Editor’s Note: June 5 marks World Environment Day. It is a special occasion to encourage global awareness and action to protect our environment. The Gaoligong Mountains in southwest China are home to a wide range of endangered flora and fauna. Nicknamed “the genetic pool of the world’s species”, the region has experienced remarkable ecological improvements since the creation of a nature reserve. The CGTN visited the region to explore the changes.

Infrared cameras have captured dozens of endangered wildlife in the Gaoligong Mountains in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, according to images released by local authorities in late May. It is considered the latest evidence of improved ecology in the region.

More than 30 species of animals have been recorded by some 70 cameras, including takins, which are on China’s top protection list, black bears and stump tail monkeys.

Located along the Nujiang Grand Canyon which borders Myanmar, the Gaoligong Mountains have been nicknamed the “World’s Species Gene Pool” or “the World’s Natural Museum” for their rich biodiversity nurtured by diverse climate types. It is also part of the Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas, a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Over the past three decades, governments at different levels have gone to great lengths to conserve and improve the ecology of the region. A landmark decision came in 1986, when a National Nature Reserve was established, covering Baoshan and Nujiang, home to several unique ethnic groups like Nu, Lisu, and Dulong.

“Before the creation of the nature reserve, there was rampant human activities including hunting and deforestation. Through extensive advocacy for ecological protection, the mentality of local villagers towards nature has changed,” said Na ‘Apu, a member of the Lisu ethnic group, who started working as a forest ranger in 1984.

Routine patrolling is an important part of the job of the rangers there. They must stop any behavior that would damage natural resources and eliminate hidden risks for animals, such as the various traps set by malicious people.

“A thorough patrol takes at least three days. We need to bring simple food and a tent with us, ”Na told CGTN.

In China’s many nature reserves, rangers’ patrols have been the main, traditional but proven effective means of protection.

“We are also actively cooperating with academic institutions to improve our overall conservation capacity. Scientific monitoring and frequent research has been carried out on the flora and fauna of the reserve, ”said Yang Guiwei, officer of the Nujiang Management Bureau of the Gaoligong Mountains National Nature. Reserve.

A rescue center has also been set up in the reserve, where injured wild animals are carefully cared for, including different species of monkeys, bears and birds.

The efforts of the authorities and residents have borne fruit. In 2000, UNESCO accepted it as a member of the biosphere reserve, further emphasizing its important role in maintaining global biodiversity.

In 2011, a new type of snub-nosed monkey was discovered in the reserve. It was later named the “Nujiang Snub-nosed Monkey” and placed under China’s Level A Protected Animal Status. Today, the species’ population has grown to around 200.

In March, a family of capped langurs was filmed. It was the largest group of species ever recorded in the nature reserve.

Residents also benefit from ecological improvements. For example, as the number of various rare birds keeps increasing, many villagers have started birding businesses.

“The locals killed the birds with slingshots and cooked them. In 2018, I started a bird watching workshop to fight poverty. These are 45 local families, who earn money. thanks to mother nature by providing filming locations, “said Zhang Chaojiang, this business initiative, CGTN said in an interview last year.

Along with the achievements, many challenges await us. Located next to one of the largest canyons in the world, the vertical elevation difference of the mountain range reaches around 4000 meters, which is a big challenge for the rangers.

Nujiang is also one of the poorest regions of the country due to its special situation, which partly hinders scientific research and the development of the reserve’s infrastructure.

While the central government continues to emphasize its vision of “green development” and rigorously pursues its campaign to protect the environment, local authorities anticipate a more prosperous ecological world.

“I think we need to take further steps to better protect all kinds of resources in the region. It is not just our job as forest rangers, but the responsibility of all of society,” Na said.

(If you would like to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at [email protected])