ROLE OF ECOLOGICAL TOURISM IN THE POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONGST ETHNIC MINORITIES IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Ecotourism is considered a “key" in the fight against poverty, environmental protection and promoting sustainable development. One of the basic characteristics, as well as the principles and goals of eco-tourism, is to benefit the local community. Vietnam has a rich potential for developing eco-tourism such as the system of national parks and nature reserves, valleys, terraced fields, highlands, lakes, gardens, rivers, caves, and ecosystems in peri-urban... In order to enhance the role of eco-tourism and poverty reduction among ethnic minorities, the article makes a number of proposals on the overall development of eco-tourism in the country; socialization of investment capital for ecotourism development; and training human resources as local people to participate in ecotourism activities.

Keywords: ecotourism, poverty reduction, ethnic minorities