report ofthe advantages and limitationsof 4f4i characteristics ofecotourism products in sapa

The region stands out for its 4F&41 characteristics—Rare Fauna, Rich Flora, Unique Folklore, and Food, as well as deep local Involvement and Interests, the minimization of environmental

NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

REPORT OF THE ADVANTAGES A AND LIMITATIONS

OF 4F&41 CHARACTERISTICS OF ECOTOURISM PRODUCTS IN SAPA

Name : Quach Vu Ngan Ha Student ID : 11219691

Class : POHE Eco Tourisms 63 Instructor : Dr Pham Truong Hoang

HANOI - 11/2023

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 2

ANALYZE THE ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF 4F&4I CHARACTERISTICS OF ECOTOURISM PRODUCTS IN SAPA 005 3

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3 Unique folkÏore - 20 22 1222112231121 1 1151115111811 1 1511811110111 1811112 5

4 Unique Íood - 2 2 2201122111221 1 121111211 15211 1011110111201 1011111181211 Hà 9

5 Involvement of local people ccc cece cence ceteecetetesteseessetesensees II

6 Interests of loeal people - - c1 221222111101 113 11113 1111111111111 1x12 12

8 Interpretation of environmental edueation - <ccc+5< s52 14

PROPOSE SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, ATTRACT

ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT FROM A MANAGER'S PERSPECTIVE

16

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2 Attract the participation of local people .cc 225122222 cszs+2 17

3 Promote ecotourIsm deveÌoprmeiit - - 5-52 222222221221 2zxxcsszze2 17

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INTRODUCTION Ecotourism in Sapa offers a rich tapestry of natural and cultural elements that define its essence The region stands out for its 4F&41 characteristics—Rare Fauna, Rich Flora, Unique Folklore, and Food, as well as deep local Involvement and Interests, the minimization of environmental Impact, and the vital role of Interpretation in environmental education Exploring the advantages and limitations

of these features in Sapa’s ecotourism products becomes crucial in understanding the intricate balance between preservation and exploration, offering insights into both the positive attributes and constraints these elements bring to the sustainability and experience of ecotourism in the region

ANALYZE THE ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF 4F&4I CHARACTERISTICS OF ECOTOURISM PRODUCTS

IN SAPA

1 Rare fauna

Advantages The Hoang Lien Nature Reserve ecosystem has documented a total of 555 vertebrate species on land, comprising 96 mammal species, 346 bird species, 63 reptile species, and 50 amphibian species

Concerming insects, the area holds 89 leaf-eating beetle species, stemming from 40 genera and 9 subfamilies There are also 18 pincer beetle species from 7 genera, including 4 exclusively found within the Hoang Lien Nature Reserve

A total of 304 butterfly species, spanning 138 genera and 10 families, have been recorded within this region

The forest's fauna exhibits diversity, encompassing 66 mammal species, with

16 species listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book Additionally, there are 347 bird species and 41 amphibians, alongside 61 reptile species, including the recent discovery of a rare spiny frog in Vietnam

Out of the 555 vertebrate species in the Hoang Lien area, 60 species are rare and noted in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1992), 33 species are listed in the IUCN Red List (2004), 5 bird species are unique to Vietnam, and 55 bird species are specific to the high mountain region of Hoang Lien Son Moreover, amphibians and reptiles exhibit a higher level of endemism, containing 6 endemic species

Furthermore, the tourism industry in Sapa can exert a detrimental influence

on the area's wildlife For instance, trekking tours may disrupt the wildlife, and the overcrowding of wildlife sanctuaries is a common occurrence

2 Rich flora

& Advantages The region serves as a natural habitat for a diverse array of orchids, boasting

172 species, among which are significant types like Sa Pa slipper orchids and Sa Pa thick-lipped orchids Sa Pa also hosts distinct Vietnamese orchid species such as Vanda cristata, Dendrobium vietnamense, and uncommon yellow-lipped orchids With 30 species of rhododendrons that bloom throughout the year, the Hoang Lien Nature Reserve is renowned as the land of rhododendrons, displaying a spectrum of colors spanning from vibrant yellow, intense red, deep pink, pale pink, subtle purple, to white

