Ecological governance

Joining UNESCO's "Man and the Biosphere" program in 1980, Dinghushan station pioneered the "core zone-buffer zone-experimental zone" management model. "We adhere to complete prohibition in the core zone and balanced scientific research in the experimental zone," Liu said. This graded protection concept has become widespread across national nature reserves.

Dinghushan station's ecological value extends beyond its own region, with flourishing international cooperation. Since the first international collaboration with Illinois State University in 1988, the station has engaged in long-term research with over 20 international scientific institutions, hosting global events like strategic meetings for the International Long-Term Ecological Research Network, becoming a global observatory laboratory.

Under the "Man and the Biosphere" framework, the "forest ecosystem carbon sequestration model" was included in the United Nations climate change assessment report, providing a reference for developing countries in addressing climate crises, making Dinghu Mountain a global benchmark for ecological research.

Shi Yudie contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn