "Development of socio-economic in Van Don Economic Zone in 2020 and a vision to 2030", which focuses on "Building the general economy

NGO HAI NINH

A RESEARCH TO ASSESS COMMUNITY TOURISM AND SUGGESTIONS OF SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN VAN DON DISTRICT- QUANG NINH PROVINCE

of the Ha Noi University of Social Sciences and Humanities has helped

me during my materials learning and research process

With all my love, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Prof.DSc Truong Quang Hoc who has dedicated great to my study and completion process of my Master thesis I would like to wish him and his family good health and happiness

I would like to send my gratitude to the office staff who are working at the office of Culture and Information Van Don district, the management of Bai Tu Long National Park, the provincial library, Department of Culture – Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh that was so helpful and supportive providing me useful documents for the completion

of my thesis

I would like to thank the College’s board of Ha Long Culture Arts and Tourism, my colleagues, friends and family who have helped, encouraged and motivated me endlessly during the learning, research and completion process of my Master’s thesis

EU: Europe Union

IUCN: International Union Conservation of Nature LC: Local Community

NGOs: Non-government Organizations

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Community structural components…… 11

Figure.1.2 Relationship between tourism resources and Community tourism activities…… 14

Figure 1.3 Model of community-based tourism in Huay Hee hamlet - Thailand 18 Figure 1.4 Model of community-based tourism in Annapurna national conservation area-Nepal 19

Figure 1.5 Model of SD of IUCN, 2004 21

Figure 1.6 The concept of sustainable development [Unesco] 24

Table 2.1 The legend of the brooch forest - Minh Chau commune 29

Table 2.2 International visitors to Van Don (period 2006-2010) 53

Figure 2.2 Number of international visitors compared to the total number of visitors to Van Don period 2006-2010 54

Table 2.3 Domestic visitors to Van Don (period 2006-2010) 56

Table 2.4 Tourism revenue of Van Don district (period 2006-2010) 58

Figure 3.1: Minh Chau Commune map……… 79

Figure 3.2 The model of community ecotourism development in communes: Minh Chau, Van Don and Quang Ninh 82

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 7

1 Aims of the study 1

2 Background 3

3 Object and scope of the study 3

4 Study methodology and methods 3

4.1 Methodology 3

4.2 Methods 4

5 The structure of thesis 5

CHAPTER ONE THEORETICAL BASIS OF COMMUNITY ECOTOURISM TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 6

1.1 Ecotourism 6

1.1.1.Overview of research on ecotourism 6

1.1.1.1 In the world 6

1.1.1.2 In Vietnam 6

1.1.2 The concept of ecotourism 8

1.2 Community-based tourism 9

1.2.1 General theoretical basis for community-based tourism 9

1.2.1.1 The concept of community-based tourism 9

1.2.1.2 The Significance of community tourism development 11

1.2.1.3 Principles of community tourism development 11

1.2.1.4 Conditions for community tourism development 11

1.2.1.5 Characteristics of community tourism 12

1.2.1.6 The purpose of community tourism 13

1.2.1.7 The relationship between tourism activities and local community13 1.2.2 The experience of some countries in community-based ecotourism development 16

1.2.2.1 In Huay Hee hamlet - Thailand 16

1.2.2.2 In Ghandruk village of Annapurna national conservation area – Nepal18 1.3 Sustainable Tourism Development 19

1.3.1 The concept of sustainable development 19

1.3.2 Sustainable tourism development 22

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1.3.3 The goals of sustainable tourism development 25

CHAPTER TWO STATUS AND POTENTIALS OF COMMUNITY ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES IN VAN DON DISTRICT, QUANG NINH PROVINCE 27

2.1 General introduction to Van Don district 27

2.1.1 Geographic site 27

2.1.2 Area 28

2.1.3 Population and population distribution 28

2.2 The potential for community ecotourism in Van Don, Quang Ninh 29

2.2.1 The potential of the topography and geology for tourism 29

2.2.2 Climate potential 30

2.2.3 Hydrographical, maritime potential for tourism 30

2.2.4 Biodiversity potential for tourism 31

2.2.4.1 Ecosystems 31

2.2.4.2 Diversity of species and genetic resources 35

2.2.5 Some of the typical tourism destinations 36

2.2.6 Humanity tourism resources 40

2.2.6.1 Historical, cultural relics 41

2.2.6.2 The typical traditional festivals in Van Don 46

2.3 Current status of community ecotourism in Van Don 46

2.3.1 The main destinations 46

2.3.2 The facilities for tourism 47

2.3.2.1 Staying service 47

2.3.2.2 Restaurant 48

2.3.2.3 Transport services 48

2.3.2.4 Additional services 49

2.3.3 International visitors 49

2.3.4 Domestic visitors 51

2.3.5 Revenue on tourism 53

2.3.6 The participation of the people, participants and forms of participation in tourism activities 54

2.3.7 The impact of tourism on local communities 58

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2.3.7.1 The positive impacts 58

2.3.7.2 The negative impacts 60

2.3.8 Some comments on the type of community ecotourism 61

2.3.8.1 Limitations in the development of community tourism in Van Don 61

2.3.8.2 Limitations in sharing of benefits between tourism development units with local community 62

CHAPTER 3 SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN VAN DON DISTRICT, QUANG NINH PROVINCE 64

3.1 The premises for tourism development orientation in Van Don 64

3.2 Recommendations 65

3.2.1 Orientation of tourism development in Van Don 65

3.2.2 Improvement of tourism legislation and policy system 66

3.2.3 Training of local tourism human resources 67

3.2.4 Attraction of local community participation 68

3.2.5 Improvement of environmental quality for tourism 69

3.2.6 Enhancement of promotion, advertising of tourism product forms 70

3.2.7 Mainstreaming environmental and climate change issues into local tourism developmental strategies, plannings, plans and programs 72

