ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Drought is one of the major natural disasters in China, with high frequency, long duration, and large extent, which also has an impact on the ecotourism in the western Jilin province. Using meteorological data, the annual Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) was calculated for the western Jilin province, and based on SPI, the spatial and temporal drought characteristics of this region were analyzed in this study. Using meteorological and land use change data, the natural vegetation and surface water changes caused by the drought were analyzed in the western Jilin province. Through analysis of the spatial and temporal drought distribution and natural vegetation and surface water changes, the results showed that ecotourism was severely affected by drought in western Jilin province. By applying the correlation analysis of annual SPI and population fluctuation of tourists, the results shows that drought directly impacts the population fluctuation: severe drought will cause the tourist population to decline sharply and it has a 2-3 years after-effect. This study can provide the basis for ecotourism management in western Jilin province.
