Biodiversity

INBAR Technical Report No.
34
Gi l es Henl ey, Lou Yi pi ng, Li Yanxi a
Results of the EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem
Biodiversity Project, 2007-2010, in China
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan
www.i nbar.i nt
The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental
organisation established in 1997. INBAR is dedicated to improving the social,
economic, and environmental benefts of bamboo and rattan.
INBAR plays a unique role in fnding and demonstrating innovative ways of using
bamboo and rattan to protect environments and biodiversity, alleviate poverty, and
facilitates fairer pro-poor trade. INBAR connects a global network of partners from the
government, private, and not-for-proft sectors in over 50 countries to defne and
implement a global agenda for sustainable development through bamboo and rattan.
2014
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
P. O. Box 100102-86
Beijing 100102, P. R. China
Tel: 00 86 10 64706161
Fax: 00 86 10 64702166
Email: info@inbar.int
http:// www.inbar.int
Edited by Andrew Benton
Produced by Megan Cai, Li Yanxia
All photos by INBAR
ISBN: 978-92-95098-33-6
Printed on recycled paper
Boosting biodiversity,
enhancing yields
Foreword
2
Boosting biodiversity, enhancing yields
Results of the EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem Biodiversity Project,
2007-2010 in China
The services and goods that are provided by bamboo are virtually
unlimited. Well-managed bamboo stands can provide a sustainable
supply of high-quality bamboo poles that can be used whole or split
to yield raw material for processing into all manner of products. A
healthy bamboo forest helps with soil conservation, carbon
sequestration and erosion control. Bamboo can provide nutritious
food and bamboo extracts can be used in a variety of ways.
Over the past few decades the demand for bamboo has increased
tremendously, often resulting in damaging management practices
such as growing bamboo as a monoculture, over-harvesting the
resource, and applying inappropriate amounts and type of
fertilizers. This has in many cases afected the environmental
service functions and the long-term productivity of the natural
forest, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the
farmers who depend on the bamboo.
There is an urgent need to agree on more environmentally-friendly
sustainable management practices that maintain the ecosystem
but still provide a good fnancial income, and to develop policies to
foster the restoration of biodiversity and enhance productivity of
natural bamboo forests.
The EU-China Biodiversity Programme was established by the EU,
UNDP and Ministry of Environment in China to help enable China to
manage its ecosystems more sustainably. From 2007 - 2011, INBAR
worked with the programme staf and our partners in Yunnan,
Sichuan and Hunan provinces, to develop and test a set of
biodiversity-friendly management practices for bamboo, and to use
them to develop policy recommendations that could be adopted
and adapted into the Chinese forest policy framework. This book
presents the results of that work, of its continuing infuence and of
the improvements in bamboo management practices that it has
inspired in those three provinces, and more broadly in China and
beyond.
Hans Friederich
Director General
Foreword
2
2007-2010 in China
The services and goods that are provided by bamboo are virtually
unlimited. Well-managed bamboo stands can provide a sustainable
supply of high-quality bamboo poles that can be used whole or split
to yield raw material for processing into all manner of products. A
healthy bamboo forest helps with soil conservation, carbon
sequestration and erosion control. Bamboo can provide nutritious
food and bamboo extracts can be used in a variety of ways.
Over the past few decades the demand for bamboo has increased
tremendously, often resulting in damaging management practices
such as growing bamboo as a monoculture, over-harvesting the
resource, and applying inappropriate amounts and type of
fertilizers. This has in many cases afected the environmental
service functions and the long-term productivity of the natural
forest, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the
farmers who depend on the bamboo.
There is an urgent need to agree on more environmentally-friendly
sustainable management practices that maintain the ecosystem
but still provide a good fnancial income, and to develop policies to
foster the restoration of biodiversity and enhance productivity of
natural bamboo forests.
The EU-China Biodiversity Programme was established by the EU,
UNDP and Ministry of Environment in China to help enable China to
manage its ecosystems more sustainably. From 2007 - 2011, INBAR
worked with the programme staf and our partners in Yunnan,
Sichuan and Hunan provinces, to develop and test a set of
biodiversity-friendly management practices for bamboo, and to use
them to develop policy recommendations that could be adopted
and adapted into the Chinese forest policy framework. This book
presents the results of that work, of its continuing infuence and of
the improvements in bamboo management practices that it has
inspired in those three provinces, and more broadly in China and
beyond.
Hans Friederich
Director General
3 4
2007-2010 in China
The INBAR-implemented Bamboo Biodiversity Project was one of eighteen projects
under the umbrella of the 2007 2010 EU-China Biodiversity Programme. Working
in the commercially-important Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso bamboo) and
endangered Qiongzhuea tumidinodia (Qiong bamboo) forests, the project developed
a series of management methods that maintain high levels of biodiversity in the
forests, whilst enabling increasing economic yields of harvested bamboo. These
tested management recommendations are now being implemented beyond the
project areas, and have formed the basis for policy recommendations to the
government forestry agencies of provincial and national government in China.
The project achieved the following results:
Hundreds of villagers in very poor parts of southwestern China use new
biodiversity-friendly methods of managing their bamboo forests, increasing
yields and providing an extra 1000USD income each for the farmers each year.
Over 50 provincial level government agency personnel are trained in managing
bamboo forests for biodiversity, and many of them now support and implement
these practices.
Enhanced understanding of the benefts of managing bamboo forests for
biodiversity conservation in many bamboo-growing provinces of China has
resulted in improved local capacity to implement the management practices.
A national network of experts is accessible to local farmers and villagers who rely
on bamboo for their livelihoods.
A range of technical and academic study papers have been produced that
enable interested parties to replicate or improve the methodologies, and are a
source for further research and innovation.
A long-term solution has been proposed to prevent the destruction of Qiong
bamboo forests by severe overharvesting, and to promote their eventual
removal from the China Red List of endangered species.
Enhanced education and understanding of school children in the project areas
about the importance of protecting biodiversity has provided grass-roots
support for long-term sustainability.
These results are of special signifcance given the increasing importance of bamboo
forests in providing ecosystem services, and the international interest in a supply of
sustainable bamboo resources. The project has clearly illustrated the increasing
economic costs of maintaining bamboo forests as monocultures, with diminishing
long-term yields and the need for increasingly expensive cultivation practices.
As the project was the frst of its kind and ran for just three years, it can best be regard-
ed as providing a solid foundation on which longer term studies would be expected
to build.
Summary Contents

1. Introduction....................................................................................................
2. Overview of the project...............................................................................
3. Development of bamboo forest management models
that protect biodiversity...........................................................................
4. Disseminating new knowledge of bamboo ecosystems.................
5. Training..........................................................................................................
6. Policy Research............................................................................................
7. Lessons learnt for bamboo development in other
countries ........................................................................................................
8. Conclusions...................................................................................................
9. Longer term results, 2011 - 2013............................................................
Annex 1: Findings of Plant, Bird and Soil Organism
population surveys.......................................................................
Annex 2: Scientifc publications published through
the projects work.........................................................................
Bibliography.....................................................................................................
Acknowledgements........................................................................................
39
43
48
49
50
36
33
31
29
25
13
9
5
4 Summary..............................................................................................................
3 4
2007-2010 in China
The INBAR-implemented Bamboo Biodiversity Project was one of eighteen projects
under the umbrella of the 2007 2010 EU-China Biodiversity Programme. Working
in the commercially-important Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso bamboo) and
endangered Qiongzhuea tumidinodia (Qiong bamboo) forests, the project developed
a series of management methods that maintain high levels of biodiversity in the
forests, whilst enabling increasing economic yields of harvested bamboo. These
tested management recommendations are now being implemented beyond the
project areas, and have formed the basis for policy recommendations to the
government forestry agencies of provincial and national government in China.
The project achieved the following results:
Hundreds of villagers in very poor parts of southwestern China use new
biodiversity-friendly methods of managing their bamboo forests, increasing
yields and providing an extra 1000USD income each for the farmers each year.
Over 50 provincial level government agency personnel are trained in managing
bamboo forests for biodiversity, and many of them now support and implement
these practices.
Enhanced understanding of the benefts of managing bamboo forests for
biodiversity conservation in many bamboo-growing provinces of China has
resulted in improved local capacity to implement the management practices.
A national network of experts is accessible to local farmers and villagers who rely
on bamboo for their livelihoods.
A range of technical and academic study papers have been produced that
enable interested parties to replicate or improve the methodologies, and are a
source for further research and innovation.
A long-term solution has been proposed to prevent the destruction of Qiong
bamboo forests by severe overharvesting, and to promote their eventual
removal from the China Red List of endangered species.
Enhanced education and understanding of school children in the project areas
about the importance of protecting biodiversity has provided grass-roots
support for long-term sustainability.
These results are of special signifcance given the increasing importance of bamboo
forests in providing ecosystem services, and the international interest in a supply of
sustainable bamboo resources. The project has clearly illustrated the increasing
economic costs of maintaining bamboo forests as monocultures, with diminishing
long-term yields and the need for increasingly expensive cultivation practices.
As the project was the frst of its kind and ran for just three years, it can best be regard-
ed as providing a solid foundation on which longer term studies would be expected
to build.
Summary Contents