3.2.8 Proposal of sustainable community ecotourism development model in Minh Chau commune, Van Don and Quang Ninh 72

CONCLUSIONS 78

REFERENCES 80

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INTRODUCTION

1 Aims of the study

*Rationale of the study

Tourism is nowadays becoming a indispensable need in the socio-economy all around the world Tourism activities is rapidly developing and becoming an important economic sector of many countries

Tourism is called a “non-smoke industry” due to the huge income from its activities In the eco-friendly orientation, sustainable development and response

to global climate change of the economic sectors, the tourism industry has emerged some tourism forms associated with environmental protection, such as eco-tourism, country tourism, community tourism

As a result, the study of the development of this tourism type is essential Located about 40 kilometers from Ha Long city (Quang Ninh province), Van Don is known as one of the attractive landscape for eco-tourism of Quang Ninh

In the overall plan for tourism development of Quang Ninh, period 2000-2010, Van Don was identified as one of four key areas to develop tourism

In particular, the Prime Minister has delivered the Decision No TTg dated 07.26.2007 on the approval of the project "Development of socio-economic in Van Don Economic Zone in 2020 and a vision to 2030", which focuses on "Building the general economy of the island district of Van Don to

786/QD-be a high-quality resort island."

With the natural tourism resources and rich human history along with a long history of tradition, Van Don Island district has great potentials to develop tourism, especially community ecotourism In fact, the inner strength of Van Don has not been effectively made advantage; people of the island have a low living standard

Though the living standard of many communes is being improved and income from tourism development is increased, the risk of poverty again hasn’t disappeared due to the unsustainable tourism investment and development It can be said that natural conditions, the issue of human resources and

From the above fact, the author courageously chosen the study: "A research

to assess community eco-tourism and suggestions of solutions for sustainable tourism development in Van Don District, Quang Ninh province" as my master's degree graduation study, major Vietnam, in the hope of contribution to the sustainable tourism development particularly in Van Don district and generally Quang Ninh province

*Scientific significance of the study

The results of the study contributes to further clarify the concepts of ecotourism, community tourism, sustainable tourism development - a development has multiple meanings and prospects in Vietnam nowadays

*Practical significance of the study

- Communities eco-tourism model towards sustainable development proposed in the thesis can be applied to improve the quality and effectiveness of current tourism activities in Van Don and to do further research and build a model community ecotourism towards sustainable development in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province

to tourism development in Van Don, but they only focus on the potentials and policies to develop the planned functional tourism areas The study on community eco-tourism associated with objective of sustainable development is

a branch new research which has never done before yet

3.Object and scope of the study

- Object of the study

+ Ecotourism potentials in Van Don District

+ Community ecotourism activities being done in Van Don District towards

a sustainable development

+ Local people who are living in the areas belong to the planned ecotourism

in Van Don District

- Scope of the study

+ Place: Inner town of Cai Rong, areas along coast in Ha Long District, islands of Minh Chau, Quan Lan, Ba Mun, Ngoc Vung in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province

+ Time: The research is done in 3 years, from 2009 to 2011

4 Study methodology and methods

4.1 Methodology

Tourism in general as well as community ecotourism in particular is an interdisciplinary problem, involving many areas of natural resource extraction, human activities and socio-economic, educational, business, share public interest to institutional policies, security Therefore, the methodology is system and interdisciplinary, approaching from the top down and bottom up

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4.2 Methods

Thesis has used the following research methods:

- Methods of collection and analysis of documents and data: The author has conducted collecting published documents, data, work and; studies, magazines, books, internet; documents delivered by travel agents; reports of People's Committee of Van Don district over the years, updated data on tourism activities by the Culture and Information Office of Van Don district, Bai Tu Long National Park

- On - Field Survey Methods: This method is used to investigate the synthesis of natural conditions, economic and social subjects to supplement, modify and update the latest information Also, the direct surveys locally helps author the thoroughly evaluate of the current eco-tourism activities in the local community, which will be a factual basis to help the author propose some solutions for tourism development in line with local condition Surveys on the studied area were divided into three phases: Phase 1 (from late December to early January 2010), Phase 2 (from June 24 to June 30, 2011); Stage 3 (end of September 2011)

- Methods of Sociological Investigation: The author interviewed experts, got ideas from some experts in tourism activities in the district of Van Don to serve as basis for the comments, remarks of the thesis; In addition, interviewing and questionnaire survey conducted with 100 questionnaire papers delivered to the local people involved in tourism activities in Van Don (Minh Chau commune, Quan Lan commune ) 100 questionnaire papers were given to visitors to Van Don Moreover, the author also carried out some live interviews with the waiters, waitresses, receptionists and other staff at hotels and resorts in Van Don Summing up the results of interviews and questionnaires, the author will have a basis for proposals contributed to the complete the sustainable community eco-tourism development in Van Don

- Expert Method : Get consultation of local and national managers and

professors in tourism

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5 The structure of thesis

Apart from the introduction, conclusion, list of abbreviations, list of tables, list of references and appendices, the main contents of the thesis consists of three chapters:

Chapter 1: Theoretical basis of community eco-tourism towards

sustainable development

Chapter 2: Status and potentials of community ecotourism activities in

Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province

Chapter 3: Suggested solutions for sustainable community ecotourism

development in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province

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CHAPTER ONE THEORETICAL BASIS OF COMMUNITY ECOTOURISM TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 1.1 Ecotourism

