Abstract:Through the application of the ecological footprint analytical method, the authors calculate the ecological pressure and basical ecological footprint of Saiwudang Provincial Nature Reserve. The environment bearing capacity of the ecotourism in the nature reserve equals the ecological pressure minus the basic ecological footprint of that area. According to this calculation,the basical ecological footprint per capita, the ecological pressure per capita and the environment bearing capacity of the ecotourism in Saiwudang Provincial Nature Reserve in 2005 were 2.093 646 hm2, 3.602 755 hm2 and 1.509 109 hm2 respectively. The result shows the feasibility of the ecotourism in Saiwudang Provincial Nature Reserve, and provides the statistical support for the tourism plan. Meanwhile it sets an example and lights on the utilization and protection management of the nature reserves in our province.