Exploring local challenges and adaptation strategies in the establishment of National Parks in giant panda habitats

Abstract

By integrating giant panda natural reserves and extending conservation to previously unprotected areas, the establishment of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) in China has inevitably impacted the livelihoods of residents who now reside in areas surrounding the natural reserves. Understanding how to best support sustainable development is important for appropriate policy development in these areas. To assess this, we initiated workshops in two communities now part of the GPNP in the Wawushan nature reserve and used participatory scenarios to explore the challenges and potential adaptation strategies for these areas. Our findings show that traditional timber harvesting and eco-friendly resource income-generating opportunities are the primary livelihoods impacted by the restrictions due to the GPNP in the Changhe community (CHC). In contrast, in the Heishan community (HSC), ecotourism and non-timber forest utilization are the primary livelihoods impacted. We analyze four plausible scenarios after the GPNP is completed, with the participants choosing the partial restriction scenario as the most desirable in both communities. Ultimately, the recommended adaptation strategies are to provide sufficient subsidies, alternative job opportunities, ecological recreational activities, and increased planting of white tea in CHC. In the HSC, the recommendations include the eco-friendly cooperative of medicinal herbs, ecotourism, and infrastructure improvements. The findings suggest the need for more targeted conservation policies from government and local GPNP management to support local livelihoods in these areas.