Hongya County, located in the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin, is 70% forested and forms an important water source that supports local livelihoods. Hongya County is also located on a corridor that connects areas important for biodiversity conservation. The diverse and rich ecosystem has nurtured many endemic species, including the giant panda.
In recent years, however, unsustainable agriculture and tourism in the surrounding communities have increased the burden on natural resources, and the forest ecosystem has become less functional.
In the designated reserves, we will provide training in reforestation and human resource development to strengthen the management system. We will also conduct nature education for tourists visiting the reserves and local communities, with the aim of promoting ecotourism that can be enjoyed while taking nature and wildlife into consideration. Since one of the major causes of forest degradation is the impact on the livelihoods of local communities, we will also work to provide sustainable livelihood options that are compatible with nature conservation.
The giant panda that inhabits a very limited area of China is endangered because its habitat has been restricted by the fragmentation of forests due to deforestation and conversion to agricultural land.
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