Core Points - The fifth World Biosphere Reserve Conference concluded in Hangzhou on September 25, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use through multidisciplinary approaches [1][19] - China has 34 natural reserves recognized by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserves, ranking first in Asia, with the Gaoligong Mountain area being a significant biodiversity hotspot [1][19] Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts - Gaoligong Mountain, covering only 0.36% of China's land area, hosts approximately 17% of the country's higher plants and 20% of its mammals, making it a global biodiversity treasure [1][3] - The area is home to over 7,000 recorded higher plant species, including 380 endemics, and 1,343 vertebrate species, with 56 being unique to the region [3] - Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the population of the endangered Gongshan antelope from around 450 in 2011 to over 800 currently [3][11] Sustainable Development Initiatives - The "Man and the Biosphere" program initiated by UNESCO aims to balance biodiversity protection with human livelihood improvement, serving as a platform for sustainable development [5][19] - Local communities are engaged in biodiversity protection, with young people from nearly 30,000 impoverished households employed as ecological forest rangers, transforming their roles from resource exploiters to protectors [11][19] - The introduction of sustainable practices, such as the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms like white lingzhi, has provided economic benefits while promoting forest conservation [13][19] Community Involvement and Ecotourism - Villagers in Sanhe Village have shifted from hunting to bird conservation, fostering an ecotourism industry that attracts photography enthusiasts and promotes local biodiversity [15][17] - The integration of community development with ecological protection has led to a harmonious coexistence between local livelihoods and environmental conservation [17][19] Global Collaboration and Future Directions - The theme of the conference, "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature," aligns with China's ecological civilization goals and highlights the need for global cooperation in biodiversity conservation [19] - China's model of sustainable development offers valuable insights for global efforts to address ecological challenges and promote harmonious coexistence between economic growth and environmental protection [19]