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Codes of Conduct
Codes of conduct are
critical to controlling the impact of tourism on nature and cultural
resources. The Northwest Yunnan Ecotourism
Association is establishing codes of conduct for any tourists visiting the area, as well
as tour operators who operate in environmentally fragile areas.
The
Lashihai Watershed has been designated as a provincial-level nature
reserve to protect the fragile ecosystems and wildlife of the area.
Because of the fragility and importance of this Nature Reserve, all
visitors are asked to follow this Code of Conduct so to ensure that the
area’s biodiversity and cultural heritage is protected effectively.
Environmental
Conservation
- Tour groups visiting the nature reserve should not be over 10
people per group and should always be accompanied by a local guide.
- When
you are in the Nature Reserve, please follow the regulations and laws of
the Reserve:
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Do not throw trash on the ground;
- Do
not take any “souvenirs” or specimens from the wild;
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Put all trash in the designated places;
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Do not cut or dig up trees or bushes;
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Do not start any fires within the Nature Reserve.
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If
you are a visitor coming to do research, training, or filming, please get permission from the Nature Reserve
staff.
- Please
respect our wildlife friends and do not disturb them and their habitat.
Please turn off the engine of your vehicle when you are in the Nature
Reserve.
- You
can buy local products to help improve the lives of local people, but
please do not buy endangered wildlife products such as fur, feathers, and
leather.
- When you are watching the birds, please do not wear bright clothing, make loud
noises or frighten or feed the birds. Please do not come within 100 meters
of the birds.
Cultural
Conservation
-
Respect the local people and their customs and religion.
Do not
touch things before you get permission, and do not be loud and
disrespectful in the village.
-
Ask permission before you take pictures in the villages, especially when
you take pictures of people.
-
Respect holy
and sacred places and do not touch
or move religious objects.
-
Giving
to children only encourages begging. A donation to our Conservation and
Community Development Fund is a more constructive way to help.
-
Visitors who
value local traditions encourage the local pride and maintain local
cultures, so please show an interest in their culture and an interest in
understanding their traditions.
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The following Tour Operator Codes of Conduct have been developed by the
Northwest Yunnan Ecotourism Association. These
Codes of Conduct provide guidelines for all tour operators operating in
environmentally-sensitive areas of Northwest Yunnan, and are criteria used
by the Northwest Yunnan Ecotourism Association in selecting specific tour
operator partners.
- Partners
with Community-based Ecotourism Enterprises: Supports
community-based ecotourism enterprises in developing a sustainable
business that contributes to conservation and community development.
Subcontracts from small, community-based enterprises wherever possible and
assists them in achieving the appropriate quality standards.
Where no community-based company is available, the tour operator directly
employs people living in the areas being visited. Local community members may be employed to deliver all services to
clients, including administration, guiding, transportation, meals, lodging
and supplies.
- Purchases
Supplies from Local Community: Creates
additional benefits to the local community by purchasing as many products
and services as possible from the community being visited. However, if the
purchase of local products creates an unsustainable drain or impact on the
local community’s cultural or natural resources, then the operator will
bring necessary goods from the nearest community outside of the protected
area.
- Supports
Conservation and Community Development Financing:
Contributes a
proportion of net profits to community conservation and development funds,
and/or makes a direct financial donation to the communities being visited.
Follows protected area guidelines for entrance fees and concession
permits and encourages customers to make contributions to support
conservation and community development projects.
- Supports
Authentic Cultural Exchanges and Respects Cultural Heritage:
Is aware of actual
and potential impacts of tourism on cultural heritage and attempts to
minimize these impacts through its own policies and practices.
Exchanges with and exposure to traditional cultures should occur
only in an authentic setting and with willing participants.
Except in unique situations, “staged” performances by local
villagers are not supported.
Monitors
and Reduces Impacts on Natural Resources:
Is aware of actual
and potential impacts of tourism on natural resources and attempts to
minimize these impacts through its own policies and practices, including:
- Disposing
of waste and sewage properly using “best practices” available for each
area (recycling, composting, etc.).
- Reducing
natural resource consumption created by tourists through use of renewable
energy and/or fuel efficient motors.
- Ensuring any use of local
products or services for the purpose of tourism does not put an additional
strain on the natural resources in the area.
Promotes
Responsible Visitor Behavior: Educates
travelers before and during the trip on low impact travel and conservation
compatible practices (including ecological and cultural sensitivity).
Travelers practice low impact travel and conservation compatible practices
while traveling, including the guidelines listed here, and operator will
address an incompatible behaviors as they occur.
The operator will address any complaints or concerns raised by the local
community about the behavior of visitors.
Adheres
to Local Protected Area Tourism Guidelines and Policies:
Abides by all
conservation rules and regulations established by any local, regional or
national protected area management organizations or authorities.
Advocates conservation and sustainable tourism by demonstrating
exemplary behavior above and beyond any rules and regulations.
Monitors
Impacts: Is
aware of and in compliance with the carrying capacity or visitor
restrictions of a visited area. The operator keeps the number and behavior
of tours/travelers compatible with the fragility of visited environments
and works with protected area managers, the Association’s partners
and/or other local NGOs to implement impact monitoring plans when
possible. The operator will
self-monitor and reduce the number of tourists brought to an area if it
sees there is a negative impact from tourism on the area’s natural or
cultural resources.
Contributes
to Truthful Marketing of Ecotourism:
Partners with the
Northwest Yunnan Ecotourism Association, local communities, government
partners and other NGOs to help market community-based ecotourism
enterprises. Includes these
enterprises in its brochures and itineraries, and clearly explains the
difference between ecotourism and nature-based tourism to potential
customers.
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