Challenges and Opportunities in Aligning Conservation with Development in China’s National Parks: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

As part of its effort to balance economic development with environmental objectives, China has established a new national park system, with the first five locations formally established in 2021. However, as the new parks all host or are proximate to human populations, aligning the socioeconomic needs and aspirations of local communities with conservation aims is critical for the long-term success of the parks. In this narrative review, the authors identify the ecological priorities and socioeconomic stakeholders of each of the five national parks; explore the tensions and synergies between these priorities and stakeholders; and synthesize the policy recommendations most frequently cited in the literature. A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Aligning traditional livelihoods with conservation, limiting road construction, promoting education and environmental awareness, and supporting the development of a sustainable tourism industry are identified as important steps to balance conservation with economic development in the new national parks.

Forest fragmentation causes an isolated population of the golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi Thomas, 1911) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in the Qinling Mountains (China)

“… Because there is a small number of B. t. bedfordi distributed in the surrounding areas of each reserve, we propose that the surrounding areas should be designated as the extension range of the reserve and the habitat range should be gradually expanded to satisfy the population increase. We suggest that the tourist administration bureau and relevant departments scientifically plan the norms of forest parks, the length of time scenic spots are open and control the size of tourist flow [ 63 , 64 ]. These measures can reduce the interference with the daily activities and migration of B. t. bedfordi caused by roads and tourists as much as possible.…”

“…We suggest that the tourist administration bureau and relevant departments scientifically plan the norms of forest parks, the length of time scenic spots are open and control the size of tourist flow [ 63 , 64 ]. These measures can reduce the interference with the daily activities and migration of B. t. bedfordi caused by roads and tourists as much as possible.…”

Rubber-based agroforestry systems modify the soil fungal composition and function in Southwest China

“…Rubber trees are the source of the main raw material for natural rubber and an indispensable strategic material for economic development (Guerra-Hincapié et al, 2023). With sustained and stable economic growth, the importance of rubber in a regional economy continues to increase (Rule et al, 2022). As a result of the expansion of rubber growing areas, many areas of the tropics, such as South East Asia, have turned large natural forests into monoculture rubber plantations (Li et al, 2021).…”