Using Upland Forest in Shimentai Nature Reserve, China^*

* We are grateful for the research grant support kindly provided by the Hui Oi Chow Trust Fund. The study was made possible through the cooperation and assistance of staff of the Shimentai Nature Reserve Management Bureau and of many local people and elementary school teachers in Changjiang, Huangdong, Lianshan, Liyu, Shimentai, Shuitou, and Wenfeng Village Committees. Heartfelt thanks are due to Dr. He Guoqiang and Mr. Xiao Yiwen for their support during field trips and to Professor Zhang Jinquan, Mr. Shi Yuan'an, and Mr. He Kejun for suggesting this study of the Shimentai Nature Reserve.

Abstract

The Shimentai Nature Reserve in Yingde County, Guangdong Province, China, established recently in a subtropical upland forest area, has served for ages as an essential and customary source of livelihood for local people. Assessment of forest usage indicates heavy reliance by villagers on its diversified biotic resources. This forest dependence, associated with socioeconomic factors such as distance from village, ethnic origin, out‐migration of rural youngsters, and a local tradition of conservation, is unlikely to decline in the near future. The reserve management recognizes the need to address the livelihood issues of local people and to win local support. A pragmatic adherence to provincial and higher‐level policies that exclude forest‐tapping activities could lead to more people‐versus‐park conflicts, which would dilute fundamental conservation objectives. A more enlightened and localized approach that nurtures a synergy between limited forest use and conservation while helping to develop new income sources could furnish workable alternatives.

• China
• forest use
• natural resources
• nature conservation
• nature reserve

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steve S. W. Xu

Dr. Xu earned his doctorate in geography at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,

C. Y. Jim

Dr. Jim is a professor of geography.