Why Eco-tourism in Luang Namtha?
The Nam Ha NPA has become a prime target for ecotourism due to unsustainable wildlife hunting. Villagers hunt rare species to sell in the marketplace for much-needed income. They sometimes take these animals to the Luang Namtha market, but often, outsiders visit the villages seeking specific species. This has led to a decline in large mammals and birds, with reptiles also becoming less abundant (Johnson et al. 2003, 5). An ecotourism strategy is seen as a viable solution to generate additional revenue for the community while educating residents about the environmental impact of their activities. Furthermore, with increasing development pressures, ecotourism can help preserve the rich cultures of the Akha, Hmong, Khamu, and Lanten ethnic groups, who face pressure from the Lao government to relocate closer to Luang Namtha or established roadways for better access to services.
Protected Heritage Values in Luang Namtha
To protect the cultural and natural heritage that supports Luang Namtha’s ecotourism industry, the Provincial Information, Culture & Tourism Department collaborates with tour operators and local communities to minimize tourism’s negative impacts. This is achieved through open communication among the tourism office, tour operators, guides, and communities during regular meetings and systematic monitoring, and by addressing any arising issues. The Provincial Governor’s Office has issued orders regulating ecotourism activities, including guidelines on tour group size, the use of trained guides, prohibitions on selling antiquities and wildlife, forest protection along ecotourism routes, and the collection of taxes and permit revenues. These orders, supported by national laws and decrees, are the primary legal tools used by the Tourism, Forestry, and Information and Culture Department to manage heritage in the province.
