{
  "id": 3666002,
  "title": "China’s Tianmu Mountain reserve tackles modern conservation amid religious tradition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/chinas-tianmu-mountain-reserve-tackles-modern-conservation-amid",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-27T04:38:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mongabay",
    "slug": "mongabay",
    "url": "https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/chinas-tianmu-mountain-reserve-tackles-modern-conservation-amid-religious-tradition/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, situated on the eastern coast of China, has recently undergone a monumental expansion, growing from 4,300 hectares (10,630 acres) to becoming the expansive Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, covering 54,700 hectares (135,170 acres) in 2025. This makes it the first such expansion in China's history. The reserve, renowned as the \"kingdom of big trees,\" is home to the ancient and endangered Ginkgo biloba, among other precious species such as the Chinese pangolin, black muntjac, Chinese golden larch, and Tianmu ironwood.\n\nReligious traditions, including Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian, have traditionally been instrumental in preserving the local flora and fauna in this mountainous region. Local temples enforced stringent rules and penalties against deforestation, but with the recent reserve expansion, state regulations now provide the formal legal framework for the area. Despite this shift, religious traditions continue to significantly influence public attitudes towards conservation.\n\nLu Senhong, head of the publicity and education division at the Tianmu National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, explained to Mongabay that the reserve holds immense value not just for its biodiversity, but also because locals hold a deep belief that every tree, flower, and bird carries a spirit. This reverence for nature has played a crucial role in protecting the mountain and its inhabitants. The administration now formally oversees the reserve, while continuing to uphold and build upon the religious traditions that have long served as guardians of its natural wealth.",
  "summary": "Buddhist, Daoist and Confucian traditions have long guided the protection of plants and wildlife in a nature reserve on Tianmu Mountain in eastern China. Local temples enforced strict rules and punishments against forest destruction, but, following the reserve’s recent expansion, state regulations now provide the formal legal framework for the area. Local officials say religious […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng Reserve expands to 54,700 hectares in 2025",
    "Ancient Ginkgo biloba and endangered species thrive in reserve",
    "Religious traditions influence conservation efforts in mountain region"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expansion of Tianmu Mountain reserve formalizes state conservation efforts, blending traditional religious influences with modern regulations to protect biodiversity and unique species in the region.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}