Home / Environment / Herders Become River Guardians in China
Herders Become River Guardians in China
22 Jul
Summary
- Local herders are now ecological rangers safeguarding crucial water sources.
- A 'one household, one post' policy provides stable income for conservation.
- Wildlife populations, like Tibetan antelopes, have significantly increased.
Ecological rangers, primarily local herders, are now instrumental in protecting China's Three-River-Source National Park, a critical ecological security barrier.
This community-led conservation network covers pastures, rivers, and wetlands, an area difficult to monitor solely through administrative means. The "one household, one post" policy has been a cornerstone, providing ecological public welfare positions to households.
By the end of 2025, the number of ranger posts increased to 20,843, with rangers earning 1,800 yuan monthly. This "ecological ranger plus" model expands their duties to include policy promotion and dispute mediation.
The expanded patrol network has yielded significant results. Illegal activities like poaching and mining have diminished, water systems have recovered with more lakes and rivers, and wildlife populations, including Tibetan antelopes, have seen substantial growth.
Conservation efforts are also integrated with public education and community development. Local residents are prioritized in ecological restoration projects, earning additional income while contributing to environmental recovery.
The park's ranger system highlights how conservation succeeds when integrated with the livelihoods of people who intimately know the land, turning herders into both beneficiaries and guardians.