1. Introduction....................................................................................................
2. Overview of the project...............................................................................
3. Development of bamboo forest management models
that protect biodiversity...........................................................................
4. Disseminating new knowledge of bamboo ecosystems.................
5. Training..........................................................................................................
6. Policy Research............................................................................................
7. Lessons learnt for bamboo development in other
countries ........................................................................................................
8. Conclusions...................................................................................................
9. Longer term results, 2011 - 2013............................................................
Annex 1: Findings of Plant, Bird and Soil Organism
population surveys.......................................................................
Annex 2: Scientifc publications published through
the projects work.........................................................................
Bibliography.....................................................................................................
Acknowledgements........................................................................................
39
43
48
49
50
36
33
31
29
25
13
9
5
4 Summary..............................................................................................................
5 6
Bamboo farming and biodiversity
Farming bamboo is an important source of income for some 4-5 million people living in
the rural areas of Southern China. Bamboo is an important forest crop that produces
woody timber and bamboo shoots - vegetables that are commonly used in Chinese and
other Asian cuisine. Bamboo farming has a long history in China, but it is only in the last 30
years that it has developed as an important economic activity. A combination of more
coordinated attention to bamboo by government and scientists, a more open trade
policy in China and increasing pressure on other forest resources have led to higher
proftability of bamboo farming and recognition of the role of the bamboo sector as an
important engine of local economic development.
Unlike other forestry subsectors in China, the land and management rights of bamboo
forests predominantly rest with individual farmers, rather than with state farms or private
companies. Bamboo forests are also exempt from many of the restrictions which have been
introduced to protect forested areas from deforestation. Farmers are therefore free to
manage their bamboo forests as they wish, with relatively little intervention from the state or
outside actors compared to other parts of the forestry sector.
The increased attention to bamboo in China resulted in spectacular growth of bamboo
farming and processing. However, as profts drove economic incentives to exploit forests
for their bamboo in the 1990s, forest biodiversity sufered. Bamboo farming yielded
higher margins than other crop options and this resulted in the expansion of
monocultures in some areas, and overharvesting in others.
The Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forests, which make up about 70% of Chinas
bamboo forests, are most-afected. Moso is the most marketable of the Chinese bamboos,
and Moso forests have expanded rapidly over the last two decades - the area of Moso
increased from 3.8 million hectares in 1995 to 5.38 million hectares in 2010; an average
increase of 105,300 ha per year
1
.
However, other bamboo species have also found important domestic and international
markets, and have become increasingly commercialized. But where the regulations
covering the harvesting of these are not properly formulated and enforced,
mismanagement has occured. This has been the case with the nobbly-noded Qiong
bamboo species (Qiongzhuea tumidinoda) that grows in Northern Yunnan and Southern
Sichuan provinces. With high returns from its shoots and timber (which is prized for
handicraft items such as walking-sticks), harvesting Qiong bamboo is an important source
of income for poor local farmers. However, the absence of well - defned resource
ownership regimes has resulted in overharvesting, and Qiong bamboo is now seriously
threatened - leading to its listing on the China Red List of Endangered Plant Species.
So the issue of biodiversity loss in bamboo forests in China thus has two sides: loss of
complexity, stability and resilience in Moso forests, and over-exploitation and decline of
other valuable species. As farmers prioritize Moso at the expense of other plants in the
forest, plant communities are simplifed, become reliant on external inputs, and lose some
of their ecosystem functions. Improper management of Qiong bamboo leads to scarcity.
1
China Forestry Resource Assessment (multiple years).
Introduction
1

2007-2010 in China
5 6
Bamboo farming and biodiversity
Farming bamboo is an important source of income for some 4-5 million people living in
the rural areas of Southern China. Bamboo is an important forest crop that produces
woody timber and bamboo shoots - vegetables that are commonly used in Chinese and
other Asian cuisine. Bamboo farming has a long history in China, but it is only in the last 30
years that it has developed as an important economic activity. A combination of more
coordinated attention to bamboo by government and scientists, a more open trade
policy in China and increasing pressure on other forest resources have led to higher
proftability of bamboo farming and recognition of the role of the bamboo sector as an
important engine of local economic development.
Unlike other forestry subsectors in China, the land and management rights of bamboo
forests predominantly rest with individual farmers, rather than with state farms or private
companies. Bamboo forests are also exempt from many of the restrictions which have been
introduced to protect forested areas from deforestation. Farmers are therefore free to
manage their bamboo forests as they wish, with relatively little intervention from the state or
outside actors compared to other parts of the forestry sector.
The increased attention to bamboo in China resulted in spectacular growth of bamboo
farming and processing. However, as profts drove economic incentives to exploit forests
for their bamboo in the 1990s, forest biodiversity sufered. Bamboo farming yielded
higher margins than other crop options and this resulted in the expansion of
monocultures in some areas, and overharvesting in others.
The Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forests, which make up about 70% of Chinas
bamboo forests, are most-afected. Moso is the most marketable of the Chinese bamboos,
and Moso forests have expanded rapidly over the last two decades - the area of Moso
increased from 3.8 million hectares in 1995 to 5.38 million hectares in 2010; an average
increase of 105,300 ha per year
1
.
However, other bamboo species have also found important domestic and international
markets, and have become increasingly commercialized. But where the regulations
covering the harvesting of these are not properly formulated and enforced,
mismanagement has occured. This has been the case with the nobbly-noded Qiong
bamboo species (Qiongzhuea tumidinoda) that grows in Northern Yunnan and Southern
Sichuan provinces. With high returns from its shoots and timber (which is prized for
handicraft items such as walking-sticks), harvesting Qiong bamboo is an important source
of income for poor local farmers. However, the absence of well - defned resource
ownership regimes has resulted in overharvesting, and Qiong bamboo is now seriously
threatened - leading to its listing on the China Red List of Endangered Plant Species.
So the issue of biodiversity loss in bamboo forests in China thus has two sides: loss of
complexity, stability and resilience in Moso forests, and over-exploitation and decline of
other valuable species. As farmers prioritize Moso at the expense of other plants in the
forest, plant communities are simplifed, become reliant on external inputs, and lose some
of their ecosystem functions. Improper management of Qiong bamboo leads to scarcity.
1
China Forestry Resource Assessment (multiple years).
Introduction
1

2007-2010 in China
7 8
While the property rights issues afecting resource loss of Qiong bamboo are relatively well
understood, in the Moso case, the problem is more complex. Farmers see mixed forests as
a lost opportunity for earning more money from expanding the amount of bamboo on
their land, and as a threat to the optimal growth of their bamboo crops, as the bamboo has
to compete with other species for light and nutrients. Also, keeping forests clear of other
plants makes it easier and faster for farmers to access and extract bamboo. However, in the
long run, the environmental costs from adopting monoculture forestry negatively afect
the health of the forests, making them more susceptible to insect attacks and weather
disasters, and soil fertility loss (Lou et al. 1997; Hong et al. 2005). These can result in fnancial
losses to bamboo farmers as their crops are less productive. In addition, reduced
biodiversity in monoculture forests has clear negative efects on the local and wider
environment; monoculture forests are more susceptible to soil erosion and careless
application of fertilisers on steep slopes can result in runof and contribute to river
eutrophication (Hong et al. 2005).
(5) Businesses and consumers may infuence biodiversity in bamboo forests by demanding
that raw materials have certain characteristics, or are sourced in accordance with a set of
criteria.
The EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem Biodiversity Project
The EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem Biodiversity Project was one of 18 feld projects under the
EU-China Biodiversity Programme (ECBP), the biggest biodiversity programme funded by the
European Union globally. The Programmes aim was to support China to establish innovative
and replicable mechanisms for biodiversity protection, and to strengthen institutional
capacity to implement policies from central to local levels.
As well as providing majority funding support for the implementation of feld projects, the
ECBP worked on mainstreaming biodiversity into the work of government at the central level,
strengthening biodiversity conservation policies and their implementation through:
Strengtheni ng nati onal pol i cy and i nsti tuti onal frameworks for bi odi versi ty
conservation.
Mai nstreami ng bi odi versi ty i nto rel evant pol i ci es and l egi sl ati on, i ncl udi ng
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
Increasing the knowledge of decision-makers and the general public regarding
biodiversity and its importance.
Until recently, much of the work in China on biodiversity had focused on in-situ protection of
biodiversity in protected areas, and ex-situ captive breeding of animal and plants. Whilst these
are important, the decline of biodiversity as China develops means that these methods can only
contribute minimally to overall protection of biodiversity, much of which exists outside of
protected areas. The ECBP therefore aimed to both raise awareness of biodiversity to increase
its inclusion by government institutions and ofcials in planning processes, and to encourage
the introduction of mechanisms for biodiversity protection into the operating systems of
government. This was done by introducing changes into EIA and SEA processes which are used
prior to implementing development initiatives (i.e. through the inclusion of biodiversity
indicators), introducing references to biodiversity into the 12
th
, 5-Year Plan, incorporating
biodiversity into development plans for major economic zones, and the development of a new
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
The ECBP Project Management Ofce was in charge of coordinating all the projects and liaising
at the central government level, and was therefore another important stakeholder and client
of the projects results and fndings. The projects approaches, fndings and lessons learnt were
important inputs into the formation of recommendations and awareness-raising for
government bodies and institutions. Through this institutional arrangement, information from
the project was communicated beyond the immediate sphere of infuence of the project and,
along with the other projects, has collectively infuenced the attitudes and approaches that
were taken at the Central level, which increasingly work to protect biodiversity.
(1) Farmers have the most direct infuence as they decide which practices to use in
bamboo forests. At present, most bamboo farmers in China are poor with low levels of
education, and they try to maximize their profts from bamboo forests by using intensive
bamboo farming practices that include removing other tree species in the forest, clearing
the undergrowth, tilling the soil, and applying fertilizers and pesticides.
Although the farmers ultimately decide which techniques they will use in growing
bamboo, there are many other actors who infuence forest biodiversity indirectly.
(2) Staff of local forest management stations provide technical extension services to
farmers on practices and new technology. For instance, a national standard on high
productivity bamboo growth that has been promoted by the central and provincial
governments, gives recommendations and instructions for maximizing bamboo shoot
productivity, but makes no reference to biodiversity.
(3) Policymakers in the forestry departments at provincial and national levels develop
policies on forestry which infuence forest management practices, including the scope and
type of aforestation activities, and their implementation and supervision.
(4) Scientific and research institutions conduct forestry research, provide technical
advisory services, promote the application of research fndings, and conduct quality
supervision and testing of forestry products. These institutions often provide evidence of
forest dynamics and feedback on the success or failure of diferent policies.
Who infuences biodiversity in bamboo forests?
2007-2010 in China
7 8
While the property rights issues afecting resource loss of Qiong bamboo are relatively well
understood, in the Moso case, the problem is more complex. Farmers see mixed forests as
a lost opportunity for earning more money from expanding the amount of bamboo on
their land, and as a threat to the optimal growth of their bamboo crops, as the bamboo has
to compete with other species for light and nutrients. Also, keeping forests clear of other
plants makes it easier and faster for farmers to access and extract bamboo. However, in the
long run, the environmental costs from adopting monoculture forestry negatively afect
the health of the forests, making them more susceptible to insect attacks and weather
disasters, and soil fertility loss (Lou et al. 1997; Hong et al. 2005). These can result in fnancial
losses to bamboo farmers as their crops are less productive. In addition, reduced
biodiversity in monoculture forests has clear negative efects on the local and wider
environment; monoculture forests are more susceptible to soil erosion and careless
application of fertilisers on steep slopes can result in runof and contribute to river
eutrophication (Hong et al. 2005).
(5) Businesses and consumers may infuence biodiversity in bamboo forests by demanding
that raw materials have certain characteristics, or are sourced in accordance with a set of
criteria.
The EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem Biodiversity Project
The EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem Biodiversity Project was one of 18 feld projects under the
EU-China Biodiversity Programme (ECBP), the biggest biodiversity programme funded by the
European Union globally. The Programmes aim was to support China to establish innovative
and replicable mechanisms for biodiversity protection, and to strengthen institutional
capacity to implement policies from central to local levels.
As well as providing majority funding support for the implementation of feld projects, the
ECBP worked on mainstreaming biodiversity into the work of government at the central level,
strengthening biodiversity conservation policies and their implementation through:
Strengtheni ng nati onal pol i cy and i nsti tuti onal frameworks for bi odi versi ty
conservation.
Mai nstreami ng bi odi versi ty i nto rel evant pol i ci es and l egi sl ati on, i ncl udi ng
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
Increasing the knowledge of decision-makers and the general public regarding
biodiversity and its importance.
Until recently, much of the work in China on biodiversity had focused on in-situ protection of
biodiversity in protected areas, and ex-situ captive breeding of animal and plants. Whilst these
are important, the decline of biodiversity as China develops means that these methods can only
contribute minimally to overall protection of biodiversity, much of which exists outside of
protected areas. The ECBP therefore aimed to both raise awareness of biodiversity to increase
its inclusion by government institutions and ofcials in planning processes, and to encourage
the introduction of mechanisms for biodiversity protection into the operating systems of
government. This was done by introducing changes into EIA and SEA processes which are used
prior to implementing development initiatives (i.e. through the inclusion of biodiversity
indicators), introducing references to biodiversity into the 12
th
, 5-Year Plan, incorporating
biodiversity into development plans for major economic zones, and the development of a new
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
The ECBP Project Management Ofce was in charge of coordinating all the projects and liaising
at the central government level, and was therefore another important stakeholder and client
of the projects results and fndings. The projects approaches, fndings and lessons learnt were
important inputs into the formation of recommendations and awareness-raising for
government bodies and institutions. Through this institutional arrangement, information from
the project was communicated beyond the immediate sphere of infuence of the project and,
along with the other projects, has collectively infuenced the attitudes and approaches that
were taken at the Central level, which increasingly work to protect biodiversity.
(1) Farmers have the most direct infuence as they decide which practices to use in
bamboo forests. At present, most bamboo farmers in China are poor with low levels of
education, and they try to maximize their profts from bamboo forests by using intensive
bamboo farming practices that include removing other tree species in the forest, clearing
the undergrowth, tilling the soil, and applying fertilizers and pesticides.
Although the farmers ultimately decide which techniques they will use in growing
bamboo, there are many other actors who infuence forest biodiversity indirectly.
(2) Staff of local forest management stations provide technical extension services to
farmers on practices and new technology. For instance, a national standard on high
productivity bamboo growth that has been promoted by the central and provincial
governments, gives recommendations and instructions for maximizing bamboo shoot
productivity, but makes no reference to biodiversity.
(3) Policymakers in the forestry departments at provincial and national levels develop
policies on forestry which infuence forest management practices, including the scope and
type of aforestation activities, and their implementation and supervision.
(4) Scientific and research institutions conduct forestry research, provide technical
advisory services, promote the application of research fndings, and conduct quality
supervision and testing of forestry products. These institutions often provide evidence of
forest dynamics and feedback on the success or failure of diferent policies.
Who infuences biodiversity in bamboo forests?
2007-2010 in China
9 10
2007-2010 in China
The INBAR-implemented Bamboo Biodiversity Project aimed to tackle the threats
facing biodiversity in bamboo forests and demonstrate the economic and
conservation benefits of maintaining biodiverse bamboo forests. Growing pressure
on bamboo forests for higher timber yields and more knowledge of how to
maximize timber productivity have resulted in the use of practices which reduce
biodiversity in bamboo forests. The project aimed to raise awareness of these
issues, validate and propose alternative approaches which mitigate further
reduction in biodiversity and, where possible, increase biodiversity in monoculture
bamboo forests.
The project ran over three years, and brought together five partners closely
involved in bamboo forestry management, research and policy in China; INBAR, the
Chinese Academy of Forestrys Research Institute for Subtropical Forestry, and
Provincial Government Forestry Departments from the three provinces that hosted
project field sites - Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan.
Overview of
the project, 2007 - 2010
2

