Eco.mont Vol. 8 Nr. 1, pp. 21-28, 2015/12/22
Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management
Backpacking is an increasingly popular, but sometimes controversial, activity in protected areas. Very few studies have examined the impacts associated with backpacker tourism in environmentally sensitive regions of China. Using data collected from a survey of backpackers visiting Mt Taibai in the Qinling Mountains, this paper analyses the environmental and management challenges posed by travellers in a protected area. We observed that many backpackers gained unauthorized access to the study area, sometimes even to the most fragile sections of natural reserves. This unauthorized use of protected areas poses serious risk of injury and has environmental implications, including damage to vegetation and soils, pollution and wildlife habitat disturbance. But most respondents had little awareness of their environmental impacts and held negative attitudes toward restricted activities in the non-tourist district of protected areas. To promote environmentally responsible attitudes, reduce the risk of accidents and alleviate pressure on reserve managers, we recommend strengthening regulations as well as developing a multi-department management system, expanding community participation and improving environmental education. In a way, this study provides a strategic plan for improved accessibility and land management practices in mountainous protected areas.
Keywords: backpacker tourism, environmental impact, nature reserve management, mountainous protected areas, China
