Eco-tourism in Hoh Xil: When will the speculation and controversy end?- People's Daily Online

Eco-tourism in Hoh Xil: When will the speculation and controversy end?

16:51, July 30, 2009

A group of Tibetan antelopes stop along their way while feeding themselves around in the Kekexili natural reserve on July 25, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

Following a ten year struggle to eliminate poaching and protect the environment, the Tibetan antelopes in Hoh Xil (Kekexili) Nature Reserve and other endangered species native to the Tibetan plateau are finally free from the hunting rifle, and the population growth of wild animals has resumed. However speculation over eco-tourism in Hoh Xil has continued in recent years. Whether "the last piece of virgin soil" will be opened up to eco-tourism has become a debate open for public discussion.

Speculation and controversy over eco-tourism brings no peace to Hoh Xil

In May 2005, a tourist agency in Qinghai Province launched an "in-depth tour of Hoh Xil" tour package, promising tourist’s entry into Hoh Xil's "no man's land" and a unique travel experience. This tour plan deceived hundreds of interested tourists in places like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Their hopes were dashed by the stern warning of the Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau, which said that "the administrative bureau prohibits any tourist groups from entering and touring the nature reserve."

"No Man's Land" cannot be troubled any more

The speculation and controversy over eco-tourism in Hoh Xil has attracted the attention of China's Forestry Bureau, national and international environmental protection organizations and the Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau. Assistant director of China's Forestry Bureau Yin Hong clearly stated that "The Hoh Xil Nature Reserve will not open its core and buffer regions to tourists." "Right now Hoh Xil needs protection and loving care from society, not debate about so-called eco-tourism."

Some domestic environmentalists also warned, "Hoh Xil has suffered so much hardship and needs to recover. After experiencing so much bloodshed, the Tibetan antelope need peace and harmony. We remind those interested in touring Hoh Xil: Please do not disturb this place."

Creating a peaceful environment for the Tibetan antelope

Since 1998 when armed poachers started hunting, a group of vigilante rangers began a series of long-term anti-poaching activities in Hoh Xil's "no man's land", 4,500 meters above sea level, allowing Hoh Xil to finally be free from poachers.

"While eco-tourism can bring considerable economic benefit to Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, it will also put unbearable pressure on the environment in protected areas." Luo Yanhai, a Hoh Xil Administrative Bureau ranger said that anti-poaching activity achievements should not be undermined by new dangers brought by eco-tourism. Peace and harmony in the ecologically-valuable "no man's land" should be eternally protected.

By People's Daily Online