In the misty mountains of Northwest China’s Gansu Province, Shengou Village is rewriting the playbook for sustainable development. Nestled within the Baishuijiang Giant Panda Reserve, the community has turned ecological constraints into economic opportunities through a sweet solution: beekeeping.
For years, strict conservation measures protecting the region’s biodiversity limited traditional industries. But resident Zhou Chaoquantook action. At 28, he launched a cooperative empowering villagers to cultivate honeybees alongside walnut farming—a winning combo that aligns with China’s 'lucid waters and lush mountains' green development philosophy.
'We’re proving conservation and prosperity can coexist,' says Zhou, who doubles as a reserve patroller. His team monitors wildlife while helping over 70 households boost honey yields using eco-friendly methods. Their award-winning honey now reaches urban markets nationwide.
Though the village achieved poverty alleviation in 2020, challenges remain. Zhou notes expanding sustainable tourism and digital sales channels will be key to long-term rural revitalization. As global climate debates intensify, Shengou’s model offers buzzworthy insights for balancing ecology and economy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
