Amidst escalating climate change and ecological degradation, coastal and lakeside communities rooted in traditional fishing economies are seeking alternative development paths. With overfishing and environmental decline threatening livelihoods, tourism has emerged as a promising option to diversify income sources. However, this shift demands significant adaptation from local communities and brings both environmental impacts and profound social and cultural changes. Research highlights tourism's potential to reduce reliance on aquatic resources while becoming a cornerstone in policy frameworks promoting economic diversification. Yet, managing risks like cultural commodification and over-tourism is essential to maximize benefits for these regions.
A recent study led by Professor Li Xiaoyun's team at China Agricultural University sheds light on the economic transition of lakeside communities like Eryuan County's Gusheng Village near Erhai Lake, where traditional fishing economies are shifting toward tourism. This research provides a crucial case study from China on the "social-ecological" transformation of lakeside areas in response to ecological and economic pressures.
The study applies an Adaptive Sustainable Livelihood Framework, introduced by Natarajan et al. in 2022, which offers an open, flexible, and interdisciplinary approach to analyze the dynamic processes shaping livelihood shifts. This model redefines vulnerability, incorporating power relations, climate, and environmental changes, while highlighting the complex interactions between livelihoods, environment, and governance. Through integrating structural, ecological, and temporal factors, the framework examines the key drivers of livelihood transformation, focusing not only on livelihood capital but also on the interaction of historical, social, and institutional factors.
This research reveals four key findings regarding the transition from fishing to tourism in lakeside communities. First, while tourism offers new income streams for villagers, it also poses challenges due to strict environmental regulations aimed at preserving Erhai Lake, which limit construction and operations, creating uncertainty for tourism-dependent communities. Second, human capital—particularly the skills and experience of returning residents—plays a vital role in facilitating this shift, as those with external work experience drive tourism by opening guesthouses, small businesses, and organizing cultural activities, effectively merging modern practices with local culture. Third, material capital, such as traditional housing and property, significantly influences livelihood transformation, with historic homes in Gusheng Village becoming essential tourism assets. However, income opportunities from tourism are not evenly distributed, primarily benefiting families with premium properties. The study recommends investing in public infrastructure and providing financial support for families without direct assets to ensure equitable benefits. Lastly, the transition is shaped by long-term environmental policies that restrict traditional practices while promoting eco-friendly tourism; sustained institutional support is crucial for maintaining the sustainability and equity of this transition, especially in balancing ecological health with local economic growth.
The article highlights that the shift from fishing to tourism is complex and risk-laden, with institutional frameworks (such as environmental policies) playing a critical role. The authors underscore the importance of human and material capital in promoting sustainable tourism but caution against the unequal access to these opportunities. To address these challenges, they advocate for enhanced education, innovative business models, and improved local governance to bolster community resilience and adaptability in this transitional process.
This study was published in Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering on 2024, 11(4): 589–601 (DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024560 ).