1.1.1 The status of research on ecotourism

1.1.1.1 In the world

In the developed countries, the type of ecotourism is well developed, typically as European Community (EU), United States, Canada, Australia Ecotourism has been developed in the developing countries: Nepal, Kenya, Thailand, Malaysia, some regions in China and Central America They have successfully built the ecotourism models, such as Ecomost of the EU (European Community Models of Sustainable Tourism), ecotourism villages of Austria, Huangshan model in China, community-based ecotourism model in Nepal The year of 2002 was selected by the UN General Assembly as the “International Year of Ecotourism" The UN calls for stepping up research and application of ecotourism and extensive dissemination on ecotourism, organization of conferences, workshops, ecotourism program in the countries, areas, preparing the best, most effectively for the International Conference on Ecotourism held in

2002 This policy has prompted many countries interested in developing ecotourism more seriously, especially in developing countries, where they want

to rely on ecotourism to improve their underdeveloped economy Responding to the call by the United Nations, many countries such as Mexico, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia have developed national ecotourism strategies and plans

1.1.1.2 In Vietnam

In the 70s of the 20th century, mass tourism and irrespective tourism still focused mainly to large mammals, this attention has been destroying habitat and causing trouble to living behavior of wild animals, destruction of the nature and the environment However, the visitors gradually began to realize the ecological damage caused by them and more, local people were also interested in natural and environmental values, the thematic tourism tours, such as bird hunting,

Ma There have been many agencies and individuals with emphasis on research and application of ecotourism in Vietnam Typically, in 2004, FPD, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam in cooperation with the Organization for Sustainable Development Fundeso and Spainish

International Cooperation Organization published the book: "Handbook for Managing development of ecotourism in conservation areas in Vietnam " In

this official document, the problems on ecotourism location planning, architecture regulations structure of ecotourism location, human resource training, and tourism marketing are presented in a clear and methodical manner

However, in reality ecotourism activities have abused and caused many pressing problems for the ecological environment:

- The exploration and conversion of using natural land to build hotels, motels, infrastructure for tourism have lost the residence of many species of wild animals and plants that caused the degradation of biodiversity and ecological balance;

- Solid waste and wastewater from tourist places, tourist area has polluted soil and water resources in watersheds;

- The leveling, destruction of mangroves for the construction of tourism projects in coastal areas have destroyed the living environment of many species living in flooding conditions;

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- A number of tourists participating in ecotourism have brought about negative impacts on forest resources, such as: littering indiscriminately, carving and breaking trees, teasing animals, lighting fires indiscriminately caused forest fires, hunting wild animals;

- The increase in air pollution due to tourist transportation will affect the atmosphere, animal life and even that is the cause of the migration of many animals which are sensitive with the changes in the atmosphere [2; page.100-101]

Thus, living environment of plants and animals, air quality, water quality and soil environment had unbeneficial changes with the life of plants and animals and humans because of tourist activities Therefore, the development of ecotourism forms requires the strict management and diminution of the negative impacts of tourism on the ecological environment to ensure sustainable development objectives

1.1.2 The concept of ecotourism

- In Vietnam, the national workshop on "Building a strategic of tourism development in Vietnam" gave the definition of ecotourism: "Ecotourism is a tourist form based on native nature and culture, associated with environmental education, has contribution to conservation efforts and sustainable development, with the active participation of local communities "[2, page 22]

- Characteristics of the ecotourism:

Ecotourism is a tourist form that is developed based on the value of native nature and culture, is managed sustainably about ecological environment, with education and interpretation of the environment and contribute to conservation efforts and community development [14, page 7-11]

- Conditions for developing ecotourism:

Ecotourism is developed only in the condition of destination having the existence of typical ecosystems with high biodiversity, and the team of tour guides must have knowledge, managers must be strict and ecotourism only be held with strict compliance with the provisions of the capacity [14, page.21-23]

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1.2 Community-based tourism

1.2.1 General theoretical basis for community-based tourism

1.2.1.1 The concept of community-based tourism

Term community-based tourism (also called community tourism) is derived from the form of village travel from 1970 and tourists visit villages to understand the customs, traditions, wildlife, festivals, and some tourists may want to explore ecosystems, mountains and forests -often referred to as ecotourism

Currently there are many different names related to tourism development with more or less the participation of community in tourism development: Community-Based Tourism; Community-Development in Tourism; Community-Based Ecotourism; Community-Participation in Tourism; Community - Based Mountain Tourism…

Despite the different names but there are some the same basic problems or similar in methods of organization, location, target, location for the development of tourism and community Some of the same basic points of the concepts mentioned above:

- The form of tourism is generated by tourists visiting regions with many natural resources

- Location to develop community-based tourism is regions with rich natural resources and culture to attract tourists

- Community issue is mentioned as classes of the inhabitants living in the region or adjacent regions with natural resources, such as National Conservation Area or mountain regions where there are great potential to attract tourists

"Community Tourism" also known as "community-based tourism" is known as a principle that local community is exploiters and protectors of tourist resources, as well as legal persons for management of these resources There are many points of view on community tourism: " Community-based tourism is a tourism development method in which the community provide services to develop tourism and participate in conservation of natural resources and

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environment, and the community takes physical and mental benefits from the development of tourism and natural conservation "[24, page 51]

- Mountain Institute introduced the concept of community tourism:

“Community tourism is to preserve tourism resources in tourism destinations for long-term sustainable development of tourism Community tourism encourages involvement of local people in tourism and has a mechanism to create opportunities for the community "

- Community tourism emphasis on three factors, nature, environment and human Community tourism directions to human and doesn’t deny the importance of nature and environment factors This basic principle above shows that the local people are participators, owners and managers in community tourism activities, and they are interested in conservation and protection of natural resources and environment which connects closely to the existence of themselves, their family and the community

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Figure 1.1 Components of the community

