Environmental Protection in Western China

This project, in the Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve in the province of Yunnan, aims to preserve the natural habitat of hoolock gibbons, an endangered primate species. The reserve has been severely harmed by the local custom of extracting firewood. The project’s strategies include replacing wood-burning stoves with electric ovens, and raising environmental awareness among local people.

Period: August 2011 to July 2013

In Tibet, the Pendeba project is taking action to protect nature reserves while promoting social development. “Pendeba” is a term used by Tibetans to refer to volunteers who work to improve people’s wellbeing. The project offers training on environmental conservation, basic health precautions, and skills for generating income in a sustainable manner.

Period: August 2011 to August 2012

This project is focused on protecting the crested ibis, a bird that lives along the Hanjiang River, which has suffered from a reduction in the number of fish, its staple diet, due to excessive fishing in the region. The initiative plans to encourage the sustainable development of the local fishing industry, inspecting and limiting predatory fishing. In addition, the project will use advertising and community engagement initiatives to inspire local citizens to help protect the ibis.

Period: October 2010 to April 2013

The aim of the project is to educate farmers around Lake Guizhou, in the province of the same name, stimulating environmental protection and promoting the emergence of local environmental protection talent. The lake provides 60% of the water used by the city of Guiyang, the provincial capital, which has more than 1.2 million inhabitants.

Period: August 2011 to August 2013

This project pursues solutions to the problem of road accidents involving animals that live along Highway 213. Like other major roads, Highway 213 generates risks of collision and road kills for the species that inhabit the region.

Period: April 2011 to April 2012

This project, in the Fenggang region in the province of Guizhou, educates local farmers to grow high-quality organic tea in a sustainable manner. By supporting the region’s tea industry and helping it obtain a fair trade certification, the project aims to improve the living standards of local farmers while protecting the environment.

Period: August 2011 to August 2013

In the Sanjianguyuan region, which is the source of three rivers (the Yangtze, the Yellow and the Lantsang), this project is designed to highlight the importance of protecting the environment of western China. Parallel initiatives will be organized in Qinghai Province and Beijing, including walks by 1,000 volunteers and programs to encourage research by journalists.

Period: August 2011 to August 2013