Project completed

Conservation problem 

The Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Dahetou Village is partly owned collectively officially, while the other half is managed at household level. Disputes over tenure boundaries, deforestation and transformation of large parts of the forests into plantations have led to a significant decline in important native tree species 

Project goal   

Through its partner, Yunnan Institute of Environmental Science, BGCI worked to raise awareness among the local community and authorities of the ecological significance and economic potential of the forest’s native plant diversity. The ultimate aim was to help them develop and manage the forest more sustainably, with 1 ha of formerly forested land to be restored with native tree species. 

Why these species? 

The Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Dahetou Village includes around of 2,700 ha of temperate forest, and it home to two Magnolia species: Magnolia cathcartii and Magnolia doltsopa.  

What did we do? 

BGCI worked with the Yunnan Institute of Environmental Science to raise conservation awareness among local communities and authorities of the value of native trees and the threats facing them. The project also initiated restoration of 1 hectare of forested land by planting native species. 

Key achievements 

Beginning in 2012, the team developed an initial land use map, completed surveys to locate native target species for the propagation material and created public outreach materials. 

In 2013, the project has built on this progress, undertaking ethnobotanical surveys to understand how local communities are making use of forest resources as well as beginning training sessions in propagation techniques with local communities. 

In 2014, the restoration began, with saplings planted out in the community owned forest. We supported consultations with local stakeholders and authorities to develop a community forest management plan to support the continuation of this work. 

Demonstration home gardens were also established in 10 households to encourage the concept of home gardening. This included a competition that awarded prizes to the 10 best home gardens (especially those with high species diversity), which helped to promote the project beyond Dahetou village. 

The villagers have been taking care of the restored trees, and the improved home gardens are still playing a vital role in the community life. The medicinal herb, Paria polyphylla, from the ethnobotanical survey has been widely planted by most households in the village because of it uses. 

Contact details 

For more information on this project, please contact globaltrees@bgci.org