Derung people thrive through ecological protection

Southwest China's Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture remains one of the least developed regions in the country. However, a local ethnic group, known as the Derung, have been able to lift themselves out of poverty through ecological protection. CGTN reporter Meng Qingsheng re-visited their community after four years to see how things have changed.

It's a long journey to get into Dulongjiang township - where the Derung people live. This upgraded road is the only way linking the community with the outside world.

After four years, we've got an opportunity to revisit this Maku Village, on China-Myanmar border. Meng Xinwen greeted us from his new kitchen, equipped with modern appliances.

MENG XINWEN Maku Resident "There have been many changes. With government's support, I was able to build a new kitchen and a new bathroom. I've bought machines to help remove the grass on my caoguo fields. And with the newly renovated road, it's much easier to travel around."
GUO LANXIANG Meng Xinwen's Wife "It's good to cook with electricity, as we've got newly upgraded power supplies. Life is convenient now."

When we visited the family in 2016, they suffered from poverty. They cultivated two hectares of caoguo, or Red Cardamum, earning around three hundred dollars a year.

Now, as a result of a rise in production levels, the family earns five times more. And their per capita annual income has risen from less than four hundred dollars, to 16 hundred dollars.

MENG XINWEN Maku Resident "The income from selling caoguo allows me to provide better education for my three children. It also helps me get better products for my daily necessities. It will be the most crucial part of my family income even in the future."

The cash crop is part of a local strategy to counter poverty and restore the region's biodiversity.

For generations, the Derung people adhered to a hunting and slash-and-burn agriculture. And illegal logging in the 1980s made things worse.

But over the years, the forest cover has increased to over 93 percent.

MENG QINGSHENG Dulongjiang, Nujiang, Yunnan "The main philosophy behind this growth pattern is the respect for nature. Instead of destroying forests and wildlife, they have now turned to a business model that's compatible with local ecology. Across the township, they have revived around five thousand local bee hives like this, thereby securing an extra source of income."

Cultivating morel mushrooms is another source of income. The township grows over 40 hectares of the mushroom, benefiting a third of its population.

We paid a visit to Wu Guoqing, who's spent 30 years guiding local growth. The man was behind many of the income-generating programs. But now, he's dedicated to fostering local chicken breed.

WU GUOQING Dulongjiang Poverty Alleviation Team "When tourism thrives in this township, it can not rely on others to supply all the food. It should have something unique to itself. This local chicken breed can multiply within a short period of time, and that's why we are working on it."

Like four years ago, Meng Xinwen continues working as a forest ranger, receiving 110 dollars per month.He's now preparing to get a driver's license and buy his first car. Meng Qingsheng, CGTN, Nujiang, Yunnan Province.

Editor: John Li