China

Located in the province of Inner Mongolia, the Saihan Wula (which means ‘the sovereign mountains in Mongolia’) Biosphere Reserve has a rich biodiversity consisting of cold temperate forests, grasslands, wetland ecosystems and the catchment areas of the Xiliaohe River. The specific traditions of the local ethnic people have contributed to the conservation of biodiversity. The 10,570 people who live permanently in the transition area of the biosphere reserve (2000) are of five ethnic groups: Mongolian, Manchu, Han, Hui and Dawuer.

Among the series of problems being addressed within the biosphere reserve framework are the expansion of wind-blown sandy areas, drought and soil-erosion. Poverty is seen as the key problem, which undermines the conservation of nature and biodiversity. Approaches and activities to mitigate the conflict between conservation and development include the introduction of controlled pasture and managed breeding systems, the reduction of the number of domestic animals, and the encouragement of non-polluting small industries. Activities such as harvesting wild vegetables, ecotourism, handicrafts and other tourism goods, are potential ways for alleviating poverty.