The Hoang Lien Nature Reserve possesses an abundance of valuable medicinal plants, totaling 754 species including ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and various species unique to the Hoang Lien area like Coptis teeta, which hold medicinal properties not found elsewhere in Vietnam Six plant communities in the Hoang Lien Nature Reserve are recognized as heritage trees in Vietnam, encompassing ginseng, Rhododendron longipedicellatum, Rhododendron irroratum, rough-stemmed Rhododendron, Rhododendron arboreum, and Quercus langbianensis

Limitations The once entirely natural and unspoiled condition of the plant ecosystem has now been confined to remote, rough, and isolated highland territories or positioned along streams and mountain inclines

Additionally, the tourism sector in Sapa could adversely affect the flora For instance, plant harm due to trekking activities and the establishment of tourist facilities could contribute to deforestation

3 Unique folklore

& Advantages Various minorities with 7 main ethnic groups, including: H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Kinh , Giay, Xa Pho (Phu La) and Hoa

Traditional customs are different among ethnic groups with vibrant colors, intricate patterns intricately interwoven in a bohemian style

Each minority group has their own languages, which creates cultural diversity

Many traditional festivals are celebrated throughout the year, which attract tourists from all over the world Especially Love Market Sapa, a unique cultural characteristic of local people

Picture 1,3 Dance festival of Red Dao

Picture 1.5 Love Market Sapa

Limitations

The fast-paced urban growth has caused the decline of numerous traditional values, including the flute playing of the Hmong, melodious singing by the Dao ethnic group, and distinctive attire of the Hmong, Dzao, and Xa Pho This trend stems from the community's negligence in safeguarding its cultural legacy

Moreover, many children from ethnic groups leave their education to ask for money and persistently accompany travelers to vend goods This practice leaves a negative impression of minority communities on tourists

4 Unique food

& Advantages Sapa's cuisine showcases a blend of distinct culinary customs from various ethnic groups, catching the attention of food reviewers

Image 1.7: Black Chicken

Image 1.8: Thang co

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The area's hilly topography allows for the availability of fresh, top-grade ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and locally farmed meats

Numerous dining establishments and food vendors within Sapa present stunning mountain vistas, ensuring a remarkable and unforgettable dining ambiance

Ensuring Visitor Safety: With the involvement of the local community, tourism services and infrastructure can be developed to ensure the safety of tourists Community engagement can lead to the establishment of better safety standards and measures, enhancing the overall experience for tourists

Reducing Environmental Impact: Community involvement plays a crucial role in reducing negative impacts on the environment By implementing sustainable practices and responsible behaviors, the community can reduce pollution, preserve natural resources, and maintain the area's ecological balance

Attracting More Tourists:The active involvement of the local community in sustainable tourism practices can attract more tourists Their support and appreciation for sustainable community-based tourism could lead to an increase in tourist numbers and further popularity of the destination

Limitations

HH

Cultural Erosion: Over-exposure to tourists might lead to the erosion of local culture and traditions due to the commercialization of indigenous customs Unequal Benefit Distribution: Unequal distribution of economic benefits from tourism among local communities can create inequality within the community Cultural and Environmental Pressures: High tourist traffic can put environmental pressure and affect the cultural integrity of local communities by changing lifestyles and traditions

Lack of Control and Management: Poor management and lack of regulations may lead to negative impacts on the environment and local communities without proper supervision

6 Interests of local people

conservation efforts

& Limitations

Policy and Legal Issues: Incomplete and inappropriate local tourism development policies, lack of legal frameworks for co-management and benefit- sharing, and complicated administrative and business procedures hinder local community participation

Conflict of Interests and Lack of Dialogue: Conflicting interests among stakeholders, such as long-term residents and newcomers, combined with a lack of information exchange and cooperation, make it difficult to collaborate and resolve conflicts