Characteristics of the different project sites
Site
Characteristic
Yanling, Hunan Changning, Sichuan Daguan, Yunnan
Bamboo Type
Management
Practice used
Mixed trees and
bamboo forests
Monoculture
bamboo forests
Mixed, intensively
harvested bamboo
thickets
Timber Timber and Shoots Shoots
Site
Characteristics
Bordering a nature
reserve
Near the Bamboo
Sea, a bamboo
reserve/attraction
In a poor
mountainous region
Subtropical Subtropical Subtropical
Middle Middle High
2.1 Project Activities
The activities conducted under the project fell into four categories. The project worked at
diferent levels of local and central government, and with farmers, to establish activities
and educate stakeholders on biodiversity issues in bamboo forests.
2.1.1. Applied Research
Prior to the projects implementation, relatively little emphasis was placed upon
biodiversity in bamboo forests in China, with the forestry sector concentrating most of its
eforts on productivity and yield increases. To study the bamboo forest ecosystem and the
relationships between ecosystem components, the project established a pilot site in each
of the three host provinces to carry out observations and testing. While recognizing that
the three years of the project were too short to study many ecosystem changes, the project
aimed to improve basic knowledge of component species and their dynamics in diferent
bamboo forests, and understand how these difered according to the management
regimes used.
Each site was established on 45 hectares of forest land which was managed by local
farmers. Monitoring of the forest conditions was done by experts in conjunction with local
farmers who were trained in monitoring and reporting the selected indicators. The
research outputs were used in local capacity building for biodiversity management, and
disseminated through publications and workshops for foresters.
Moso Bamboo Moso Bamboo Qiong Bamboo
Products
Climatic zone
Poverty Level
9 10
2007-2010 in China
The INBAR-implemented Bamboo Biodiversity Project aimed to tackle the threats
facing biodiversity in bamboo forests and demonstrate the economic and
conservation benefits of maintaining biodiverse bamboo forests. Growing pressure
on bamboo forests for higher timber yields and more knowledge of how to
maximize timber productivity have resulted in the use of practices which reduce
biodiversity in bamboo forests. The project aimed to raise awareness of these
issues, validate and propose alternative approaches which mitigate further
reduction in biodiversity and, where possible, increase biodiversity in monoculture
bamboo forests.
The project ran over three years, and brought together five partners closely
involved in bamboo forestry management, research and policy in China; INBAR, the
Chinese Academy of Forestrys Research Institute for Subtropical Forestry, and
Provincial Government Forestry Departments from the three provinces that hosted
project field sites - Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan.
Overview of
the project, 2007 - 2010
2