1.2.1.2 The Significance of community tourism development

For tourism, community tourism form contributes to diversify tourism products, attract tourists and protect tourism resources

For the community, community tourism has equitable distribution of benefits from tourism activities for the participants, including local community Community tourism brings economic benefits to the community members participating directly to provide services to tourists, and the whole community will benefit from the contribution of tourism activities on the local environment, society economy and culture [24, p.54-56]

1.2.1.3 Principles of community tourism development

Development of community tourism should comply with the following principles:

- Community may participate in discussion of plans, planning, implementation and management, investment to develop tourism;

- Compliance with the ability of the community, including the ability to recognize the role and position in the use of resources, recognize the great potential of tourism in community development as well as know the real disadvantages from tourism activities and tourists to community resources;

- Sharing benefits from tourism to the community, community tourism must ensure benefits to local community in all fields of environment, economy society and culture, particularly: reinvesting into community to build systems of roads, bridges, electricity and health care, education

- Establishing ownership and participation of community to natural resources and culture towards sustainable development [24, p.58]

1.2.1.4 Conditions for community tourism development

Community tourism is only developed in a condition that the destination has rich and pristine natural tourism resources and unique human and distinctive

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tourism resources At the same time, community tourism must possess strong traditional cultural values reflecting the ethnic characteristics, and especially they must have right responsibility recognition on tourism development and resource conservation Domestic and international tourist market is also an important condition In addition, to develop community tourism the support of governments, NGOs in term of finance and experience, the support of the travel companies in the advocacy and advertising issue to attract tourists is very important [24, page.56]

1.2.1.5 Characteristics of community tourism

Community tourism has the following characteristics:

- Community tourism is a form in the tourism business in which the community is the main provider of tourism products to tourist; they play the leading role in the development and maintenance of services;

- Zones, locations for community-based tourism development are areas with intact wild natural resources affected by damage, should be conserved;

- Development of community-based tourism in points having attraction of tourists to visit;

- Community must include local people living, working in or adjacent to the natural resources, humanity locations Community includes residents who have direct responsibility for participation in the protection of tourism resources and the environment to limit, minimize impacts by tourists and operators in their own community;

- Basing on community including factors empowering the community, the community is encouraged to participate and undertake tourism activities and conservation of environmental resources;

- Development of community tourism means to ensure fairness in sharing tourism revenue for community among the parties;

- Due to resources and community conditions, it should consider these factors helping, creating conditions of stakeholders including role of

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government institutions, NGOs at home and abroad, not to change the community

1.2.1.6 The purpose of community tourism

Community tourism purpose is to exploit rationally, save natural resources, conserve cultural heritage, enhance community life, reduce poverty, generate income for people, bring in growing revenue for the tourism In addition, community tourism also encourages the participation of local community with volunteer helping them be more active, respected and responsible for tourism resources – community tourism development is to return to local community real ownership on values of natural resources, humanities where they live and teach them to organize tourism activities, which bring direct benefit for people's life Some of the purposes and objectives of community tourism has been regarded as the guideline for this type of tourism development, including:

- Community tourism must help protect natural resources and culture, including the biological diversity, water resources, forests, cultural identity

- Community tourism must contribute to the development of local economy through increasing tourism revenues and other benefits for local community;

- Community tourism must be increasingly involved by the local community;

- Community tourism must give tourists a tourism product responsible for the environment and society

1.2.1.7 The relationship between tourism activities and local community

by tourist to serve for tourism business purposes These resources include land, forest product, seafood used to be the lifeline of the local community are now being shared for many purposes Environment and tourism activities have close relationships, and are closely connected with each other Environment including resources which is the lifeline of local community has been shared with tourist That is, the destination is formed gradually in the locations having tourism

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potential in an economic - cultural - ecological space It appeared earlier and coexists with tourism activities and daily production of local residents One of the basic characteristics of the territory is tourism mixing Most of the tourism location: trade village tourism, ecotourism, and country tourism are all, at the same time, the residential areas, or near residential areas with vibrant and strong economic activity Mixing characteristics make tourism space and socio-economic space of local community succinctly indistinguishable, the interaction between environment and tourism is also difficult to clarify Mixing characteristics make environmental management, socio-economic management

at tourism location complex and inefficient Therefore, the development of tourism activities must ensure the uniformity, consistency with the strategy of socio-economic development of each locality Tourism activities are not integral

to the interaction with socio-economic activities of the local community It needs to attract the local community to tourism activities aimed at improving the quality of tourism products, while creating economic incentives for poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life of the local community Tourism, like many other economic sectors, always aims to sustainable economic - social

- environmental development, tourism development should ensure to:

- Use economically and efficiently natural resources;

- Protect culture and welfare of local community;

- Create fairness within and between generations

Thus, one of objects that community tourism is directed is the local community because they are the owners of tourist resources where they are living and improving quality of life of local community is a very important goal

* The role of local community in tourism activities

Before the tourist activities, local community had lived and sticked to familiar ground, they are all they are the owners, tied their lives to the land At the same time they create the unique indigenous culture, which has created the attraction for tourists Following the each other, the generations seek to preserve and develop the natural and cultural values of the place of tourist activities

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When tourism activity takes place, local community must share their resources with tourists, for those who do professional tourism, inherently a source of their life before Local community is the owner of the land where they are living and doing tourism It needs to give them a position as real masters, not only guides, souvenir sellers, passenger transporters but they will have the role of tourism resources manager, taking place in the process of tourism planning in the area where they are living Inadequate participation of local community will be the disadvantage for tourism activities The relationship between local community and tourism doer includes not only unique member, but has many stakeholders: between the local people and managers, between people and tourists So, it should regulate the relationship of interest between the parties In community tourism activities, promoting the participation of local community is a complex and very important issue if you want to organize successful a trip Although there are many options and solutions varying from different regions and different communities, but an important rule is to work with social organizations and communities and any opinion of local community to be respected, considered and satisfactorily resolved

