In a landmark achievement for China’s conservation efforts, Yunlong Tianchi National Nature Reserve has become Yunnan province’s first protected area to receive inclusion on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. The prestigious designation was formally announced on December 17, 2025, recognizing the reserve’s exceptional management standards and biodiversity conservation outcomes.
Located within Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, the reserve received personal congratulations from IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar, who commended the conservation team’s exemplary work. In her official correspondence, Aguilar expressed confidence that Yunlong Tianchi would serve as an inspirational model for other protected areas throughout China and globally.
The IUCN Green List represents a globally recognized benchmark that evaluates the effectiveness of conservation management in protected zones. This international initiative aims to establish quality standards for biodiversity preservation while promoting successful conservation practices worldwide. With Yunlong Tianchi’s inclusion, China now boasts 25 nature reserves that have achieved this distinguished status.
The reserve’s management bureau has demonstrated particular effectiveness in protecting endangered species, including the critically endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey population and their fragile habitats. Conservation strategies have incorporated advanced comprehensive biodiversity monitoring systems that enable precise tracking of ecological health indicators.
Looking forward, reserve authorities plan to intensify efforts to develop innovative approaches that harmonize ecological protection with sustainable green industries. This initiative seeks to establish a regional paradigm for synergistic coexistence between human communities and natural ecosystems, potentially offering valuable insights for conservation programs globally.