Characteristics of the different project sites
Site
Characteristic
Yanling, Hunan Changning, Sichuan Daguan, Yunnan
Bamboo Type
Management
Practice used
Mixed trees and
bamboo forests
Monoculture
bamboo forests
Mixed, intensively
harvested bamboo
thickets
Timber Timber and Shoots Shoots
Site
Characteristics
Bordering a nature
reserve
Near the Bamboo
Sea, a bamboo
reserve/attraction
In a poor
mountainous region
Subtropical Subtropical Subtropical
Middle Middle High
2.1 Project Activities
The activities conducted under the project fell into four categories. The project worked at
diferent levels of local and central government, and with farmers, to establish activities
and educate stakeholders on biodiversity issues in bamboo forests.
2.1.1. Applied Research
Prior to the projects implementation, relatively little emphasis was placed upon
biodiversity in bamboo forests in China, with the forestry sector concentrating most of its
eforts on productivity and yield increases. To study the bamboo forest ecosystem and the
relationships between ecosystem components, the project established a pilot site in each
of the three host provinces to carry out observations and testing. While recognizing that
the three years of the project were too short to study many ecosystem changes, the project
aimed to improve basic knowledge of component species and their dynamics in diferent
bamboo forests, and understand how these difered according to the management
regimes used.
Each site was established on 45 hectares of forest land which was managed by local
farmers. Monitoring of the forest conditions was done by experts in conjunction with local
farmers who were trained in monitoring and reporting the selected indicators. The
research outputs were used in local capacity building for biodiversity management, and
disseminated through publications and workshops for foresters.
Moso Bamboo Moso Bamboo Qiong Bamboo
Products
Climatic zone
Poverty Level
11 12
The four areas of project intervention produce diferent outcomes, some of which have
been realized within the life of the project, and some which are expected to emerge in the
coming years.
For instance, applied research carried out under the project has already contributed to
more technical and scientifc knowledge through the involvement of infuential research
institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Forestry, and the publication of papers in
scientifc journals, but this knowledge has yet to be translated into existing policy. Whilst it
has built capacity within local forestry bureaux who were involved in the research, it has
not yet directly reached those not directly involved in the project.
The areas of intervention and outcomes of the project
2007-2010 in China
2.1.2. Disseminating new knowledge on bamboo forest ecology and biodiversity
The project organized workshops, events and a web platform to stimulate forestry-sector
discussions on bamboo forest biodiversity and improve knowledge of relevant issues
among the academic and government communities in China. These aimed to provide a
wider community of forestry sector researchers, technicians and ofcials with knowledge
of the issues that the project addressed, access to the key outputs of the projects
(including guidelines, recommendations, scientifc reports and training materials) and
opportunities to learn of new developments from other parts of the research community.
2.1.3. Training for forestry ofcials and farmers
Understanding the bamboo forest ecosystem is crucial to improving protection of
biodiversity. Although forestry ofcials usually understand bamboo growth and
production, the importance of biodiversity protection and the efect it has on the
long-term viability of bamboo forests is under-appreciated. The project designed and
carried out training programmes for diferent groups involved in the farming and
oversight of the bamboo sector, including farmers, local forestry department staf and
technicians, and policymakers in order to improve understanding in this area. An
emphasis was placed on practical measures, including biodiversity-friendly management
techniques that were suggested for adoption.
2.1.4. Policy Review and Recommendations
Policies governing the forestry sector and land use play an important role in determining
the management practices used in bamboo forests. Forestry policy in China is made at the
central level, and is implemented at the provincial and local county levels by Forestry
Department staf. However, the decisions taken by bamboo farmers are also infuenced
by numerous other laws, policies and national projects that target economic
development, land-use, rights and biodiversity protection. As implementation of policy
also difers between provinces due to local diferences, the project analyzed the policy
contexts in each of the three provinces and carried out an aggregate policy analysis of the
national situation. Due to the special situation in Yunnan with the endangered Qiong
bamboo, an in-depth study focusing on policies to protect this resource was carried out.
2.2 The projects approach to engendering change
The fgure (top right) shows the relationship between the project activities and the
processes which can bring about improvement in forest biodiversity (in orange). Solid
arrows represent the efects that have occurred to date (and are expected to continue),
and dashed arrows represent the future expected outcomes of the project.
11 12
The four areas of project intervention produce diferent outcomes, some of which have
been realized within the life of the project, and some which are expected to emerge in the
coming years.
For instance, applied research carried out under the project has already contributed to
more technical and scientifc knowledge through the involvement of infuential research
institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Forestry, and the publication of papers in
scientifc journals, but this knowledge has yet to be translated into existing policy. Whilst it
has built capacity within local forestry bureaux who were involved in the research, it has
not yet directly reached those not directly involved in the project.
The areas of intervention and outcomes of the project
2007-2010 in China
2.1.2. Disseminating new knowledge on bamboo forest ecology and biodiversity
The project organized workshops, events and a web platform to stimulate forestry-sector
discussions on bamboo forest biodiversity and improve knowledge of relevant issues
among the academic and government communities in China. These aimed to provide a
wider community of forestry sector researchers, technicians and ofcials with knowledge
of the issues that the project addressed, access to the key outputs of the projects
(including guidelines, recommendations, scientifc reports and training materials) and
opportunities to learn of new developments from other parts of the research community.
2.1.3. Training for forestry ofcials and farmers
Understanding the bamboo forest ecosystem is crucial to improving protection of
biodiversity. Although forestry ofcials usually understand bamboo growth and
production, the importance of biodiversity protection and the efect it has on the
long-term viability of bamboo forests is under-appreciated. The project designed and
carried out training programmes for diferent groups involved in the farming and
oversight of the bamboo sector, including farmers, local forestry department staf and
technicians, and policymakers in order to improve understanding in this area. An
emphasis was placed on practical measures, including biodiversity-friendly management
techniques that were suggested for adoption.
2.1.4. Policy Review and Recommendations
Policies governing the forestry sector and land use play an important role in determining
the management practices used in bamboo forests. Forestry policy in China is made at the
central level, and is implemented at the provincial and local county levels by Forestry
Department staf. However, the decisions taken by bamboo farmers are also infuenced
by numerous other laws, policies and national projects that target economic
development, land-use, rights and biodiversity protection. As implementation of policy
also difers between provinces due to local diferences, the project analyzed the policy
contexts in each of the three provinces and carried out an aggregate policy analysis of the
national situation. Due to the special situation in Yunnan with the endangered Qiong
bamboo, an in-depth study focusing on policies to protect this resource was carried out.
2.2 The projects approach to engendering change
The fgure (top right) shows the relationship between the project activities and the
processes which can bring about improvement in forest biodiversity (in orange). Solid
arrows represent the efects that have occurred to date (and are expected to continue),
and dashed arrows represent the future expected outcomes of the project.
13 14
2007-2010 in China
Development of bamboo
forest management models
that protect biodiversity
3

The project analyzed the impacts of different management
practices on in-situ forest biodiversity, and tested the use of
different viable sets of management practices on forest
productivity and biodiversity. Having chosen appropriate
indicators amongst plant, bird and soil organism populations, the
project tested different management techniques in different
forest plots to observe their effects .
Management techniques tested at the different sites
Hunan Sichuan
1) Top-cutting
2) No tillage
3) Intercropping with hardwood
trees
4) Retaining understory vegetation
1) Mixed vegetation diversity management
2) Adjustment of species composition
3) Adjustment of the ratio of bamboo and trees
4) Conventional top-cutting
5) Top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo forest
structure
3.1 Monoculture and mixed Moso forests
3.1.1. Biodiversity surveys and comparisons of biodiversity in different
management techniques
Detailed inventories of plants, insects and bird species were made in Hunan and Sichuan
(the two Moso bamboo sites), and studies were done to observe how these difered
between sites and what changes the diferent management regimes brought. Findings
from the sites demonstrated that there were observable diferences in the presence and
health of plant and animal populations which can be attributed to the management
techniques in place. Not surprisingly, the baseline biodiversity was lower in Sichuan
owing to a longer history of monoculture, Farmers in Hunan retained mixed forests. One
of the clearest fndings from the studies was the diference in plant diversity between
sites: There was more diversity in the mixed forests of Hunan (where 131 plant species
were found, of which 34 were trees) than in the bamboo monocultures of Sichuan (where
only 40 plant species were found). Similar but less pronounced diferences existed in the
numbers of in insect and bird species. While some of these diferences may be
attributable to infuences other than the site management, management is certainly an
important factor. More details of the species composition of the sites under diferent
management are presented in Annex 1.
3.1.2. The effects of different management practices on plant biodiversity
The relationship between management practices and plant diversity was studied closely
in the project. To test the efects of management practices directly, separate plots were
set up in the forests under diferent management techniques and compared over the
projects life. The practices were selected based upon practical considerations in each site,
and tested against indicators that measure of abundance, species diversity and evenness
commonly used in ecological studies.
13 14
2007-2010 in China
Development of bamboo
forest management models
that protect biodiversity
3

