Green Tea and Red Strawberries . How Consuming Nature produces Operational Landscapes in the Hill Stations of Cameron Highlands (Malaysia) and Dalat (Vietnam)

Our paper explores the intricate relationship between foodscapes and tourism in the hill stations of Cameron Highlands (Malaysia) and Dalat (Vietnam). These highland regions, established during the colonial era (British in Cameron Highlands and French in Dalat), were originally centered around acclimatization farms aimed at cultivating European flowers, fruits, and vegetables to serve colonial interests (Scrivenor, 1931; Jennings, 2011). Over time, these areas have transitioned into spaces reclaimed by local populations. Today, domestic tourists predominate, and both tourism and agriculture coexist. Notably, the local economy has led to landscapes dominated by plastic structures (plasticized landscapes), primarily due to the proliferation of greenhouses, raising sustainability concerns. The produce from these regions significantly contributes to nearby urban markets, attracting tourists who seek to engage with nature in various ways (Leepreecha, 2016; Farhat, 2017). We interpret these landscapes as "operational landscapes" (borrowing from Henri Lefebvre, 1989), situated in the rural fringes of small and medium-sized mountain towns but deeply intertwined with urban and metropolitan investments, offerings and demands. These landscapes transcend passive scenery, representing a dynamic interplay between agriculture, tourism, and the aspirations of the urban middle classes in these countries (Drummond, 2012).