Tibet, China- July 08, 2024

In the remote reaches of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), a groundbreaking initiative melds scientific expertise with local wisdom to tackle one of the world’s largest ecosystem restoration challenges. Spanning an area five times the size of France, this high-altitude plateau is not only home to rare flora and fauna but also serves as a crucial water source for over 2.5 billion people worldwide.

Facing threats from climate change and intensive grazing, the plateau's grasslands have been steadily degrading. Government-led efforts to restore biodiversity and soil fertility have often faltered due to insufficient community engagement.

A collaborative research team, comprising Tibetans and researchers from the UK and China, has immersed themselves in the local communities of Nyanze and Kouta for decades. Their findings, published in People and Nature, emphasize the pivotal role of local community members as partners in ecological restoration efforts.

Huxuan Dai, lead author and PhD student at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and the University of Liverpool, stresses the importance of integrating local values into restoration strategies. "Top-down approaches often overlook community perspectives," Dai explains. "Understanding local values and viewpoints is crucial to fostering meaningful participation in restoration projects."

The research identifies various groups within the communities, such as the "Active Agents" in Nyanze, who have spearheaded successful engagement through inclusive narratives that align with local cultural and religious beliefs. By reframing restoration efforts to resonate with Buddhist values of compassion towards all living beings, these leaders have galvanized community support.

Dr. Li Li, corresponding author and a member of the research team, reflects on their shared commitment to the plateau and its people. "Our team includes local Tibetans who have witnessed firsthand the changes in their grasslands," Dr. Li notes. "Their dedication and knowledge are integral to our mission of promoting sustainable ecosystem management."

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their research into adaptive management strategies and regional knowledge dissemination, aiming to catalyze transformative change across the QTP.