Nestled in the heart of Hubei Province, China’s Shennongjia National Park has become a beacon of hope for conservationists, nature lovers and those dedicated to restoring the delicate balance of ecosystems.
This United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, serves as what observers call a model for sustainable conservation efforts, offering a blueprint for integrating community welfare with ecological preservation.
Shennongjia’s journey to becoming a conservation success story wasn’t without challenges. Decades ago, deforestation was rampant, driven by economic need and a lack of awareness about the environmental consequences.
"Back then, ordinary people had no way to make money and had no choice but to cut down trees,” says resident Tinghong Lin. “After learning more about deforestation, I realized that this behaviour destroyed the ecosystem.”
Observers say the turning point came when international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), partnered with the park authorities. Together, they launched initiatives that not only protected Shennongjia’s ecosystems but also improved the livelihoods of the residents. Empowering the community was key: small-scale plantations, eco-tourism businesses and reforestation projects created new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Green development and livelihoods
For Lin and his fellow residents, the shift from logging to more sustainable practices has transformed their lives. “Since the implementation of the GEF project, we have not only grown tea but also developed tourism. Now, every household has opened a farmhouse. Our people now live a prosperous life,” Lin says.
Lin’s story is emblematic of the broader change that has taken root in Shennongjia, where a commitment to “green development” has become a guiding principle. "To strengthen environmental protection, we must take the path of green development. We can no longer cut down trees and destroy the ecosystem,” he adds.
The emphasis on sustainable livelihoods has meant that conservation is no longer seen as a trade-off to economic progress. Instead, it is integrated into China’s broader development goals, creating a win-win scenario for nature and people.
As Guangming Dai, Deputy Director of Shennongjia Park Authority, notes, “The GEF Shennongjia project has played an important role in building the capacity of protected areas, raising public awareness and […] mainstreaming biodiversity protection.”
Safeguarding biodiversity
One of the most significant achievements of Shennongjia’s conservation efforts has been the rebound of the endangered golden snub-nosed monkey. This elusive species, with its distinctive blue face and golden fur, had faced the threat of extinction due to habitat loss.
But the park’s efforts to connect neighbouring protected areas have created a vast 2,400-square-kilometer sanctuary for these primates.
Jiang Bangqiong, a former hunter turned park ranger, has seen the transformation firsthand. “I applied to be a ranger, but at that time, the reserve manager was a little worried, knowing that I used to be a hunter. Because I used to be a hunter, I understand the predator psychology and know how to protect wildlife. Now the park has given me the chance to become a full-time ranger,” Jiang says. The shift from hunting to protection has not only helped preserve Shennongjia’s unique fauna but has also created new roles and respect for those committed to conserving the land.
A global model
Shennongjia National Park’s approach to conservation has garnered international recognition, highlighting the park’s role as a global model for integrating community well-being with ecological restoration. The focus on awareness raising, providing alternative livelihoods, and strengthening law enforcement has helped to curb activities like hunting and deforestation, which once threatened the park’s delicate ecosystems.
By addressing local challenges with sustainable solutions, Shennongjia’s conservation story underscores the power of community-driven change. The park’s transformation into a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve not only recognizes its unique biodiversity but also celebrates the dedication of those who have worked to restore its natural beauty.
As Guangming Dai says, “Shennongjia shows how protected areas can become a bridge between economic development and nature conservation.”
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral fund dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Its grants, blended financing, and policy support helps developing countries address their biggest environmental priorities and adhere to international environmental conventions. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $22 billion in financing and mobilized another US$120 billion for more than 5,000 national and regional projects.
