Ecotourism planning using multiple criteria evaluation with GIS

Hong Kong as an international metropolis is well known for its vibrant urban life, which attracts millions of mass conventional tourists for shopping and business. Recently, ecotourism has flourished and attracts ecotourists who visit the ecological and cultural resources of the rural landscape, country parks and marine parks. Yan Chau Tong, also known as ‘Double Haven’, is remote from the urban centre, which helps preserve its natural flavour and cultural heritages such as Hakka walled villages. It is noted as an important site for developing ecotourist activities. A symbiosis of humans and nature cannot be achieved without a sound planning and zoning scheme. This paper investigates the use of IKONOS imagery and a geographic information system for rational planning of ecotourist activities and conservation measures. Through image classification of IKONOS and integrated with ecological data, essential habitats can be mapped and a spatial database is established. Suitable sites for recreational activities (including camping, heritage visiting, hiking and snorkelling) and important ecological habitats can both be identified using multiple criteria evaluation techniques. The use of a multiple objective land allocation model helps resolve conflict between recreation and conservation. Sites are generally identified as (a) those where conservation or recreation should receive the highest priority; (b) those that can be treated as additional recreation or conservation sites; and (c) conflict areas that can serve both purposes. The result can assist in planning land resources for ecotourism to satisfy both objectives and attain sustainability in the area.