The project analyzed the impacts of different management
practices on in-situ forest biodiversity, and tested the use of
different viable sets of management practices on forest
productivity and biodiversity. Having chosen appropriate
indicators amongst plant, bird and soil organism populations, the
project tested different management techniques in different
forest plots to observe their effects .
Management techniques tested at the different sites
Hunan Sichuan
1) Top-cutting
2) No tillage
3) Intercropping with hardwood
trees
4) Retaining understory vegetation
1) Mixed vegetation diversity management
2) Adjustment of species composition
3) Adjustment of the ratio of bamboo and trees
4) Conventional top-cutting
5) Top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo forest
structure
3.1 Monoculture and mixed Moso forests
3.1.1. Biodiversity surveys and comparisons of biodiversity in different
management techniques
Detailed inventories of plants, insects and bird species were made in Hunan and Sichuan
(the two Moso bamboo sites), and studies were done to observe how these difered
between sites and what changes the diferent management regimes brought. Findings
from the sites demonstrated that there were observable diferences in the presence and
health of plant and animal populations which can be attributed to the management
techniques in place. Not surprisingly, the baseline biodiversity was lower in Sichuan
owing to a longer history of monoculture, Farmers in Hunan retained mixed forests. One
of the clearest fndings from the studies was the diference in plant diversity between
sites: There was more diversity in the mixed forests of Hunan (where 131 plant species
were found, of which 34 were trees) than in the bamboo monocultures of Sichuan (where
only 40 plant species were found). Similar but less pronounced diferences existed in the
numbers of in insect and bird species. While some of these diferences may be
attributable to infuences other than the site management, management is certainly an
important factor. More details of the species composition of the sites under diferent
management are presented in Annex 1.
3.1.2. The effects of different management practices on plant biodiversity
The relationship between management practices and plant diversity was studied closely
in the project. To test the efects of management practices directly, separate plots were
set up in the forests under diferent management techniques and compared over the
projects life. The practices were selected based upon practical considerations in each site,
and tested against indicators that measure of abundance, species diversity and evenness
commonly used in ecological studies.
15 16
2007-2010 in China
Mixed bamboo forest in Hunan Province
Five experimental bamboo forest management practices were tested. These were:
1) Mixed vegetation diversity management;
2) Adjustment of species composition;
3) Adjustment of the ratio of bamboo and trees;
4) Conventional top-cutting;
5) Top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure.
When compared with the control plot (no management) there was no statistically
signifcant diference in the abundance, species diversity and evenness indicators in the
tree, shrub and grass layers between the fve techniques and the control during the
project period.
However the abundance index of tree layer and the species diversity index of the shrub
layer in plots under mixed vegetation diversity management were signifcantly higher than
plots where top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure practices applied; the Alatalo
evenness index of plots under conventional top-cutting management was signifcantly
higher than those under other practices; and the average diameter of bamboo with
top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure was signifcantly higher than in all others
(except plots with adjustment of species composition).
Monoculture bamboo forest in Sichuan Province
Four bamboo forest management practices were tested in the experimental plots:
1) Top-cutting;
2) No tillage;
3) Intercropping with other hardwood trees;
4) Retaining understory vegetation.
There was no statistically signifcant diference between the abundance, species diversity
and evenness indices of the plant communities.
A separate study observed the efects of two diferent combinations of the above
management practices. The conservation combination (fertilization in stump +
remaining understory vegetation + no tillage + cleaning undergrowth) and the
conventional combination (top-cutting + loosening soil + fertilization in soil) were
compared with a control plot. There was no statistically signifcant diference in the
abundance, species diversity and evenness indices of plant layer between either of these
two combinations of practices management practice and the control.
Overall, the results suggested that the indicators of plant diversity were not sensitive to
diferent management practices in the short-term.
Location Management techniques Description
Management techniques tested in the Hunan and Sichuan Moso bamboo sites
Hunan
Sichuan
Mixed vegetation diversity
management
Selected species of tree seedlings
good for bamboo were retained,
along with some shrubs and
herbaceous plants
Tree species that compete with
Moso bamboo were removed;
other tree species that beneft
bamboo were retained
All other tree species were
cleared completely or thinned
from the forest foor
All the shrubs and herbs in the
understory layer were cleared
Tree species that beneft
bamboo were retained, species
that compete with bamboo were
removed. Shrubs and herba-
ceous plants in the understory
layer were cleared from the
forest foor
All shrubs and herbaceous plants
in the understory layer were
cleared from the forest foor
The soil in the forest was not
tilled
Other hardwood trees were
planed in the bamboo forest at a
specifed ratio
Adjustment of species
composition
Adjustment of the ratio of
bamboo and trees
Conventional top-cutting
Top-cutting + adjustment
of bamboo forest structure
Intercropping with other
hardwood trees
Selected species of tree
seedlings good for bamboo were
retained, along with some
shrubs and herbaceous plants
Retaining understory
vegetation
Top-cutting
No tillage
15 16
2007-2010 in China
Mixed bamboo forest in Hunan Province
Five experimental bamboo forest management practices were tested. These were:
1) Mixed vegetation diversity management;
2) Adjustment of species composition;
3) Adjustment of the ratio of bamboo and trees;
4) Conventional top-cutting;
5) Top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure.
When compared with the control plot (no management) there was no statistically
signifcant diference in the abundance, species diversity and evenness indicators in the
tree, shrub and grass layers between the fve techniques and the control during the
project period.
However the abundance index of tree layer and the species diversity index of the shrub
layer in plots under mixed vegetation diversity management were signifcantly higher than
plots where top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure practices applied; the Alatalo
evenness index of plots under conventional top-cutting management was signifcantly
higher than those under other practices; and the average diameter of bamboo with
top-cutting + adjustment of bamboo structure was signifcantly higher than in all others
(except plots with adjustment of species composition).
Monoculture bamboo forest in Sichuan Province
Four bamboo forest management practices were tested in the experimental plots:
1) Top-cutting;
2) No tillage;
3) Intercropping with other hardwood trees;
4) Retaining understory vegetation.
There was no statistically signifcant diference between the abundance, species diversity
and evenness indices of the plant communities.
A separate study observed the efects of two diferent combinations of the above
management practices. The conservation combination (fertilization in stump +
remaining understory vegetation + no tillage + cleaning undergrowth) and the
conventional combination (top-cutting + loosening soil + fertilization in soil) were
compared with a control plot. There was no statistically signifcant diference in the
abundance, species diversity and evenness indices of plant layer between either of these
two combinations of practices management practice and the control.
Overall, the results suggested that the indicators of plant diversity were not sensitive to
diferent management practices in the short-term.
Location Management techniques Description
Management techniques tested in the Hunan and Sichuan Moso bamboo sites
Hunan
Sichuan
Mixed vegetation diversity
management
Selected species of tree seedlings
good for bamboo were retained,
along with some shrubs and
herbaceous plants
Tree species that compete with
Moso bamboo were removed;
other tree species that beneft
bamboo were retained
All other tree species were
cleared completely or thinned
All the shrubs and herbs in the
understory layer were cleared
Tree species that beneft
bamboo were retained, species
that compete with bamboo were
removed. Shrubs and herba-
ceous plants in the understory
layer were cleared from the
forest foor
All shrubs and herbaceous plants
in the understory layer were
cleared from the forest foor
The soil in the forest was not
tilled
Other hardwood trees were
planed in the bamboo forest at a
specifed ratio
Adjustment of species
composition
Adjustment of the ratio of
bamboo and trees
Conventional top-cutting
Top-cutting + adjustment
of bamboo forest structure
Intercropping with other
hardwood trees
Selected species of tree
seedlings good for bamboo were
retained, along with some
shrubs and herbaceous plants
Retaining understory
vegetation
Top-cutting
No tillage
2007-2010 in China
3.1.3. The effects of different practices on productivity of bamboo forest
Productivity was measured by average culm diameter, average density and yield.
In mixed bamboo forest in Hunan Province, a comparison of the fve management
techniques with control plots found that for all indicators of productivity the results of
management techniques were statistically signifcantly higher than the control plots.
In the monoculture bamboo forest in Sichuan Province a comparison of the four
management techniques found that there were no statistically signifcant diferences in
the average bamboo diameter, density, yield and number of new bamboo stems between
plots.
However, in the comparison of combinations with the controlled trial, average culm
diameter, average density and yield under the conservation combination was
statistically signifcantly higher than that of the controlled trial, under the conventional
combination.
It is clear that management techniques
increase bamboo forest productivity, but it
seemed that the introduction of simple
practices alone was not enough to
increase the productivity of pure
bamboo forest; rather, a combina-
tion of diferent techniques was
necessary. This may be a result of
the relatively short time period
of the project - longer term
studies on the use of manage-
ment techniques might be
useful.
18 17
2007-2010 in China
3.1.3. The effects of different practices on productivity of bamboo forest
Productivity was measured by average culm diameter, average density and yield.
In mixed bamboo forest in Hunan Province, a comparison of the fve management
techniques with control plots found that for all indicators of productivity the results of
management techniques were statistically signifcantly higher than the control plots.
In the monoculture bamboo forest in Sichuan Province a comparison of the four
management techniques found that there were no statistically signifcant diferences in
the average bamboo diameter, density, yield and number of new bamboo stems between
plots.
However, in the comparison of combinations with the controlled trial, average culm
diameter, average density and yield under the conservation combination was
statistically signifcantly higher than that of the controlled trial, under the conventional
combination.
It is clear that management techniques
increase bamboo forest productivity, but it
seemed that the introduction of simple
practices alone was not enough to
increase the productivity of pure
bamboo forest; rather, a combina-
tion of diferent techniques was
necessary. This may be a result of
the relatively short time period
of the project - longer term
studies on the use of manage-
ment techniques might be
useful.
18 17
19 20
2007-2010 in China
3.1.4. Recommendations for appropriate management practices
Based on methods of assignment scoring screening and considering the comprehensive
efect on biodiversity, bamboo forest community structure and productivity of bamboo
forest, the following recommendations were made:
Recommended management practice in Hunan Province
In Hunan, the practice of mixed vegetation diversity management seems the most suitable
management practice to balance biodiversity and productivity objectives in the mixed
bamboo forest. This practice includes selectively removing some of the high density
shrubs but keeping those tree seedlings that are good for bamboo growth to promote the
regeneration of understory vegetation and maintain their diversity.
Recommended management practice in Sichuan Province
In Sichuan, all four practices tested are suitable for the management of pure bamboo
forests.
For the sets of combined management practices tested, the conservation combination is
recommended to achieve recovery of biodiversity in the bamboo community and sustain
productivity of bamboo forests.
These recommendations are based on observations of the short-term efects on plant
biodiversity and productivity of bamboo of specifc management practices for Moso
bamboo forest, within the limitations of the conditions of the project. While there did
appear to be diferent efects of management on other groups (birds, insects, soil
organisms), these were less pronounced and only general trends were observed, as
shown in the table (right).

Minimising Management Impact
The practices compared were: Hunan (Baseline= Mixed forest cultivation)
1. Removing mixed tree species : All tree species were removed completely from
the forest foor
2. Keeping mixed tree species (adjustment of species composition ): Other tree
species which beneft bamboo were kept
3. Understory clearance (conventional top-cutting): All other trees, shrubs and
herbs were removed from the forest foor
4. Conservation-based clearance (mixed vegetation diversity management):
Selected species of other tree seedlings, shrubs and herbs were retained
Sichuan (Baseline= Monoculture cultivation)
5. Apply chemical fertilizer to soil: Chemical fertilizer is added directly to soil
6. Organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is applied to the soil
7. Fertilizer in stumps: Chemical fertilizer is applied directly into bamboo stumps
8. Soil tillage: The soil in the forest is tilled completely
Key: (+): observable positive efect
(-): observable negative efect
(++/--): statistically signifcant observable efect
(=): no observable efect
(I): efect is unclear
Province Practice Plants Insects Birds Soil Organisms
Hunan
(Baseline=Mixed
Forest)
Clearing out mixed
tree species
-- - - -
+ + + - Keeping mixed tree
species
Understory clearance - - - +
Conservation-based
clearance
++ + = -
Sichuan
Chemical Fertiliser - = = -
Organic Fertiliser + = = =
Fertiliser in Stumps + = = =
Soil tillage - I I -
19 20
2007-2010 in China
3.1.4. Recommendations for appropriate management practices
Based on methods of assignment scoring screening and considering the comprehensive
efect on biodiversity, bamboo forest community structure and productivity of bamboo
forest, the following recommendations were made:
Recommended management practice in Hunan Province
In Hunan, the practice of mixed vegetation diversity management seems the most suitable
management practice to balance biodiversity and productivity objectives in the mixed
bamboo forest. This practice includes selectively removing some of the high density
shrubs but keeping those tree seedlings that are good for bamboo growth to promote the
regeneration of understory vegetation and maintain their diversity.
Recommended management practice in Sichuan Province
In Sichuan, all four practices tested are suitable for the management of pure bamboo
forests.
For the sets of combined management practices tested, the conservation combination is
recommended to achieve recovery of biodiversity in the bamboo community and sustain
productivity of bamboo forests.
These recommendations are based on observations of the short-term efects on plant
biodiversity and productivity of bamboo of specifc management practices for Moso
bamboo forest, within the limitations of the conditions of the project. While there did
appear to be diferent efects of management on other groups (birds, insects, soil
organisms), these were less pronounced and only general trends were observed, as
shown in the table (right).