1.2.2 The experience of some countries in community-based ecotourism development

1.2.2.1 In Huay Hee hamlet - Thailand

Huay Hee hamlet is located in the campus of Ma Hong Shan National Park

in Thailand Local people are from various ethnic minority groups, mostly Karen In the Huay Hee, there are 127 people living on the campus of 27 households Karen people live by farming and exploitation of forest products, income of the community bases on natural resources which are increasingly depleted However, due to the abundance of natural resources, they still attract tourists; the number of tourists increases and breaks away the tranquility of forests, introduction of tourists has affected the lifestyle the natives For resource management, the Thai government has established the Management Board of Ma Hong Son National Park After going into regular operation,

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conflict between local community and the Management Board, especially after the Management Board intends to move the entire Huay Hee hamlet out of the park To limit the negative in the community, the National Park Management Board in collaboration with several non-governmental organizations builds community-based tourism model in Huay Hee

Figure 1.3 Model of community-based tourism development in Huay

Hee hamlet - Thailand [24, p.92]

From the fact of community tourism development of above, it can draw lessons for development of community-based tourism in Huay Hee - Thailand: + Most importantly, since the implementation, the project has the support

of non-governmental organizations on finance and organization experience focusing on training and guidance to the community

+ The professional training on tourism and conservation through training courses, specialized reports and academic institutions organization in the community should be focused

+ Keeping the status on the land of the community, protecting and respecting the traditions and customs in the process of implementing projects from consulting, discussing, planning and implementing

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+ Having commitment to ensure community interests and sharing the

benefits from tourism to ensure public confidence

+ Increasing power to the community in the process of implementing the

plan

+ Participation of agencies [24, page 93]

1.2.2.2 In Ghandruk village of Annapurna national conservation area –

Nepal

Ghandruk village is located in Annapurna conservation area, Nepal The

population varies from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, main source

of income are mainly from agriculture, livestock farming and exploiting

resources available in the area They make houses with wood in the forest,

logging for fuel In 1986, with the support of nature conservation project in the

Annapurna region, the region developed community-based ecotourism activities

[24, p.83]

Figure 1.4 Model of community-based tourism development in

Annapurna national conservation area-Nepal [24, p.84]

From the analysis as above, we can draw some lessons for the development

of community-based tourism in Annapurna national conservation area-Nepal

+ The support of local government is important, in addition, the support of

non-governmental organizations on finance and organization experience

Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.35", Tab

stops: 0.5", Left + 0.75", Left

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focusing on training, guiding for the community right from the implementation

of issues of the project is undeniable

+ Tourism profess has a decisive meaning, focusing on training and conservation through training courses, specialized reports and academic institutions in the community

+ In the process of organization, should respect the cultural values of indigenous knowledge of communities throughout the project from the consult, discuss, planning and implementation

+ Having commitment to ensure community interests and sharing the benefits from tourism

+ Increasing power to the community in the process of implementing the plan [24, p.84]

1.3 Sustainable Tourism Development

1.3.1 The concept of sustainable development

The theory on sustainable development occurred between the 80s and was officially launched at the Conference of the World Commission on Environment Development (WCED) famous for the name of Brundtlant Commission, in

1987

In Brundtlant definition: "Sustainable development means economic development activity to meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations" [14, p.12] But the main content mentioned in this definition hinges on economic development

Another definition of sustainable development is referred by the world's scientists in a more general way: "Sustainable development means the development activities of human beings to develop and maintain the community's responsibility for history and improve life on earth."

Although there is much controversy surrounding the concept of sustainable development in different angles However, to ensure sustainable development activities, it is necessary to consider, in a synchronous manner, the cultural,

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social, natural and economic aspects In view of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched in 1980, "Sustainable development must consider the current state of exploitation of renewable and non-renewable resources, advantages and disadvantages and difficulties in organizing action plans in short and long term interwoven each other "[14, p.12] This confirms that the goal of socio-economic development of most countries in the world must be determined in sustainable relation In particular, it stresses the need for environmental protection to achieve sustainable development

Figure 1.5 Model of SD of IUCN, 2004

At RIO Conference on Global Environment - RIO 92 and - 92 +5, the concept of sustainable development was supplemented by the scientists,

according to which: "Sustainable development is formed in the integration, introduction and compromise of three interactive systems as natural system, economic system and socio-cultural system "[14, p.12]

Although, today, the term of sustainable development is widely used not only in the international scope, it is increasingly being used more widely in the national and local level, but there are many people who neither misunderstand this concept nor are not assured of it (Tryzra, 1995) because they do not have a full perspective on this issue Here, sustainability is not an exact target but a standard for a view of action, which is "an ongoing process, taken over and, again, through that experience in the management of complex systems are closely calculated, evaluated and applied "

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According to Stephen Viederman "Sustainability is not a technical issue to

be solved but a vision for the future, ensuring that we have a roadmap and help focus attention on a set of values and theoretical principles of ethics to guide our actions

First, sustainable development is an economic progress in all aspects of the economy reflected in the stable economic growth and changes in the nature of the economy, associated with the process of increasing labor productivity, process of economic restructuring and social environmental protection towards progress The goal of sustainable development is to achieve economic growth with stability logical structure, meet the requirements of improving people's lives, prevent deterioration or stagnation in the future, and avoid the heavier burden of debt for future generations

Achieving a sustainable economy, a prerequisite is to have:

- High and stable economic growth;

- Economic growth must be based on restructuring the economy towards progress;

- Economic growth must be essentially based on internal capacity and must increase the internal capacity

