Yangtze

WWF has been the leader in protecting the precious species and vital habitats of this region. For nearly 30 years we have achieved lasting results by reaching across political boundaries and forging relationships with communities, industry and governments at all levels. 

Giant panda with baby, Wolong Nature Reserve
© WWF-Canon / Susan A. MAINKA

Since WWF began working in China, the number of panda reserves in China has tripled - based on a conservation plan designed by WWF and adopted by the national government. More recently, WWF reached agreement with the Sichuan provincial government to establish a patrolling network among the 15 panda reserves across the Minshan mountain range and identified five corridors for restoration. 

The network will improve protection in reserves and the corridors will allow pandas to move safely between reserves. WWF has also introduced an innovative ecotourism program in the northern Minshan in cooperation with the Pingwu County government. The program markets homestays, horseback riding and traditional products. Now the indigenous Baima people are able to earn a living without harming the forests.

Notable Accomplishments

1980s

• Collaborated with Chinese government to survey giant pandas and developed the first-ever panda conservation plan 

1990s

• Helped create 15 panda reserves and five forest corridors in southwest China 
• Persuaded government to reroute a new highway that would have cut through a critical panda habitat and permanently bisected the population

2000s

• Established ecotourism program designed to provide an alternative source of income for the Baima ethnic group—who relied on logging—and minimize the negative impact on natural resources 
• Released third National Panda Survey, which provided a blueprint for doubling China’s panda reserves, protecting 90 percent of the population 
• Persuaded the government to remove the Zhangdu Lake’s dyke, restoring its natural connection to the Yangtze—WWF has reconnected 11 lakes to the river 
• Established the Yangtze Forum for national, provincial and local governments to manage conservation of the entire Yangtze River Basin—the first integrated governing body of its kind in China