Minimising Management Impact
The practices compared were: Hunan (Baseline= Mixed forest cultivation)
1. Removing mixed tree species : All tree species were removed completely from
the forest foor
2. Keeping mixed tree species (adjustment of species composition ): Other tree
species which beneft bamboo were kept
3. Understory clearance (conventional top-cutting): All other trees, shrubs and
herbs were removed from the forest foor
4. Conservation-based clearance (mixed vegetation diversity management):
Selected species of other tree seedlings, shrubs and herbs were retained
Sichuan (Baseline= Monoculture cultivation)
5. Apply chemical fertilizer to soil: Chemical fertilizer is added directly to soil
6. Organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is applied to the soil
7. Fertilizer in stumps: Chemical fertilizer is applied directly into bamboo stumps
8. Soil tillage: The soil in the forest is tilled completely
Key: (+): observable positive efect
(-): observable negative efect
(++/--): statistically signifcant observable efect
(=): no observable efect
(I): efect is unclear
Province Practice Plants Insects Birds Soil Organisms
Hunan
(Baseline=Mixed
Forest)
Clearing out mixed
tree species
-- - - -
+ + + - Keeping mixed tree
species
Understory clearance - - - +
Conservation-based
clearance
++ + = -
Sichuan
Chemical Fertiliser - = = -
Organic Fertiliser + = = =
Fertiliser in Stumps + = = =
Soil tillage - I I -
21 22
2007-2010 in China
3.1.5. Uptake of fndings locally
The experimental sites were used as demonstration sites for the local farmers and
communities, and the practices used were shown to local stakeholders. They were also
written into a set of guidelines that were published along with explanations on how to
use them. Feedback from farmers suggested that farmers are willing to try the techniques,
and implement these in their forests. Due to the long-term nature of natural resource
management, the extent to which the guidelines developed by the project are being
incorporated into current practice in Moso farming is still unknown. However, the
production of scientifcally-validated guidelines and their dissemination is important step
in encouraging the forestry sector to use diferent techniques for farming, and the
response to these has so far been positive.
3.2.1. Development of techniques to improve biodiversity in Qiong forests
Four experimental practices were introduced and their efects studied:
a) Restructuring Qiong bamboo density;
b) Nutrient management;
c) Controlling shoot harvesting;
d) Vegetation management.
The efect of these practices on the Qiong bamboo resources was then studied.
The results show that the number of second generation culms increased when only older
bamboo (aged 4-5 years) was cut. The average diameter also increased from 0.6 to 1.2cm.
Controlling shoot harvesting (harvesting only 3 out of every 5 shoots or 1 out of every 3
shoots) also increased the numbers and diameter of newly grown bamboo culms. The
practice of weeding and selective cutting of shrubs, vines, and deep-rooted tree species
to adjust the vegetation coverage between June and August increased the diameter and
height of newly-grown bamboo. Fertilization also signifcantly improved the forest stand
structure and its productivity. Fertilization also resulted in a 60-100% increase in the
number of new shoots emerging. The survival rate of bamboo under fertilization was also
6 -22% higher than under the control.
3.2.2. Outcomes
Guidelines were developed for the harvesting and management of Qiong bamboo
adapted from other endangered species. As the most biodiverse area in China, diferent
parts of Yunnan have extensive experience with management of endangered resources,
which could be applied to Qiong bamboo. Based upon wider experiences of resource
management and a detailed knowledge of the issues specifc to Qiong bamboo, specifc
guidelines were drawn up to help better defne rights and restrictions on community
farming which would lead to a sustainable harvest level. For instance, because of the
present overharvesting of immature Qiong bamboo culms, specifc guidelines were
developed on the optimal age and number of culms harvested, and age identifcation
methods were explained.
These guidelines were made available in two publications distributed to forestry
departments and institutions. In recognition of this work, the project was awarded a prize
by the Yunnan Provincial government for contributions to science. The Third Prize of
Science and Technology Progress was awarded to the project partners on the basis of the
approach and its results. The prize has helped generate more interest from the Yunnan
government and from the forestry sector on the issue.
3.2 Endangered Qiong bamboo Forests
Qiongzhuea tumidinoda, (also known as Qiong or Rohan bamboo) is only found in the
lower reaches of the Jinsha River, covering 11 counties of Zhaotong prefecture in Yunnan
Province, and three counties in Sichuan Province. It is a small-medium sized bamboo
species, with a total area of distribution 23,500 ha, 73% of which is found in Zhaotong.
Daguan County, located in the centre of Zhaotong prefecture has 7,136 hectares of Qiong
bamboo (41% of the total area), leading to its recognition as Chinas Qiong bamboo
town. Qiong bamboo is famous for its edible and delicious shoots which are very popular
in Eastern and Southern Asian. The nobbly-noded Qiong bamboo culms are often used to
make ornate walking canes.
However, Qiong bamboo in Daguan County is facing degeneration and depletion. As 80%
of the cash income of famers in Yinji village, Daguan County, comes from Qiong bamboo
shoots, thousands of farmers are busily harvest shoots together in the same forest at the
same time every day in spring when the bamboo shoots emerge. This high-intensity
harvesting without any cultivation practices weakens the regeneration of Qiong bamboo.
According to the results of the baseline survey, 83% of Qiong culms were in the 1-3m
height range; 81.5% of the bamboo had a diameter of under 1cm, which is far below the
requirements for walking sticks, and the rate of shoot emergence is only 20%~25%. These
results indicate overharvesting, as the Qiong bamboo is not able to reach maturity prior
to harvest. The degeneration and depletion of Qiong bamboo in turn may lead to income
difculties for farmers, and afect the forest ecosystem services, such as water loss and soil
erosion. In order to address this issue, the project recommended improved management
practices to those that were currently in place.
21 22
2007-2010 in China
3.1.5. Uptake of fndings locally
The experimental sites were used as demonstration sites for the local farmers and
communities, and the practices used were shown to local stakeholders. They were also
written into a set of guidelines that were published along with explanations on how to
use them. Feedback from farmers suggested that farmers are willing to try the techniques,
and implement these in their forests. Due to the long-term nature of natural resource
management, the extent to which the guidelines developed by the project are being
incorporated into current practice in Moso farming is still unknown. However, the
production of scientifcally-validated guidelines and their dissemination is important step
in encouraging the forestry sector to use diferent techniques for farming, and the
response to these has so far been positive.
3.2.1. Development of techniques to improve biodiversity in Qiong forests
Four experimental practices were introduced and their efects studied:
a) Restructuring Qiong bamboo density;
b) Nutrient management;
c) Controlling shoot harvesting;
d) Vegetation management.
The efect of these practices on the Qiong bamboo resources was then studied.
The results show that the number of second generation culms increased when only older
bamboo (aged 4-5 years) was cut. The average diameter also increased from 0.6 to 1.2cm.
Controlling shoot harvesting (harvesting only 3 out of every 5 shoots or 1 out of every 3
shoots) also increased the numbers and diameter of newly grown bamboo culms. The
practice of weeding and selective cutting of shrubs, vines, and deep-rooted tree species
to adjust the vegetation coverage between June and August increased the diameter and
height of newly-grown bamboo. Fertilization also signifcantly improved the forest stand
structure and its productivity. Fertilization also resulted in a 60-100% increase in the
number of new shoots emerging. The survival rate of bamboo under fertilization was also
6 -22% higher than under the control.
3.2.2. Outcomes
Guidelines were developed for the harvesting and management of Qiong bamboo
adapted from other endangered species. As the most biodiverse area in China, diferent
parts of Yunnan have extensive experience with management of endangered resources,
which could be applied to Qiong bamboo. Based upon wider experiences of resource
management and a detailed knowledge of the issues specifc to Qiong bamboo, specifc
guidelines were drawn up to help better defne rights and restrictions on community
farming which would lead to a sustainable harvest level. For instance, because of the
present overharvesting of immature Qiong bamboo culms, specifc guidelines were
developed on the optimal age and number of culms harvested, and age identifcation
methods were explained.
These guidelines were made available in two publications distributed to forestry
departments and institutions. In recognition of this work, the project was awarded a prize
by the Yunnan Provincial government for contributions to science. The Third Prize of
Science and Technology Progress was awarded to the project partners on the basis of the
approach and its results. The prize has helped generate more interest from the Yunnan
government and from the forestry sector on the issue.
3.2 Endangered Qiong bamboo Forests
Qiongzhuea tumidinoda, (also known as Qiong or Rohan bamboo) is only found in the
lower reaches of the Jinsha River, covering 11 counties of Zhaotong prefecture in Yunnan
Province, and three counties in Sichuan Province. It is a small-medium sized bamboo
species, with a total area of distribution 23,500 ha, 73% of which is found in Zhaotong.
Daguan County, located in the centre of Zhaotong prefecture has 7,136 hectares of Qiong
bamboo (41% of the total area), leading to its recognition as Chinas Qiong bamboo
town. Qiong bamboo is famous for its edible and delicious shoots which are very popular
in Eastern and Southern Asian. The nobbly-noded Qiong bamboo culms are often used to
make ornate walking canes.
However, Qiong bamboo in Daguan County is facing degeneration and depletion. As 80%
of the cash income of famers in Yinji village, Daguan County, comes from Qiong bamboo
shoots, thousands of farmers are busily harvest shoots together in the same forest at the
same time every day in spring when the bamboo shoots emerge. This high-intensity
harvesting without any cultivation practices weakens the regeneration of Qiong bamboo.
According to the results of the baseline survey, 83% of Qiong culms were in the 1-3m
height range; 81.5% of the bamboo had a diameter of under 1cm, which is far below the
requirements for walking sticks, and the rate of shoot emergence is only 20%~25%. These
results indicate overharvesting, as the Qiong bamboo is not able to reach maturity prior
to harvest. The degeneration and depletion of Qiong bamboo in turn may lead to income
difculties for farmers, and afect the forest ecosystem services, such as water loss and soil
erosion. In order to address this issue, the project recommended improved management
practices to those that were currently in place.
23 24
2007-2010 in China
3.3.2. Investigating the potential for forestry certification to address biodiversity
loss
While the project aimed to establish farming practices that both beneft biodiversity and
are acceptable for farmers, the use of other mechanisms were recognized as potential
tools for incentivizing the inclusion of biodiversity protection within decision-making. In
particular, the project studied whether certifcation schemes, which have enjoyed
increasing popularity in the forestry sector, could ofer potential for bamboo farmers. It
also conducted surveys in Hunan and Sichuan to determine whether the local capacity to
undertake supply chain monitoring could meet certifcation requirements.
One of the most important aspects of certifcation is that farmers understand the issues,
are interested in participating and are capable of going through the processes to become
certifed. Surveys were carried out of the farmers and other supply chain actors to see if
gaps existed in knowledge and capacity, and whether these could be reconciled through
training. Interviews were also done with retailers of bamboo products to gauge whether
a premium exists or could exist for bamboo, and what other issues were important.
The studies found that while carrying out Sustainable Forestry Management by farmers
was not likely to be an issue, there were several challenges in the subsequent chain of
custody for the villages. Also, it was unlikely that a premium for certifed bamboo could be
gained given present consumer demand. As an outcome of the project,
recommendations for certifcation were submitted to the Zhejiang Provincial
Government, which has expressed interest in certifcation. The work undertaken by the
project provided important further insight into the issues facing certifcation in bamboo
forests, and to some extent questioned its need and potential. Whilst it was clear that the
likelihood of demand for certifed products growing was high, it was unclear whether
demand would translate into further income generation, and thus infuence farming
practices of farmers.
3.3 Crosscutting research findings
3.3.1. Biodiversity and resilience to snow disasters
An unexpected challenge to the project was the heavy snowstorms of the winter of 2008,
in which thousands of hectares of forest land in Central and Southern China were severely
damaged. This included the areas where the project was operating, which subsequently
disrupted research and monitoring. However, the disaster provided an opportunity to
measure the diferences in damage across types of forest. Evidence suggested that
monocultures are more susceptible to disruption, as larger tree species in the
bamboo-tree mixed forests withstood the high winds and pressure from the snowfall.
These efects of the snow storm on more biodiverse forests provided a clear and tangible
example of how retaining biodiversity in tree species in forests could maintain resilience
to extreme climatic events, and was used as an example in training delivery to both
farmers and forestry bodies.
23 24
2007-2010 in China
3.3.2. Investigating the potential for forestry certification to address biodiversity
loss
While the project aimed to establish farming practices that both beneft biodiversity and
are acceptable for farmers, the use of other mechanisms were recognized as potential
tools for incentivizing the inclusion of biodiversity protection within decision-making. In
particular, the project studied whether certifcation schemes, which have enjoyed
increasing popularity in the forestry sector, could ofer potential for bamboo farmers. It
also conducted surveys in Hunan and Sichuan to determine whether the local capacity to
undertake supply chain monitoring could meet certifcation requirements.
One of the most important aspects of certifcation is that farmers understand the issues,
are interested in participating and are capable of going through the processes to become
certifed. Surveys were carried out of the farmers and other supply chain actors to see if
gaps existed in knowledge and capacity, and whether these could be reconciled through
training. Interviews were also done with retailers of bamboo products to gauge whether
a premium exists or could exist for bamboo, and what other issues were important.
The studies found that while carrying out Sustainable Forestry Management by farmers
was not likely to be an issue, there were several challenges in the subsequent chain of
custody for the villages. Also, it was unlikely that a premium for certifed bamboo could be
gained given present consumer demand. As an outcome of the project,
recommendations for certifcation were submitted to the Zhejiang Provincial
Government, which has expressed interest in certifcation. The work undertaken by the
project provided important further insight into the issues facing certifcation in bamboo
forests, and to some extent questioned its need and potential. Whilst it was clear that the
likelihood of demand for certifed products growing was high, it was unclear whether
demand would translate into further income generation, and thus infuence farming
practices of farmers.
3.3 Crosscutting research findings
3.3.1. Biodiversity and resilience to snow disasters
An unexpected challenge to the project was the heavy snowstorms of the winter of 2008,
in which thousands of hectares of forest land in Central and Southern China were severely
damaged. This included the areas where the project was operating, which subsequently
disrupted research and monitoring. However, the disaster provided an opportunity to
measure the diferences in damage across types of forest. Evidence suggested that
monocultures are more susceptible to disruption, as larger tree species in the
bamboo-tree mixed forests withstood the high winds and pressure from the snowfall.
These efects of the snow storm on more biodiverse forests provided a clear and tangible
example of how retaining biodiversity in tree species in forests could maintain resilience
to extreme climatic events, and was used as an example in training delivery to both
farmers and forestry bodies.
25 26
2007-2010 in China
Disseminating new knowledge of
bamboo ecosystems in the scientific
and forestry communities
4