Second, socially sustainable development is a process of development to achieve higher and higher results in the implementation progress and social justice, ensuring nutrition and health care for people, everyone has opportunities

in education, employment, reduce poverty, raise the level of civilization of the material and spiritual life for all members of society For socially sustainable development of society, should note the following issues:

- Economic growth must go hand in hand with creating jobs for laborers;

- Economic growth must go hand in hand with poverty reduction;

- Economic growth must ensure social stability and improve people's quality of life

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Third, environmentally sustainable development is exploiting reasonably and saving and using natural resources effectively, preventing, treating and controlling environmental pollution effectively

Fourth, the ethical aspect in sustainable development: In sustainable development we also mention the ethical aspect of the problem That everyone has the same rights, such as the right to life, freedom, right to take the benefit of natural resources and environment of the earth Generations have the same rights to satisfy their development needs The species that make up the biosphere in the unified block of the Earth's natural systems must be protected for the right to exist even if it means how to human Everyone has equal rights and obligations in the protection of environmental resources and the Earth, as well as the protection of human beyond geographical, social, ideological and cultural boundaries

Figure 1.6 The concept of sustainable development [UNESCO]

1.3.2 Sustainable tourism development

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Since the early 90s, scientists around the world have referred to tourism development for the pure economic purpose causing threat to ecological environment and local culture The consequences of this impact will affect to the long-term development of the tourism industry Therefore, the requirement

of study on "Sustainable Tourism Development" is appeared to limit the negative impacts of tourism activities to ensure the long-term development Some forms of tourism initially interested in environmental aspects have begun

to appear, such as: ecotourism, community-based tourism, exploration tourism, adventure tourism that has helped raise image of a direction of tourism development with responsibility, ensuring sustainable development.Currently,

in the process of knowledge unity, the concept of sustainable tourism development still has much differences, especially the point of view as perspective of sustainable tourism development should ensure the principles of resource, environmental and cultural conservation with the view that the leading principle of sustainable tourism development is economic growth brought by tourism Economic perspective that the main interest for the development of tourism profits; "Sustainable tourism is the tourism activities in which there is sustained growth in a determined time period" However, this concept is subject

to much criticism scientists, especially researchers on environmental resources

As defined by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) launched at the conference on environment and development of the United Nations in Rio de Janeiro in 1992: "Sustainable tourism is the development of tourism activities to meet the current needs of tourists on the locals while to be still interested in the preservation and restoration of resources for the development of tourism activities in the future Sustainable tourism will have management plans for resources to meet the needs of economic, social, human aesthetic while still maintaining the integrity of cultural and biological diversity, the development of ecosystems and the support systems for human life "[14, p.14].Thus, sustainable tourism development is a subsidiary of sustainable development identified by Brundtlant Commission in 1987 Sustainable tourism development activity is to

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develop a particular area so that the content and the form and the scale are appropriate and sustainable over time, not to degrade the environment, affecting capacity to support other development activities In contrast, the sustainability

of tourism activity is built on the foundation of success in the development of other sectors, the sustainable development of the region

Sustainable tourism is facing a challenge as the need to develop the tourism product quality, high ability to attract but not detrimental to the natural environment and local culture, conservation and responsible development In this regard, Agenda 21 for tourism and travel industry towards environmentally sustainable development of the WTO and the World Council has identified:

"The sustainable tourism products are products built in accordance with environment, community and culture, which will certainly benefit rather than threats to tourism development" The focus of sustainable tourism development

is to struggle for balance between socio-economic objectives and conservation

of resources, environment and community culture as to increase tourist’s satisfaction of increasingly high and diversified demand This balance may change over time, when there is a change in the social rules, the conditions to ensure the ecological environment and development of science and technology Although the approach ensuring sustainable tourism development must be based

on the balance of environmental resources with a unified planning

Sustainable tourism in Vietnam is still a new concept But, through the lessons and experience of tourism development in many countries in the region and the world, awareness of a tourism development method with responsible for the environment, effective to teach, educate, raise awareness to the community have appeared in Vietnam in the form of various types of sightseeing, learning, studying tours with the name "Community Ecotourism" " Ecotourism"; Aware of the role of ecotourism as an approach to sustainable tourism development, National Workshop on" Building a Strategy for Development Vietnam Ecotourism " held by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in coordination with IUCN in September 1999 The results of this workshop was

"Sustainable tourism development is a exploitation activity manage the natural values and the humanities to meet the diverse needs of tourists, interested in long-term economic benefits while ensuring the contribution to conservation and restoration of natural resources, maintaining the integrity

of culture to develop tourism activities in the future; for the protection of the environment and contributing to raising living standards of local communities

"[14.p.14]

1.3.3 The goals of sustainable tourism development

Sustainable tourism is developed with five objectives:

- Developing, increasing the contribution of tourism to the economy and the environment;

- Improving social equity in development;

- Improving quality of life of indigenous communities;

- Meeting high demand of tourists;

- Maintaining the quality of the environment [9, p.63-64]

Sub-conclusion of Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of the study has solved three problems: Theoretical basis; factual basis of the type of community ecotourism and sustainable development

in general and sustainable tourism development in particular

In the theoretical basis, the author has emphasized the concept of ecotourism, community tourism and sustainable tourism development as a theoretical foundation for the study The author has also pointed out the

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meaning, principles and conditions for the community-based tourism development, besides; the author has also referred to the characteristics, purpose and relationships between local community and tourism work In practical basis, the author has made the development model and the lessons learned with two examples in Thailand and Nepal, two countries well known to operate community-based ecotourism That is the basis of the premise for the analysis of potential and actual situation of community ecotourism development in Van Don district towards sustainable development which will be presented in Chapter 2 Based on a diagram of the development model of the two countries

on which the author can build community ecotourism development model towards sustainable development for the study subjects in Chapter 3

