Research on the Index System and the Models for Evaluating the Ecotourism Development Potential of Nature Reserves: An Example of Maoer Mountain Nature Reserve in Guangxi

Abstract

The nature reserves play an important role in the protection of ecosystem.Constructing scientific and reasonable index systems and models for evaluation and accurately evaluating the development potential of ecotourism in nature reserves are the premise and foundation for the development of nature reserves. An evaluation index system for the development of tourism in nature reserves was constructed by using Delphi method,including four constraint-layer indexes,10 element layer indexes and 39 special indicators for measurement.Based on expert questionnaire and AHP,the weight of tourism resource was determined to be 0.31,and the weights of the other constraint-layer indexes were respectively 0.27,0.15 and 0.27.The assessment model of the ecotourism developmental potential was built based on a multi-objective linear weighting function. From June to October in 2008,the Maoer Mountain Nature Reserve was taken as an example,and qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the developmental potential of the protected areas for ecotourism were made.It was found that the Maoer Mountain has a high potential for the development of ecotourism.The mountain has rich,diverse and integral ecotourism resources,excellent eco-environment,certain historical and cultural values,favorable development conditions and strong attractions for domestic tourists.However,the eco-system of the Maoer Mountain Nature Reserve is relatively fragile,and its tourism development is not satisfactory and needs to be enhanced.