Xizang Villagers Thrive Through Eco-Tourism

Community-led conservation projects in Xizang's Metog county are revitalizing villages by safeguarding forests and sharing Monba culture. These initiatives are fostering sustainable tourism, bringing economic benefits to local residents. The Shan Shui Conservation Center (SSCC) has been instrumental, establishing a permanent station in Metog in 2022 to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Since January 2026, volunteers have been involved in projects like painting murals that celebrate the region's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. These efforts are complemented by the development of eco-tourism routes centered around local landmarks, such as the Bhutan pine. This has generated approximately 150,000 yuan for the Gelin community in the past year.

The success in Gelin has inspired similar projects, including a new pilot site in Hezha village. Here, initiatives focus on mapping nature trails and documenting local stories, traditions, and ecological knowledge. Volunteers, including birdwatching enthusiasts, are contributing to creating guidebooks and developing nature education programs.

These community empowerment efforts aim to equip residents with skills for environmental stewardship, such as wildlife data collection and forest patrols. The goal is to foster a symbiotic relationship where villagers, once reliant on hunting, now act as guides, living in harmony with the natural environment and ensuring its protection for future generations.