Ecotourism Plan in Dongsha Marine National Park

Project Duration	2009-02-28 ~ 2009-12-30
Research Title	Ecotourism Plan in Dongsha Marine National Park
Contracted Organization	Outdoor Recreation Association of the Republic of China
Principal Investigator	Ou Sheng-Jung
Project Personnel	Lin Chien-Yao, Hsieh Wei-Fang, Huang Hsiao-Wei, Hsieh Tsung-Heng
Keywords	Ecotourism, Dongsha Atoll National Park, carrying capacity
Abstract	Since its establishment, Dongsha Atoll National Park has gradually experienced ecological recovery under the continuous conservation efforts of the Marine National Park Headquarters. Given the uniqueness and rarity of the park’s resources, its future development direction and approach require careful consideration. This project focused on planning future ecotourism development for Dongsha Atoll National Park. Through literature review and analysis of ecotourism, carrying capacity, and relevant domestic and international case studies, the study incorporated the principles of LNT (Leave No Trace) and carrying capacity to evaluate development constraints. Emphasizing conservation as a priority, appropriate ecotourism development strategies were proposed. Environmental limiting factors include transportation, accommodation, freshwater resources, military restrictions, and policy regulations, all of which significantly affect accessibility to Dongsha. As conservation remains the primary objective of the national park, the short-term development strategy prioritizes continued conservation efforts and preparation for establishing an international research station as a long-term goal. Ecotourism will not be opened in the near term. Instead, efforts should focus on strengthening research capabilities, enhancing basic service facilities, and accumulating environmental monitoring data to support future development. Once fundamental service infrastructure is adequately established, the park may consider opening limited ecotourism activities centered on environmental education. Given the ecological fragility of Dongsha’s coral atoll system, strict monitoring of indicator species and environmental indicators is recommended. By comparing ecological conditions before and after visitor access, management authorities can evaluate and adjust visitor numbers accordingly, providing a scientific basis for sustainable ecotourism development and management in the future.