CHANS-Net: The International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems

Journal or Book Title: Tourism Tribune

Abstract: Coupling, originating from physics, is a phenomenon in which two or more systems influence one another through different interactions. The interactions are complicated, as they simultaneously involve various system components, while they dynamically change over time. As an approach for measuring interactive effects, coupling provides a new channel for understanding the interactive relationship between human society - natural land systems through applied studies of land use change and livelihood transition. Land use and livelihood systems are in fact linked phenomena, as changes in one are often seen as both necessary and sufficient for explaining observed changes in the other. This relation is especially true concerning tourism resorts. In recent years, such resorts have been developed on a dramatic scale in China. To meet tourists' demands, land resources have continually been expropriated in resort destinations. As a consequence, local livelihood systems that depended on the land have also changed. However, few studies have examined this phenomenon and performed research to gain greater insight. Therefore, taking the Jinshitan tourism resort in Dalian as a case study, and combining with the coupling coordination degree model, we investigated the land use changes and responses seen in local livelihoods over the past 20 years. Data were collected through geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis, participatory rural appraisal, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires. The findings showed that land use intensity, structure, and efficiency are closely associated with local livelihoods, including livelihood assets, strategies, and outcomes. The degree of coupling coordination fluctuated from 1992 to 2012, but this trend was, essentially, acceptable. Specifically, land use structure and livelihood capital had the greatest effect on the coupling system, indicating these are the critical factors for consideration during macro-level policy-making. With the development of tourism resorts, the function of the land use structure changes from production (agricultural cultivation) to non-production (renting). We surmise this was a process of government-dominated land capitalization. During this process, the connection between the land and the local livelihoods grows increasingly weak. Local communities are excluded from the development of the resorts, which renders the development pattern quite vulnerable. Development of sustainable tourism destinations cannot only be based on improvement economic outcomes; it must also involve cultural protection and development of people's livelihoods. To realize sustainable development of local livelihoods in tourism resort areas, much greater emphasis should be placed on community participation in the resort development process. First, during the period of dramatic transition of land use, policymakers need to standardize systems for requisition of land and assess the quality and value of the existing land so as to maximize its efficiency; both objectives are necessary approaches for protecting farmers' legitimate interests in the land transferal process. Second, social welfare provision, training programs, mandatory plans for job creation, and long-term monitoring and follow-up policies are all necessary to secure smooth transition of local livelihoods from rural and agriculture-based to urban and service-based. Finally, more tourism-related jobs, including small-scale businesses and collective or social entrepreneurship opportunities, should be developed among local residents with the aid of government-assisted seed funding.

Type of Publication: Journal article