As a conservation organization, WWF is concerned about the loss of biodiversity and the degrading quality of the world's environment. An important component of this is ecologically sound development activities, particularly those that link conservation and human needs.

For China, the ICDP (Integrated Conservation and Development) approach is a relatively new way of achieving biodiversity conservation. This approach seeks to harmonize the relationship between conservation and development needs and to promote local participation in decision making on issues like protected area management and the conservation of natural resources. WWF’s Integrated Conservation and Development Projects in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve (Yunnan Province) focuses on improving management of the reserve, reducing conflicts between the reserve and local communities, and improving the livelihoods of local people by enhancing their capacity for self-development and resource management.

Basic facts

• As of 1997, 63% of the population of Deqin County (where Baimaxueshan is located) were officially in poverty with an average per capita income of 607 RMB (US$75). It is almost certain that incomes have decreased here since the national logging ban was imposed in 1998.



• In the Baimaxueshan area of Yunnan province, one village reported that a member of every single household had been detained, fined, or jailed for illegal fuelwood or timber harvesting.



• Giant pandas lost half their habitat between 1974 and 1989



• Forests cover only 17% of China’s territory, compared to an international average of 34%

• Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation and poaching because of human activities



• Wildlife trade and the illegal hunting of species, whose body parts are used in traditional Chinese medicines

• To improve livelihoods through alternative sources of income



• Awareness and capacity building



• To protect forests and manage them efficiently



• Restore forests through planned processes that aim to conserve biodiversity and enhance options for people's livelihoods.

• Extensive baseline data and land-use assessment for Pingwu County and Baimaxueshan collected



• Since 1996, WWF has trained over 300 nature reserve staff and local government officials in nature reserve management, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching patrolling, and pioneering community-based conservation approaches



• Wanglang Nature Reserve was the first destination in China to receive a certificate from an international accreditation organization (NEAP) for sustainable tourism. The international committee approved Wanglang as an international-standard ecotourism destination, certifying that it promotes responsible travel to natural areas while conserving the environment and improving the welfare of local people.



• Using participatory approaches and supported by WWF, villagers in Baimaxueshan analyzed their situation, identified problems and devised solutions. The project has helped identify sources of technical assistance, and many activities, such as the building of fuel-efficient stoves and health training, are underway.