Through the projects research, networking and
communications work, researchers from the forestry
and biodiversity communities and gained a better
understanding of bamboo forest biodiversity issues.
The field research, often undertaken by local university
staff, students with collaboration from farmers, has
been translated and shared through activities and
publications.
Publications
As well as the project publications, at least 12 papers on biodiversity, ecology, silviculture
and management mechanisms were published in academic journals in China. Annex 2
gives a list of papers published to date.
Academic Forum in Linan, Zhejiang Province
In order to bring further attention to biodiversity issues within the bamboo forestry and
academic circles, a National Forum for exchange of bamboo forest management and
technology theory development was held in Linan, Zhejiang Province in September
2009. The forum brought together over 70 participants from 25 institutions and
universities involved in research on bamboo forestry. To address the various issues which
afect the relationship between bamboo cultivation and the environment (biodiversity
and climate issues), the Forum was split into three themes which aimed to promote the
sharing of knowledge and experience among scientists and forestry professionals.
Theme 1 addressed Sustainable Management Technology, Theory and Practices in
Bamboo Forests, and examined recent developments in the management of bamboo
forests, which take into account environmental efects and goals.
Theme 2 addressed the description of bamboo forest ecosystems in terms of the
interaction between diferent ecosystem components, their biodiversity makeup,
and the ecological services that they provide.
Theme 3 addressed issues related to the multifactorial interaction between the
bamboo sector and climate change mitigation and adaption. These included how
bamboo forests can capture and store carbon in diferent carbon pools, reductions in
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in the bamboo industry, and subsequent fnancial
returns through carbon trading both in regulatory and voluntary markets.
The meeting was attended by academics, policy makers and
practitioners from institutions involved in leading policy
development and research on bamboo and other forests in
China, and was important for spreading awareness of recent
research on bamboo forests environmental functions.
Twenty-six papers were presented and published in the
proceedings. Participants agreed to continue working and
promoting biodiversity as an important issue for the
bamboo forestry sector.
25 26
2007-2010 in China
Disseminating new knowledge of
bamboo ecosystems in the scientific
and forestry communities
4

Through the projects research, networking and
communications work, researchers from the forestry
and biodiversity communities and gained a better
understanding of bamboo forest biodiversity issues.
The field research, often undertaken by local university
staff, students with collaboration from farmers, has
been translated and shared through activities and
publications.
Publications
As well as the project publications, at least 12 papers on biodiversity, ecology, silviculture
and management mechanisms were published in academic journals in China. Annex 2
gives a list of papers published to date.
Academic Forum in Linan, Zhejiang Province
In order to bring further attention to biodiversity issues within the bamboo forestry and
academic circles, a National Forum for exchange of bamboo forest management and
technology theory development was held in Linan, Zhejiang Province in September
2009. The forum brought together over 70 participants from 25 institutions and
universities involved in research on bamboo forestry. To address the various issues which
afect the relationship between bamboo cultivation and the environment (biodiversity
and climate issues), the Forum was split into three themes which aimed to promote the
sharing of knowledge and experience among scientists and forestry professionals.
Theme 1 addressed Sustainable Management Technology, Theory and Practices in
Bamboo Forests, and examined recent developments in the management of bamboo
forests, which take into account environmental efects and goals.
Theme 2 addressed the description of bamboo forest ecosystems in terms of the
interaction between diferent ecosystem components, their biodiversity makeup,
and the ecological services that they provide.
Theme 3 addressed issues related to the multifactorial interaction between the
bamboo sector and climate change mitigation and adaption. These included how
bamboo forests can capture and store carbon in diferent carbon pools, reductions in
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in the bamboo industry, and subsequent fnancial
returns through carbon trading both in regulatory and voluntary markets.
The meeting was attended by academics, policy makers and
practitioners from institutions involved in leading policy
development and research on bamboo and other forests in
China, and was important for spreading awareness of recent
research on bamboo forests environmental functions.
Twenty-six papers were presented and published in the
proceedings. Participants agreed to continue working and
promoting biodiversity as an important issue for the
bamboo forestry sector.
27 28
2007-2010 in China
Online Forum
An online bamboo science and culture forum was established in November 2009 to
increase communication on bamboo management and culture. The site was launched at
the Linan Forum and since then has been hosted on the INBAR website. By May 2011, the
site had attracted 11,000 visits and has been used as a platform to exchange information
by project participants and interested parties during the years of implementation.
Participation in other conferences and events
The project has been presented and showcased at numerous events and conferences.
These included events that have been organized by the ECBP in China, and other national
and international events including:
World Forestry Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2009
Biodiversity workshops and conference in China (Lijiang, Yunnan Province 2010)
INBAR 2010 Bamboo and Rattan Congress, Shanghai Expo
Convention of Biological Diversity COP 10, Nagoya Japan, 2010
Local awareness-raising in schools in Yunnan
The project cooperated with local schools in Daguan, Yunnan to communicate messages
on biodiversity and farming practices. This was partly to include school children in the
programme directly, as they were better educated than their parents, who had not
received much, if any, schooling in this remote region. Essay-writing competitions, plays
and performances were held in order to spread messages about biodiversity protection
and managed harvesting of the Qiong bamboo forests.
The results of the school programme were very positive. School groups actively
participated, and parents acknowledged the importance of getting information from
their children, who explain what they had learnt at home to their parents after school.
This was signifcant, as the children were able to pick up and understand the need for
biodiversity conservation more easily than their parents, and help change their parents
initial reluctance to try the new management methods. The approach taken was also
recognized by reviewers and observers as being well designed and an appropriate
awareness raising tool for the circumstances found in Yunnan.
27 28
2007-2010 in China
Online Forum
An online bamboo science and culture forum was established in November 2009 to
increase communication on bamboo management and culture. The site was launched at
the Linan Forum and since then has been hosted on the INBAR website. By May 2011, the
site had attracted 11,000 visits and has been used as a platform to exchange information
by project participants and interested parties during the years of implementation.
Participation in other conferences and events
The project has been presented and showcased at numerous events and conferences.
These included events that have been organized by the ECBP in China, and other national
and international events including:
World Forestry Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2009
Biodiversity workshops and conference in China (Lijiang, Yunnan Province 2010)
INBAR 2010 Bamboo and Rattan Congress, Shanghai Expo
Convention of Biological Diversity COP 10, Nagoya Japan, 2010
Local awareness-raising in schools in Yunnan
The project cooperated with local schools in Daguan, Yunnan to communicate messages
on biodiversity and farming practices. This was partly to include school children in the
programme directly, as they were better educated than their parents, who had not
received much, if any, schooling in this remote region. Essay-writing competitions, plays
and performances were held in order to spread messages about biodiversity protection
and managed harvesting of the Qiong bamboo forests.
The results of the school programme were very positive. School groups actively
participated, and parents acknowledged the importance of getting information from
their children, who explain what they had learnt at home to their parents after school.
This was signifcant, as the children were able to pick up and understand the need for
biodiversity conservation more easily than their parents, and help change their parents
initial reluctance to try the new management methods. The approach taken was also
recognized by reviewers and observers as being well designed and an appropriate
awareness raising tool for the circumstances found in Yunnan.
29 30
2007-2010 in China
Forestry officials trained in the provinces
Hunan Provincial Forestry
Department- Technical
Extension Agency
(6 people)
Yanling Forestry Bureau
(5 people)
Changning Forestry Bureau
(5 people)
Daguan Forestry Bureau
(3 people)
Sichuan Provincial Forestry
Department- Conversion of
Farming Land into Forest
Management Ofce
(5 people)
Yunnan Provincial Forestry
Department- Natural Forest
Protection Programme
Ofce
(5 people)
Hunan Sichuan Yunnan
Training 5

