Ecological Restoration Driving the Revitalization of Ethnic Culture in Huilong Village

China’s tropical rainforests are facing increasing threats of disappearance and fragmentation. Integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable community development represents both an innovative pathway and a pressing necessity for achieving rural revitalization. This project, situated in the degraded rubber plantation area of Huilong Village in Mengla County, aims to promote community development through tropical rainforest restoration and protection, biodiversity enhancement, and diversified community co-construction—creating a demonstration model of ecological conservation and local prosperity based on the “Two Mountains” principle.

The project was proposed by the Mengla Branch of the Xishuangbanna Prefecture Ecology and Environment Bureau, and entrusted to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XTBG) as the lead implementing agency. Good to Nature was invited to co-develop the project, taking primary responsibility for the community co-benefit and social participation components. By introducing social innovation and public engagement mechanisms, the initiative seeks to activate local economic potential, connect community livelihoods with ecological value, and establish a sustainable closed-loop model for ecological restoration.

A 95-mu (approx. 6.3-hectare) degraded rubber forest restoration site has been established, drawing on the successful experience of the Menglun Middle School Rainforest Restoration Project. The project employs a combination of Framework Species Planting, Assisted Natural Regeneration, and Natural Regeneration to identify the most effective methods for converting monoculture rubber forests into tropical rainforests. This component is led by the Restoration Ecology Group at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Focusing on rainforest restoration and Hani ethnic culture, the project has designed locally distinctive educational routes. Once fully developed, these routes will be operated independently by village residents, enabling self-sustaining community income generation.

Culturally authentic events rooted in Hani ethnic traditions are being developed to enhance the village’s tourism appeal. These initiatives aim to revitalize indigenous culture, strengthen community pride and identity, and foster cultural confidence among local residents.

The Eco-Art Workshop, now operational, engages local artisans to transform traditional ecological knowledge andcultural materials into eco-art souvenirs. This enhances the visitor experience while extending the economic value chain of local tourism.

By connecting with major online travel platforms such as Trip.com, the project expands sales channels for local tourism products and services, increasing market reach, visitor inflow, and income conversion for the community.

University Collaboration in Rural Co-Development: The project has partnered with the College of Design and Innovation of Tongji University, leveraging Huilong Village’s local resources to jointly develop hands-on art experiences that combine cultural authenticity with practical implementation. This collaboration successfully resulted in the establishment of the Eco-Art Workshop, fostering deep integration between art and rural practice.

Corporate Partnerships and Monthly Donation Support for Rural Co-Development: The project actively expands corporate partnerships and monthly donation programs, channeling continuous social resources and funding into Huilong Village’s ecological restoration and community development. These efforts help build a sustainable mechanism for long-term rural co-development.