Sustainable Ecotourism in Laos
Laos has a low population densoty, unspoiled diverse ethnic lifestyles, and perhaps the richest, most extensive network of ecosystems on Indochina. There are over 800 species of birds and more than 100 large mammals already identified in Laos, with new species being discovered every year. Some of the more exotic species include tigers, clouded leopards, douc langour monkeys, gibbons, peacocks, silver pheasants, etc. A network of 20 national protected areas was designated to protect and conserve its ecosystem. It covers nearly 14% area of the country with large tracts of tropical monsoon forest, diverse wildlife populations, spectacular limestone formations, and a diversity of minority ethnic groups.
Laos has been fortunate in many ways, because conservation and environmental protection look hold very quickly after the country opened up to mass tourism in the early 1990s. Both the government and many tourism-related businesses took then messge very seriously and acted on it.
Although most of Laos's protected areas are remote and difficult to reach, there are opportunities for ecotourism activities such as trekking, kayaking, bird-watching, and camping that allow you to experience firsthand the country's magnificent natural and cultural diversity
While in Laos, you can make your trip a constructive one by following these simple guidelines:
-Eat Lao food as much as you feel able. Purchasing fresh foods in the market and eating Lao dishes ensures that your money supports Lao farmers.
-Purchase local crafts. Purchasing handicrafts in markets or villages directly supports local artisans and their traditional crafts.
-Stay overnight in villages. Staying overnight in a village as port of an organized tour provides a genuine and rewarding experience of Lao culture and Lao people.
-Visit national protected areas. Visiting national protected areas can help generate income and awarenesss to support the protection of threatend wildlife and forest ecosystems.
1: Laos has many advantages in developing ecotourism because it has
A:the largest number of national protected areas in Southeast Asia
B: diversity of cultures, ecosystems, and ethnic groups
C: most of Lao's protected areas are remotr and difficult to reach
D: a large number of birds and mammals except monkeys
2: National protected areas in Laos have all of the following features EXCEPT
A: the majority of the country area
B: a diversity of minority ethnic groups
C: spectacular limestone formations
D: diverse wildlife populations
3: Laos has been fortunate in the development of its ecotourism because
A: it has developed mass tourism and many tourism-related businesses since the early 1990s
B: tourists can make a constructive trip by following the simple guideline
C: it has had the right policies and then awareness from many tourism-related businesses
D: there are over 8000 species of birds and more than 1000 large mammals already identified
4: Tourists can take part in several ecotourism activities EXCEPT
A: trailing
B: birdwatching
C: kayaking
D: staying in a tent
5: According to the guidelines, you shoud
A: stays for nights in villages to support wildlife protection
B: buy handicrafts in markets or villages to support Lao farmers
C: visit national protected areas to raise your income and awareness
D: eat, stay, and purchase locally in order to support Lao ecotourism
1: Laos has many advantages in developing ecotourism because it has
A:the largest number of national protected areas in Southeast Asia
B: diversity of cultures, ecosystems, and ethnic groups
C: most of Lao's protected areas are remotr and difficult to reach
D: a large number of birds and mammals except monkeys
2: National protected areas in Laos have all of the following features EXCEPT
A: the majority of the country area
B: a diversity of minority ethnic groups
C: spectacular limestone formations
D: diverse wildlife populations
3: Laos has been fortunate in the development of its ecotourism because
A: it has developed mass tourism and many tourism-related businesses since the early 1990s
B: tourists can make a constructive trip by following the simple guideline
C: it has had the right policies and then awareness from many tourism-related businesses
D: there are over 8000 species of birds and more than 1000 large mammals already identified
4: Tourists can take part in several ecotourism activities EXCEPT
A: trailing
B: birdwatching
C: kayaking
D: staying in a tent
5: According to the guidelines, you shoud
A: stays for nights in villages to support wildlife protection
B: buy handicrafts in markets or villages to support Lao farmers
C: visit national protected areas to raise your income and awareness
D: eat, stay, and purchase locally in order to support Lao ecotourism
