Rooted in Tea, Growing Through Tourism : Understanding the Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development from Local Communities’ Perspective in Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China

This thesis explores the role of ecotourism in promoting sustainable development from the perspective of local communities in Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China. As one of the most recent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jingmai presents a unique case where ancient tea forests, vibrant ethnic traditions, and increasing tourism intersect. Drawing on nearly six weeks of fieldwork, including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and informal conversations, this study examines how ecotourism has shaped community participation, empowerment, benefit distribution, ecological conservation, livelihood assets and strategies. The findings reveal that ecotourism in Jingmai has significantly diversified income sources, enhanced local infrastructure, and contributed to psychological and social empowerment among the Blang and Dai ethnic groups. Yet challenges remain, particularly in terms of limited ecological awareness and constrained political participation. Local communities demonstrate high levels of ownership in tourism practice, but their roles in decision-making and long-term planning remain limited. Through a grounded analysis and application of community-based ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods frameworks, this research argues that while ecotourism in Jingmai holds transformative potential, realizing this potential requires more inclusive governance, targeted capacity building, and deeper integration of ecological and cultural stewardship. The thesis concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at supporting community-led, culturally rooted, and ecologically responsible ecotourism pathways in Jingmai and beyond.