TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — To reduce the ecological burden caused by tourists, Xiao Liuqiu listed three zones as conservation areas and will charge each tourist visiting the areas NT$60 (US$2) beginning July 1.   

According to a Pingtung County Government press release on Tuesday (April 16), visitors will be charged fees at the following intertidal zones: Shanfu, Yuchengwei, and Duziping. The marine conservation fees will be used to maintain and restore ecological resources.

Additionally, special education materials will be provided to tourists to promote conservation. Staff will be hired to promote sustainable development and ensure tourists do not damage the natural resources, per CNA.

The number of tourists allowed to visit the three intertidal zones will be limited to 300 people at one time. Tourists can only walk on a predetermined path, with access closed from Dec. 1 to March 31. 

Chen Wen-yu (陳文玉), director of Xiao Liuqiu's ecological tourism association, said the large number of tourists visiting the area has harmed the environment and ecology. Chen said that controlling the number of tourists and charging visitor fees is the only way to improve the situation. 

Furthermore, Chen said that when visitors pay the entry fee, they are also given public accident insurance, another benefit of the fee-based system.

On April 1, the Pingtung County Government and the Ministry of Transportation announced the "Pingtung County Liuqiu Township Nature and Ecological Area," which covers five intertidal zones. According to the regulations, tourists entering environmentally sensitive areas should apply for entry.