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Income and Weather Dependence: Low income from tourism activities, especially during off-peak seasons with unfavorable weather conditions, affects the sustainability of livelihoods

Infrastructure and Service Quality: Inadequate infrastructure and subpar tourism services impact safety and fail to meet the needs of tourists

7 Impact is minimized

& Advantages

Environmental Conservation: The eco-tourism product in Sapa focuses on environmental conservation By designing tourism activities to minimize impact on nature, these initiatives help protect the local ecosystem, ensuring that the natural beauty of the region remains intact and valuable

Resource Management: Minimizing the impact of eco-tourism in Sapa also means sustainable resource management The tourism programs are designed to ensure that natural resources are conserved and developed rather than depleted Pollution Reduction: Eco-tourism initiatives in Sapa often concentrate on reducing pollution Thanks to environmental protection policies, waste recycling processes, and various environmental protection measures, these initiatives help minimize pollution in the region

Preservation of Local Culture: In addition to focusing on environmental conservation, eco-tourism products in Sapa pay particular attention to preserving and promoting local culture Tourism programs often combine appreciation of local culture with educating visitors about traditional cultural values

Limitations

Tourist Capacity and Management: A primary limitation is the sustainable capacity to accommodate tourists The rapid increase in tourist influx might surpass the area's carrying capacity, leading to significant pressure on infrastructure and the environment Effectively managing tourist numbers to minimize negative impacts can sometimes be challenging

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Cultural and Biodiversity Conservation: Despite considerable efforts toward cultural and biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism can still influence local cultures and natural environments Enhanced tourism may put significant strain on the community and the ecology of the touristic areas

Excessive Dependence on Tourism: Many local communities might become overly reliant on the tourism industry This could result in an unstable economic model when tourism development is not sustained or is disrupted by external factors such as climate change, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances

Uniformity in Enforcing Regulations and Laws: Despite existing regulations and rules guiding eco-tourism, adherence to and enforcement of these guidelines aren’t always consistent or rigorously monitored

8 Interpretation of environmental education

& Advantages

Heightened Awareness: Environmental education in Sapa aims to provide an in-depth understanding of environmental issues, emphasizing the complexities and interrelations between the local environment and global concerns

Appreciation of Significance: By learning the importance of the environment

to personal and community development, the education in Sapa cultivates an understanding of its significance to the nation and the global community

Cultivation of Correct Attitudes and Behaviors: The program instills correct attitudes and responsible behaviors toward environmental issues, promoting a proper sense of responsibility and human values

Enhancement of Skills and Action Methods: Providing knowledge and skills 1n Sapa encourages the adoption of sustainable living practices, fostering wise and sustainable use of natural resources

Motivation and Commitment: Sapa's environmental education boosts motivation and commitment among individuals to make positive contributions to the environment

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Socializing Environmental Issues: The program in Sapa focuses on socializing environmental issues, aiming to develop citizens with an awareness and responsibility for the environment, thereby enhancing the region's economic prospects and improving governmental effectiveness

& Limitations

Cultural Sensitivity Challenges: Environmental education may

unintentionally ignore or misinterpret specific cultural subtleties, resulting in inadvertent cultural insensitivity, leading to tensions between local communities and visitors

Financial Limitations: Establishing effective environmental education programs necessitates financial resources Limited funds can pose challenges in creating and maintaining high-quality interpretive materials and experiences Resistance to Behavior Change: Even after receiving environmental education, visitors may not always apply their knowledge to change behavior Entrenched habits and attitudes might not significantly alter from a short interpretive session

Dependency on Interpreters: The effectiveness of environmental education frequently depends on interpreters, such as guides or educators Relying on a few individuals could create vulnerabilities if these interpreters are inadequately trained or unavailable

Information Overload: Providing an excessive amount of information in

an interpretive setting can overwhelm visitors and reduce the effectiveness of the educational experience Maintaining a balance between informative depth and visitor engagement is crucial

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