British Experts Visit Shennongjia National Park Candidate Area to Explore New Pathways for Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Development

　　From October 19 to 21, a delegation led by Antony Preston, British Consul General in Chongqing, and Richard Cox, Deputy Consul General in Wuhan, conducted a field visit to the Shennongjia National Park candidate area. The delegation included experts from Forestry England and the UK National Parks Partnerships, who jointly carried out an in-depth study and exchange on-site.

　　This visit marked not only a deep dialogue between China and the United Kingdom in the field of national park ecological conservation, but also took “Mobilizing Social Investment for Nature Conservation” as a key theme — exploring practical approaches to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

　　The delegation began its visit at the Guanmenshan Science Education Base, where members gained a comprehensive understanding of Shennongjia’s ecological wealth through a systematic tour of the Geological Museum, Flora and Fauna Museum, and Scientific Expedition Hall. From the region’s unique landforms shaped by hundreds of millions of years of geological evolution, to conservation data on rare species such as the dove tree and the golden snub-nosed monkey, and further to the recent technological breakthroughs achieved by scientific teams in ecological restoration, the delegation witnessed first-hand the rigorous and systematic efforts underpinning Shennongjia’s management framework centered on scientific research and conservation. This approach not only represents a commitment to safeguarding natural heritage but also serves as a practical model for localized ecological research and conservation.

　　At the Natural Ecology Museum and the Information Center within the national park candidate area, the delegation gained a deeper insight into the core mechanisms behind Shennongjia’s conservation efforts. Through video demonstrations, interpretations of infrared camera monitoring data, and detailed explanations by staff on biodiversity conservation plans, the delegation learned how Shennongjia has established an integrated “space–air–ground” monitoring network (combining satellite remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicle monitoring, and ground-based observation) and a targeted wildlife protection system, both of which were highly commended by the visiting experts. This “scientific monitoring + targeted conservation” model not only provides robust data support for ecological protection in Shennongjia, but also offers valuable insights and practical experience for ecological conservation in UK national parks.

　　Holly Story, Head of Nature-Based Solutions at the UK National Parks Partnerships, remarked: “We are very pleased to be here in Shennongjia and to see the amazing habitats and wildlife that have been well preserved here. In the UK, our national parks have been a lot more impacted by people over many years, so it is fantastic to see how your habitats have been preserved, and I think we can learn a lot from how you have cared for them, and use that to improve our programs of restoration, for example on peat land and peat moss habitats, which we are currently undertaking a very ambitious program of restoration on these habitats in the UK, and they have some similarities to the amazingly preserved habitats that you have here in Shennongjia.”

　　Mark Holroyd, Head of Recreation and Communications for the North of England at Forestry England, shared his reflections from the eco-narrative perspective: “It's wonderful to be here in Shennongjia National Park. We've had a wonderful visit and it's amazing to experience the fresh air from the forests and the mountains that surround us. This museum is amazing and a wonderful example of how you tell the globally important story of this national park, which is important to the whole world. I think the UK can learn a lot from how you tell the stories of your national parks here to the visitors that visit our national parks. Our national parks are very popular and they are very different. They are lived in landscapes that have been managed and looked after by humans for thousands of years very different from this pure and conserved wilderness that you have here in Shennongjia and in other national parks in China, and I look forward to learning more over the rest of today.”

　　In addition to its ecological and scientific focus, the delegation also visited several landmarks that embody the integration of culture and nature, including the Shennong Altar and the Natural Bridge. At the Shennong Altar, the legend of Emperor Shennong, who tasted herbs to heal and protect life, echoes today’s concept of ecological conservation. The delegation came to understand that Shennongjia’s efforts are not only about protecting nature, but also about preserving the cultural gene of harmony between humans and nature. Meanwhile, the protection of natural relics such as the thousand-year-old fir demonstrates Shennongjia’s dual commitment to ecological conservation and cultural heritage. This approach not only strengthens public recognition of ecological protection, but also provides cultural support for sustainable development.

　　According to the schedule, the delegation will next visit the Dalongtan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation and Research Base, Shennongding, and other key sites. The upcoming visits will focus on topics such as the protection of flagship species and the ecological features of the karst landforms in Shennong Valley, further deepening the scope of the study tour.

　　This China–UK exchange carries profound significance. On the one hand, it showcases to the international community the “Shennongjia Model” of China’s national park development — a model that builds on scientific research, relies on precise monitoring, and draws strength from cultural heritage to achieve a balance between ecological protection and sustainable development. On the other hand, by incorporating the UK’s experience in social investment and restoration of degraded ecosystems, Shennongjia is also exploring new pathways for transforming ecological value.

　　More importantly, this cross-border and cross-system exchange contributes “China–UK wisdom” to global ecological governance. Against the backdrop of biodiversity conservation becoming a shared global commitment, countries at different stages of development and with diverse ecological foundations can, through mutual learning, formulate more inclusive and effective conservation strategies. As the host of this exchange, Shennongjia has not only enhanced its international visibility, but also contributed new approaches and inspiration to global ecological conservation through China’s practical experience.（Text/Du Hua Fang Zeyang）