ECOTOURISM IN LOCAL CONTEXT Perspectives of developing landscape ecotourism in HK GEOG 2091 Principles and Practice of Eco-tourism #2 ECOTOURISM IN LOCAL CONTEXT Perspectives of developing landscape ecotourism in HK Lecture Objectives: 4 criteria of ecotourism  Understand 4 criteria of ecotourism in local context  Explain both the natural and human factors that have contributed to HK’s unique landscapes  Stimulate students’ interest in studying HK’s landscapes References: Hong Kong Tourism Board (2006). Discover Hong Kong Nature: Hong Kong Live It, Love it! Hong Kong: HKTB. Lim, P. (1997). Discovering Hong Kong’s Cultural Heritage: with Twelve Walks in the New Territories. Oxford University Press. Stokes, E. (1995). Hong Kong’s Wild Places: an Environmental Exploration. Oxford University Press.

Expected Study Outcomes  Students’ understanding of the unique local resources for ecotourism  Students awareness of the potential impacts of ecotourism on the local community  Students’ application of the lecture knowledge to course projects

UNDERSTAND 4 CRITERIA OF ECOTOURISM IN LOCAL CONTEXT 1) Nature-based: mainly natural areas: forest - flora & fauna; coral – marine & coast)

2) Educational (enhancing understanding and appreciation of natural features)

3 ) Environmentally friendly (causes no or little nature damage)

4) Contributes to local communities (socially and economically) as a form of tourism business KEY: REVIEW IN LOCAL CONTEXT

Explain both the natural and human factors that have contributed to HK’s unique landscapes

Understanding 4 Criteria of Ecotourism in Local Context will help us reflect about HK’s landscapes : ecotourism?  Are there potentials for ecotourism? –YES  Are those opportunities being appreciated in HK’s tourism development?

Paved Trackways Geology – minerals & rocks Rivers Urban development 2 basic elements: human and natural Formation of HK’s Landscapes: 2 basic elements: human and natural Slope stability Landscapes reflect both human & natural contributions Beaches Feng Shui

Soils Fire Vegetation Mining Coastal Erosion Landscapes reflect both human & natural contributions

ecotourism Develop ecotourism with local features?

LANDSCAPE ECOTOURISM Ecotourism Opportunities: can we call it LANDSCAPE ECOTOURISM from a local perspective? Shoppin g! Lots of things really What can I do here??

Landscape Ecotourism What should be the major purposes of Landscape Ecotourism? To stimulate interest in exploring the countryside of Hong Kong To explain both the natural and human factors that have brought about Hong Kong’s landscapes To provide such explanations in a field-based manner What else?? - the result of your field investigation

Potential market: What might Ecotourists be interested in? Map & aerial photograph information

What might Ecotourists be interested in? Geological history Common rocks and minerals

What might Ecotourists be interested in? Mountain heights and access Human impacts

landscape ecotourism The following statements may give you some insights about: the prospects & impacts of landscape ecotourism in Hong Kong: Are qualified guides available?  Photography books – with sufficient explanation and user-friendly?  Guided walks and boat excursions – better or worse? With enough opportunities? Only notable exceptions are the dolphin watch and Mai Po birds watching?  Outline hiking books – easier to follow with relevant explanations?

ecotourists? Would self guided hikes be the major cheap resources for the potential ecotourists?  Little investment required, but expertise needed  Rural investment already contributes – footpaths  Natural factors have generated beautiful scenery  Cultural heritage generated huge diversity of landscapes Where should be our target market and how should we promote the landscape (eco) tourism?

Tutorial Guides for Assignment #1 Tutorial Guides for Assignment #1 Advertising analysis (20 points, due by 4:30pm on Monday, March 8 th, 2010) –Cut out a tourism ad (preferably focused on ecotourism or nature-based tourism) in a magazine or a newspaper. From the message received, thoroughly describe:  the audience you think is being targeted  how the ad described the product of sale  whether or not the ad described the 4 criteria of ecotourism, and  why you think the ad was successful/unsuccessful at reaching/attracting its target audience –Your analysis should be completed between 150 and 350 words, and submitted together with the original tourism ad. Delay submission will result in mark deduction or zero mark