To address the issue of forest management in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing, China, the aim of safeguarding the watershed’s water quality through the application of integrated forest management approaches.
To improve the water conservation capacity of forests at three project sites by applying a close-to-nature management approach;
To reduce water pollution caused by fertilizer application in the selected orchard;
To enhance the livelihoods of the selected local community by promoting forest recreation development;
To strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders to manage forests in an environmentally friendly manner;
To develop best-practice models for long-term sustainable forest management in the watershed.
Monoculture plantations of Pinus tabuliformis and Platycladus orientalis covering more than 280 hectares in three project sites managed using a close-to-nature approach;
Livelihoods of the local community improved through the promotion of eco-tourism;
Capacity of relevant stakeholders to manage forests and eco-tourism enhanced;
Experiences and lessons learned documented and disseminated.
The project successfully restored 283 hectares of degraded forest in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing, using close-to-nature forest management. This improved water conservation, biodiversity, and forest resilience. Thinning, enrichment planting, and sustainable orchard management helped transition monoculture plantations into mixed forests, enhancing their ecological functions.
The project also developed eco-tourism in Long Mountain Valley, integrating forest therapy, education, and recreation. New infrastructure, including trails, viewing platforms, and an exhibition center, attracted visitors and created alternative income sources for local communities. Residents gained employment through tourism services, forest management, and sustainable non-timber forest product harvesting.
Local capacity building was strengthened through training programs, equipping forest practitioners and communities with sustainable management skills. More than 10 training sessions were held, and an eco-tourism management plan was developed to ensure long-term sustainability.
The project’s impacts extended to policy development, influencing forest management strategies in Beijing. Policy recommendations were submitted to the local government, emphasizing sustainable forest management and eco-tourism integration. The project also gained national recognition, with Shichangyu designated as a model site for multi-functional forestry.
