Integrating biodiversity conservation and local community perspectives in China through human dimensions research

Abstract

Biodiversity in China coexists alongside large ethnically diverse rural human populations within linked ‘biocultural’ social–ecological systems. Cumulative and changing local anthropogenic pressures linked to human population growth and economic development are driving unsustainable resource exploitation, habitat loss and extensive species declines. However, these pressures vary between species and systems, and efforts to conserve regional biodiversity may also have unintended negative impacts on local communities and their long-term relationship with nature. Based on our extensive experience working across China's diverse but vulnerable biocultural landscapes, we showcase a series of case studies that illustrate the differing interactions between biodiversity and local community use of natural resources, and the differing consequences of conservation management on local livelihoods. We highlight that some social–ecological relationships in China can maintain and support biodiversity, and we advocate for management underpinned by interdisciplinary conservation research that engages local communities, associated with robust evidence-based assessment and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective monitoring and optimization of impacts. We frame a series of steps required to understand and mitigate local pressures on threatened species in China and identify potential ‘win–win’ approaches for the regional maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods, with directions proposed for future research, engagement and management. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.