Abstract

Ecotourism may be a way to protect the resources and promote the local economy in and around wetland areas. Using Yancheng , China , as an example and interviews with key stakeholders and local residents as information sources, it is shown that local residents currently benefit little from tourism and, in consequence, are not strong supporters of the wetland nature reserve. They would welcome more tourism, although they know little about it. Their involvement in tourism is currently limited by their education, skills, lack of capital, cultural traditions, the existing distribution channels and the officials' attitudes toward them. Suggestions are made to increase the benefits accruing to local people in order to enhance their support for the reserve and allow it to be managed in more sustainable ways.