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CHAPTER TWO STATUS AND POTENTIALS OF COMMUNITY ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES IN VAN DON DISTRICT, QUANG NINH

PROVINCE 2.1 General introduction to Van Don district

2.1.1 Geographic site

Figure 2.1 Location of Van Don district, Quang Ninh province

Located in the northernmost area of Vietnam and Mong Cai international border gate in the southwest border of China about 120 km, Van Don is a mountainous island district located in the southeastern of Quang Ninh province, with coordinates from 20o40' to 21o12' north latitude and from 107o19' to

107o42' east longitude Van Don district is located closest to China and, thus, benefits the most from the economic development of China in the field of tourism, trade and investment Van Don island district has a hilly terrain located

in the Northeast of Vietnam and Southeast regions of Quang Ninh at the intersection of Ha Long, Hai Ha - Mong Cai and Van Don Geographical location of Van Don district is specified: Bordering to the north and northeastern with Tien Yen and Dam Ha district, bordering to the East with Co

To district and Bai Tu Long Bay, bordering to the west with Cam Pha township, bordering to the south of Tonkin Gulf

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2.1.2 Area

Van Don district has a total area of 2,171.33 km2, of which the natural land area of 551.33 km2, 1620 km2 of the open sea Island District includes 11 communes and one town of Cai Rong The district has a total of 600 islands in Bai Tu Long Bay, which has more than 20 resided islands The largest island is Cai Bau with width of 17,212 ha, including Cai Rong town as the economic, political and social center of the district and 6 communes: Dong Xa, Ha Long, Van Yen, Doan Ket, Binh Dan, and Dai Xuyen Van Hai Islands have five communes of Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Thang Loi and Ban Sen The islands have mountainous terrain Mountains usually have height of 200 - 300

m, the famous mountains include Nang Tien in Tra Ban Island (Ban Sen) 450m high Van Hoa Cai in Cai Bau island 397m high

2.1.3 Population and population distribution

Due to the fragmented nature, generally speaking, the population distribution is scattered, fragmented with natural feature separated by the sea

As of 31/12/2009, Van Don district had a population of 41,081 people, 9,130 households, with nine ethnic groups: Kinh, Tay, Nung, Dao, Muong, San Diu, Cao Lan, Hoa, and Than Sin coexisting in harmony, in which, the Kinh accounts for 88.6%, other ethnic groups account for 11.4% The population distribution is not uniform across 20 islands, in 80 communes and villages, the most densely in Cai Bau island and Quan Lan Island Population density: 75.4 people per km2, which is lower than the average of Quang Ninh province (181 people per km2) Population is concentrated on a number of communes (most populous as Dong Xa, over 9,000 people), the rest is scattered over the island communes, Minh Chau commune had the least population of 900 people (2009 figures) In the period 2001 - 2006 the average number of household is 4.7 persons / household, average number of employees of 2.14 laborers / household, while the average of Quang Ninh province is 4.78 persons / household, 2.24 laborers / household Distribution characteristics of this population influences

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economic, social and economic development and organization of space in the district, very difficult to mobilize resources and access to community welfare

2.2 The potential for community ecotourism in Van Don, Quang Ninh

2.2.1 The potential of the topography and geology for tourism

Karst limestone topography interspersed with soil islands is the outstanding universal value of the topography, geology in Van Don - Bai Tu Long zone, conical Karst towers are common in Bai Tu Long bay, developing limestone island landscape, and it is a region having international significance

on Karst landscape, as the basis of geomorphological science Marine erosion of limestone islands is the features, over the period of erosion; many islands have been forming the narrow spikes There is the cave formation process lasted from the start with the existence of an aggressive basis to this day There are three types of caves in the region as:

+ The ancient underground cave

+ The ancient Karst caves

+ The palate sea cave

The topography of Van Don is very diverse with mountains, sea, stone island, soil islands with pools, tidal and mangrove coastal flats The types of terrain have created for natural ecological landscapes of Van Don particularly attractive characteristics The system of islands in Van Don is most in the tropical northern coastal geology, tectonic structure is oriented northeast - southwest, parallel to the coast of the mainland The hilly islands are low, or mountains with height ranging from 100m to 300m (compared to sea level), 307m peak is on Ba Mun island, 282m on big Tra Ngo island, 320m on small Tra Ngo island, 232m on Sau Nam island, 202m on Ngoc Vung island Eastern flank of Ba Mun Island and Sau Nam island has steep cliff forms with vertical edge close to the sea The islands, mountains are covered with sequence layers

of ecosystem of diverse green forest Magic cave system is located in the mountains surrounded by the sea This is a potential tourism product for Van Don to exploit and develop the ecotourism, adventure tourism Along the foot of

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the island, there are many pools, intertidal mud, or sand, rocks, some rocks are just muddy, sandy, rocky with beautiful scenery, convenient for vessels with area of hundreds of hectares, such as Cat Quyt pool, O Lon pool (Ba Mun Island), hundreds kilometers of long sand peninsula of Minh Chau – Cua Doi - Hon Trui on Quan Lan Island These are wild beaches with white sand, light and soft ocean waves, blue sea that are very attractive Seabed topography is complex with many deep inlets and reefs due to ground corrosion, abrasion and accumulation Two main creek systems have directions of northwest - southeast and northeast - southwest The two creek systems can reach depths of 5 - 30m This is where the growth of coral reefs, and also creates channels and ports on the coast of wind meander, the potential of ecotourism activities The topography of Van Don is very diverse including sea, mountains and forest in Van Don creating vivid ecological pictures Therefore, Van Don is a destination

of tourists preferred to many forms of adventure, ecology and culture

2.2.2 Climate potential

The climate of Van Don has features of a tropical climate with two seasons: summer and winter, the average annual temperature is between 22 – 24oC Van Don is located the monsoon region from March to August, Southeast winds blowing in from the sea to make it cool, the winter is directly affected by the cold and dry northeast monsoon (NPc) Van Don has many sub-climate regions, high radiation, more fog, rain and wind storms Average annual rainfall is 2,000 mm, the rainy season is from May to October (in rainy season, it reaches 2,225 mm) Annual average humidity is 84%, 70%in the dry season and lower The dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorm, high winds do not occur as much as the lowland and midland This climate condition is very favorable for development of tourism such as resorts, beach, and ecological cultural and adventure tourism

