Ancient Trail shows how nature and culture clash
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Researchers studied the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail in China to understand how to best protect landscapes valued for both their natural environment and cultural history.
They found that biodiversity and cultural diversity generally occurred in separate areas along the trail, with almost 99% of the region showing conflict between the two. This separation resulted from competition for limited space, the impact of roads, and traditional ways of life.
The study team developed a plan for conservation that included designating core protected areas and corridors, along with four different strategies based on minimal intervention or appropriate revitalization. They used a model combining biocultural diversity with a systematic conservation planning approach to guide their recommendations. This research offers a new way to manage mountainous historical landscapes by considering both ecological and cultural factors. The scientists hope their method can be used in other similar locations to create effective conservation plans.
