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A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Renewing a Naxi environmental ethic in Lijiang, China: an approach for water management
For the many ethnic minorities in China, the country’s current rapid development is resulting in lasting effects on both traditions and the local environment. This study focuses on the Naxi people of Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan Province, with the objective of investigating the effects of tourism on the minority’s culture and environment, most notably their water resources. The Naxi have a strong traditional respect for the environment. Prompted by cultural and religious values, the Naxi people established a water system that brought clean spring water to their town for centuries. However, because of a recent surge in domestic tourism, the local environment is threatened and the Naxi have lost their respect for nature. Unlike their elders, the younger generation no longer follows an ‘environmental ethic,’ the moral relationship of people to their natural surroundings. Renewing an environmental ethic among the younger Naxi generation would be a crucial step towards better environmental management in Lijiang and would help buffer the negative effects of rapid development. Findings from this study, synthesized from interviews with local residents and experts, serve as a case study to analyse the consequences of economic development on traditional cultures and their water resources. It explores how indigenous values can be used to support sustainable development.
Renewing a Naxi environmental ethic in Lijiang, China: an approach for water management
For the many ethnic minorities in China, the country’s current rapid development is resulting in lasting effects on both traditions and the local environment. This study focuses on the Naxi people of Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan Province, with the objective of investigating the effects of tourism on the minority’s culture and environment, most notably their water resources. The Naxi have a strong traditional respect for the environment. Prompted by cultural and religious values, the Naxi people established a water system that brought clean spring water to their town for centuries. However, because of a recent surge in domestic tourism, the local environment is threatened and the Naxi have lost their respect for nature. Unlike their elders, the younger generation no longer follows an ‘environmental ethic,’ the moral relationship of people to their natural surroundings. Renewing an environmental ethic among the younger Naxi generation would be a crucial step towards better environmental management in Lijiang and would help buffer the negative effects of rapid development. Findings from this study, synthesized from interviews with local residents and experts, serve as a case study to analyse the consequences of economic development on traditional cultures and their water resources. It explores how indigenous values can be used to support sustainable development.
Renewing a Naxi environmental ethic in Lijiang, China: an approach for water management
Voeller, Elizabeth (author)
Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management ; 16 ; 223-229
2011-09-01
7 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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