Abstract In areas of multi-national culture and stereoscopic climate, the ways how resources are being used and reserved are varied becouse of the differences in cultural background, different natural environment and social-economic development.In this paper, by integrating technology of Geographical informetion System (GIS) and multi-temporal romotely sensed imagery analysis, also combined with field survey and social-economic investigation, we analyzed the differentiation of land use types, its spatial structure and dynanic changes of landuse patterns over time.Based on these results, we discussed the roles that different ethnic cultures are playing in the sustainable development of these areas, some policy proposals that will enhance the social-ecological sustainability are suggested.
2001, Vol. 16 
