Towards community-driven conservation in southwest China: reconciling state and local perceptions

Conserving biodiversity and ecosystems is now a priority in China. Consequently, the country has followed western conservation models by creating large number s of public protected areas. However, this approach often disenfranchises local people, not only causing resentment and denying them access to territory and environmenta l services, but also failing to draw on their experience of long-term land management. The ca se of Yunnan illustrates how state perceptions of biodiversity and the administration of prot ected areas often comprise a simplified view conflicting with local customs, usages, and insights into the interaction between people and nature – interactions that may be mutually beneficial. With reference to the unique aspects of Chinese history, society, national character, and political systems, this paper analyses conservation planning in China and calls for reconciling state and local perceptions about conservation and further development of cooperative relationships between the state and communities to formulate conservation policy: community-driven conservation. Such relationships are being recognized around the worl d as a way of binging about more balanced and pragmatic conservation management and harmony in society.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5716/WP15421.PDF

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