A GIS Approach to Conservation of Stone Forest Landscape in Lunan, China

Chuanrong Zhang and Mick Day
Department of Geography
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

The Lunan Stone Forest (Shilin) is one of the world's outstanding karst landscapes - a dramatic pinnacle karst that is not only scientifically important, but which also has considerable cultural significance and is a major international tourist destination. At the same time, the stone forest environment is inherently fragile and has already been adversely affected by human activity. Recognizing that it is appropriate to enact conservation measures, and with a view to designation as a UNESCO world heritage site, government authorities have instituted some protective measures, including delimiting three different conservation zones. Unfortunately, the boundaries of these zones are unclear, and their locations and functions are poorly understood. Geographic Information Systems are being used to assist local and other decision-makers in clearly delimiting the protection zones as a precursor to protecting the landscape effectively. A GIS and remote sensing analysis also shows how the stone forest landscape has changed in the past three decades as a consequence of human activities. This promotes an appreciation of why it is imperative to protect the landscape, and suggests viable conservation approaches involving spatial analysis and overall ecosystem assessment. Although GIS and remote sensing are effective tools in understanding the Stone Forest karst and promoting its conservation, there are some difficulties in their optimal application.