There are fewer than 150 Hoolock gibbons (Hoolock tianxing) left in the wild in China.
Half of this small population is distributed around communities outside nature reserves in Sudian Lisu Ethnic Township and Zhina Township in Yingjiang County. These low-elevation habitats are significant for gibbon conservation. Therefore, it is imperative to promote the participation of the Lisu ethnic community in gibbon conservation.
Our programme integrates gender perspectives and cultural sensitivity into conservation action.
In Lisu ethnic communities, women’s participation in public affairs is lower than men’s. Their contribution to their families and communities are wildly underestimated. We try to understand women’s life experiences, remind women of their importance in gibbon conservation, and encourage them to join in the decision-making process.
A three-year action agreement for the restoration of gibbon habitats has been formulated.
During several years of cooperation, young women have become our core partners. They are more willing to participate in public affairs decision-making and take over much of the work, planting local pioneer tree species. We are building a community conserved area in Yingjiang, and our goal is to achieve a net increase in the Hoolock gibbon’s population size in the focal area by 2033. Our current programmes include habitat connectivity enhancement, innovative monitoring technique exploration, multimedia publicity for fundraising, and partner-bonding and science communication.