2.2.3 Hydrographical, maritime potential for tourism

Regarding flow: because the river systems are not big, in addition the coastline is sinuous and separated by mountains, so the influence of water

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current from rivers to the sea is great The flow here is mainly dominated tidal current, middle flow is usually narrow, with greater speed The largest river in the district is Voi Lon (19km long), because the river system is not big, so it normally lacks of water in the dry season, particularly affecting the daily life of people, especially communes in island Regarding hydration: the temperature of sea water is changed according to seasons, the highest is in the summer, and salinity of sea water is also changed according to seasons In winter water temperature is about 180C, the lowest temperature is in January; in summer water temperature is around 280C, the average annual water temperature fluctuates between 22 – 240C Such the average water temperature is very suitable for swimming Due to dense mountain and island system, wave mode has the differences between barrier islands and inner islands The area of the barrier islands has high waves; the area of the inner islands seldom has storms and tsunamis because the topography defends Waves is not high, fairly quiet so suitable for swimming, playing water sports of tourists

2.2.4 Biodiversity potential for tourism

Biodiversity is a concept that shows the diversity and abundance of gene sources, species of animals in ecosystem and nature [2, p.75] Van Don has the advantage of environment assessed about biological value similar to Ha Long Bay Surrounding the islands of the district is a large fishery in the northern Gulf coast with beaches and coastal and mangrove areas making plentiful fishery and marine resources

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Including faunas and floras formed and developed on limestone mountain Ecosystem includes many drought resistant plants with advantages floras belonging Mulberry group, the booming population of drought-tolerant instance rocky, mountain minnow species likely distributions under conditions

of extreme ecological even on steep cliffs The featured plants are: Trai, limestone ferm-palm, yellow shoe-shaped orchid, pedocarpus fleurgi, iron wood, rocky Gecko; and animal species such as golden monkeys, chamois, gecko, white belly muntjac, This ecosystem also features many landscapes and abundant natural attractions created by karst cave system and very diverse shapes of the limestone on the sea

b Ecosystem of broad-leaved forests on tropical mountain

This is the ecosystem accounting for much of the islands with their flora

of chestnut oak, Camphor, vang, three pieces of shell, myrtle, and other rare species of high economic value such as green iron wood, land mountain pedocarpus fleurgi, teakwood, especially on mountainous islands by land vegetation development and island terrain to create optimal conditions for the populations of small mammals and hoofed animal development Therefore, the ecosystem has a population of animals with very high density, such as pigs, muntjac, porcupine; of rare species including pangolin, Golden Monkey, Gecko, Leopard python, fire panther, snake, Cobra, Mountain Gold Turtle, three-bar box turtles, trionuchid turtle In particular, where there exists a unique population gold deer in northeastern Vietnam

c Ecosystem of mangrove forest

Flora in this ecosystem has typical characteristics of the northeastern region

in Vietnam Average height of trees is low Density is above 10,000 plants / ha Total area: 100 ha Mangrove forests are distributed in some main locations such as: Cai Quyt area, Lo Ho area, Soi Nhu area, O Lon area, Cai De area, Cai Lim area Ecosystem of mangrove forest is abundant source of food for many marine species It is habitat, spawning ground of shrimp, crab, fish, and place for shelter and searching for food of many terrestrial animals such as hoofed

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animals eating plants, monkeys, many birds including migratory birds and many insects, especially bees Ecosystem of mangrove forest with attractive and unique landscape and high biodiversity is the location of ecotourism activities, environmental education and scientific research

d Ecosystem of coral reef

Coral reef is the most diversified ecosystem on the planet and is like

"tropical rain forest under the sea", distributed only in shallow sea This is place for living, spawning, hiding, searching for food of many marine species Ecosystem of coral reef has a high biological productivity, is the source of producing organic substance, providing food not only for itself, for the living organisms in the reef, but also significant for all sea region Thus, here is place

to store the genetic resources of many marine species Coral reefs are also a very sensitive ecosystem with the changes of living environment, so it also has environmental directive meaning Scientists have listed 106 species of hard corals belonged to 34 species 12 families distributing mainly in the area of islands: Mang Khoi, Soi Mao, Dau Cao, Da Ay, the southern Sau Nam and the eastern Ba Mun The coral reefs in Van Don area all belong to the type of atypical coral reef, bodder reefs along the islands Due to the characteristic of uncovered reef strongly influenced by waves and currents to reveal large original rocks, rugged bottom topography, the reffs is generally narrow There is

a point of view that coral reefs exist only at temperature above 180C, but Ecosystem of coral reef in Bai Tu Long National Park has existed in the conditions of temperature below 180C and lasts lots of months in a year In National Park, islands having the distribution of coral is usually affected strongly by sea powers such as waves and currents, so the topography is often steep and has many large boulders, therefore the coral is scattered and unfocused, mainly coral in block and covering shape holding firmly on rocks and are not beaten off the substratum by waves

The wide surface distribution of coral depends much on temperature, salinity, topography and hydrodynamic regimes Due to many land islands,