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eco.mont 18 No. 2Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management
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Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften Austrian Academy of Sciences Press
A-1011 Wien, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2
Tel. +43-1-515 81/DW 3420, Fax +43-1-515 81/DW 3400 https://verlag.oeaw.ac.at, e-mail: verlag@oeaw.ac.at |
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DATUM, UNTERSCHRIFT / DATE, SIGNATURE
BANK AUSTRIA CREDITANSTALT, WIEN (IBAN AT04 1100 0006 2280 0100, BIC BKAUATWW), DEUTSCHE BANK MÜNCHEN (IBAN DE16 7007 0024 0238 8270 00, BIC DEUTDEDBMUC)
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Eco.mont Vol. 18 Nr. 2, pp. 32-40, 2026/06/23
Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management
Jingmai Mountain represents an exceptional socio-ecological system defined by a long-standing model of human-nature coexistence, where traditional stilt houses function as essential hubs for tea production and environmental regulation. This study employs a qualitative multi-method approach, including field observations and semi-structured interviews, to examine how these traditional structures navigate rapid rural transformation and the material transition from indigenous timber to concrete. By analysing diverse stakeholder perspectives including those of elderly residents, local craftspeople and young urban migrants, the research identifies the ways in which socio-economic disparities and generational priorities lead to unequal decision-making in heritage maintenance. The findings suggest that integrating community-led restoration with managed ecotourism provides a viable pathway for maintaining architectural authenticity while addressing contemporary livelihood needs in mountain protected areas. Ultimately, this study offers a theoretical framework for understanding how high-altitude ethnic settlements can maintain ecological and cultural integrity while navigating the pressures of modernization and demographic shifts.
Keywords: heritage preservation, sustainable ecotourism, traditional architecture, rural development, human-nature coexistence