WP 26-015: Ethnic Tourism, Culture and Sustainability: Yi-Nuosu Communities Perspectives, China

This study delves into how crucial it is to weave sustainability into the early phases of tourism development, particularly within the Yi-Nuosu communities in Liangshan Prefecture, located in Southwest China. It conducts an in-depth exploration of the direct and indirect impacts driven by economic development, particularly the burgeoning tourism industry. It meticulously analyzes the resulting profound transformations across socioeconomic structures, cultural dynamics, and ecological environments. Based on a comprehensive assessment of these complex impacts, the research strongly advocates for and underscores the critical importance of integrating sustainable development principles into regional planning and initiatives.

The findings indicate that tourism is increasingly viewed as a means to create jobs and stimulate rural revitalization, especially in the face of ongoing economic marginalization and rural depopulation. However, this growth many bring notable challenges, such as the commodification of ethnic cultures, a decline in the passing down of cultural traditions between generations, seasonal tourism fluctuations, limited local involvement in decision-making, and conflicts between conservation efforts and economic growth.

Additionally, the study shows that migration can create both opportunities and vulnerabilities. While remittances and returning migrants can bolster local economies, continued out-migration poses risks to cultural continuity and traditional ecological knowledge. The region also faces hurdles like lack of institutional support, insufficient professional expertise, and poor coordination among stakeholders, all of which impede sustainable tourism development.

The paper advocates for tourism approaches that are community-based and culturally sensitive to ensure long-term sustainability in ethnic minority regions. It underscores the need for participatory governance, support for ethnic entrepreneurship, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge systems, and planning frameworks that carefully balance conservation goals with the socioeconomic needs of the community.

________________________________________________________________

Keywords: Sustainable tourism development; Early-stage tourism development; Community-based tourism; Ethnic tourism; Yi-Nuosu people