In order to build upon the research results and improve the actual state of
biodiversity in productive forests in the provinces, the project organized a series of
training courses for farmers, forestry officials and policymakers. These focused
upon raising knowledge of biodiversity, teaching biodiversity-friendly methods of
farming and encouraging participants to take these up.
5.1 Training for farmers
Farmers in villages near the demonstration sites were trained in diferent techniques for
bamboo farming which would improve both their incomes and provide environmental
benefts for the forests. This included sustainable harvesting of bamboo, clearing of other
plants and undergrowth species, and application of external inputs into the bamboo forest.
The trainings were well attended, with over 130 farmers in Hunan and Sichuan joining the
trainings on Moso forest management.
In Yunnan, an approach was adopted which focused on providing examples of improved
management of common resources. Visits to the Matsutake mushroom producing area of
Nanhua county were organized for villagers to see how the introduction of rules and
regulations on harvesting could result in mutual benefts being created. Training was also
provided on how to recognize the age of diferent shoots, and how to harvest these at an
appropriate level. In total, 300 farmers were trained by the project for 550 person-days on
biodiversity conservation in bamboo forests.
5.2 Training for forestry officials
Twenty-nine ofcials were trained on bamboo biodiversity conservation and relevant
techniques. The following provincial and county level institutions in Hunan, Sichuan and
Yunnan received training on biodiversity management, project management and fnancial
administration. Other institutions also participated from other provinces.
As well as trainings organized within China, a study trip to Tasmania, Australia was also held to
study plantation practices and the integration of production and biodiversity protection
objectives in forestry. This provided participants with the chance to experience the sustainable
use of biodiversity in a diferent setting.
5.3 Training for trainers
Eleven trainers from the three provinces in which the project worked were trained on how to
train foresters and farmers on biodiversity-friendly techniques and practices, and a training
manual was developed by the project specifcally for training trainers. In addition, 40 trainers
from other provinces were also trained in biodiversity and conservation issues. They came
from Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui and Jiangxi, which make up the major bamboo producing
provinces in China.
Due to the large extent of bamboo forests in Southern China, lessons learnt under the project
are highly relevance for the sector as a whole and are likely to be increasingly used, as the
negative efects of intensive practices are becoming better known.
An important outcome of the training activities is the raised awareness amongst farmers and
forestry department workers of biodiversity and its importance in providing services which the
long-term sustainability of bamboo farming relies upon. While both groups were familiar with
aspects of biodiversity theory which interacted with their work, they [aid little attention to
biodiversity in forests, feeling that biodiversity was negative for forest health. The training and
their participation reversed this thinking to a great extent, and raised awareness of the
important positive aspects of biodiversity.
The project has also helped raise the capacity of bureau and department staf in running
projects, organizing events and undertaking activities related to biodiversity. Staf in the
departments have received training on running international programmes, and are therefore
more willing to apply for and succeed in running similar programmes in the future.
29 30
2007-2010 in China
Forestry officials trained in the provinces
Hunan Provincial Forestry
Department- Technical
Extension Agency
(6 people)
Yanling Forestry Bureau
(5 people)
Changning Forestry Bureau
(5 people)
Daguan Forestry Bureau
(3 people)
Sichuan Provincial Forestry
Department- Conversion of
Farming Land into Forest
Management Ofce
(5 people)
Yunnan Provincial Forestry
Department- Natural Forest
Protection Programme
Ofce
(5 people)
Hunan Sichuan Yunnan
Training 5

In order to build upon the research results and improve the actual state of
biodiversity in productive forests in the provinces, the project organized a series of
training courses for farmers, forestry officials and policymakers. These focused
upon raising knowledge of biodiversity, teaching biodiversity-friendly methods of
farming and encouraging participants to take these up.
5.1 Training for farmers
Farmers in villages near the demonstration sites were trained in diferent techniques for
bamboo farming which would improve both their incomes and provide environmental
benefts for the forests. This included sustainable harvesting of bamboo, clearing of other
plants and undergrowth species, and application of external inputs into the bamboo forest.
The trainings were well attended, with over 130 farmers in Hunan and Sichuan joining the
trainings on Moso forest management.
In Yunnan, an approach was adopted which focused on providing examples of improved
management of common resources. Visits to the Matsutake mushroom producing area of
Nanhua county were organized for villagers to see how the introduction of rules and
regulations on harvesting could result in mutual benefts being created. Training was also
provided on how to recognize the age of diferent shoots, and how to harvest these at an
appropriate level. In total, 300 farmers were trained by the project for 550 person-days on
biodiversity conservation in bamboo forests.
5.2 Training for forestry officials
Twenty-nine ofcials were trained on bamboo biodiversity conservation and relevant
techniques. The following provincial and county level institutions in Hunan, Sichuan and
Yunnan received training on biodiversity management, project management and fnancial
administration. Other institutions also participated from other provinces.
As well as trainings organized within China, a study trip to Tasmania, Australia was also held to
study plantation practices and the integration of production and biodiversity protection
objectives in forestry. This provided participants with the chance to experience the sustainable
use of biodiversity in a diferent setting.
5.3 Training for trainers
Eleven trainers from the three provinces in which the project worked were trained on how to
train foresters and farmers on biodiversity-friendly techniques and practices, and a training
manual was developed by the project specifcally for training trainers. In addition, 40 trainers
from other provinces were also trained in biodiversity and conservation issues. They came
from Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui and Jiangxi, which make up the major bamboo producing
provinces in China.
Due to the large extent of bamboo forests in Southern China, lessons learnt under the project
are highly relevance for the sector as a whole and are likely to be increasingly used, as the
negative efects of intensive practices are becoming better known.
An important outcome of the training activities is the raised awareness amongst farmers and
forestry department workers of biodiversity and its importance in providing services which the
long-term sustainability of bamboo farming relies upon. While both groups were familiar with
aspects of biodiversity theory which interacted with their work, they [aid little attention to
biodiversity in forests, feeling that biodiversity was negative for forest health. The training and
their participation reversed this thinking to a great extent, and raised awareness of the
important positive aspects of biodiversity.
The project has also helped raise the capacity of bureau and department staf in running
projects, organizing events and undertaking activities related to biodiversity. Staf in the
departments have received training on running international programmes, and are therefore
more willing to apply for and succeed in running similar programmes in the future.
1. The defnition of bamboo, and bamboo forests and references to them in legislation
2. Management of property rights in bamboo forests
3. Biodiversity protection management systems and mechanisms
4. The system and mechanisms in place for the requisition and occupation of forestland
5. Investment in bamboo forest biodiversity conservation
6. The protection of rare and endangered bamboo resources
7. Introducing bamboo resource cultivation and management policy
8. Multifunctional use of bamboo forests
9. Protection of bamboo forest biodiversity in nature reserves
10. Community participation mechanisms on bamboo forest biodiversity protection
11. Compensation mechanisms for forests (and bamboo forest) ecological benefts
12. The States technology support system
13. Publicity and education on the conservation of biodiversity in bamboo forests
2
Ecoplanet Bamboo, 2011. Bamboo Worldwide- The current market and future potential, http://www.ecoplanet-
bamboo.net/bamboo-worldwide [Accessed October 2, 2011]
31 32
Policy Research 6

2007-2010 in China
Recommendations published by China Forestry Press
The aim of the policy analysis was to determine links between policies in place and
the biodiversity outcomes and impacts on bamboo forests. Data was gathered
through reviews of reports and published information, interviews with officials and
policymakers, and other stakeholders.
6.1 Policy recommendations for bamboo forest biodiversity in China
A holistic analysis of the bamboo sector and related policy areas was undertaken.
Although much of this focused upon Moso forests, it also included Qiong bamboo and
non-commercial species which may require in-situ and ex-situ conservation. As a result, 13
recommendations were made to improve on the current policies in place. These were
submitted to the forestry authorities and published by the China Forestry Press.
Draft recommendations were presented for discussion to the State Forestry
Administration at an advisory workshop in July 2009 in Beijing, and the fnal versions
submitted in 2010. They were also sent to the ECBP Project Ofce for communication to
central government within the framework of the generally envisaged framework of
improved biodiversity management in China.
English-language policy recommendations: The recommendations were published in
English for the beneft of international stakeholders, including policymakers in other
countries interested in policy approaches for the management of ecosystems containing
bamboo. INBAR presented the policy fndings of the project at the 10
th
Conference of the
Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 10) held in Nagoya, Japan in
October 2010. Over 500 copies of the publication have been distributed so far and
inquiries about the publication have been received from governments, international
organizations, plantation managers and enthusiasts. For instance, lessons from the
project cited in the report were used for the sustainable establishment of bamboo
plantations in Central America by a private company
2
.
6.2 Policy Recommendations for Qiong Bamboo
Given the rapid decline of Qiong bamboo resources due to overharvesting, and the fact
that it grows in areas which are remote and poor, it was felt that a specifc set of
recommendations and policies were needed these were provided to local ofcials and
through trainings. The policies covered both the reform of rights and responsibilities for
Qiong bamboo resources by the villagers, and how the local forestry bureau could act to
better protect the resource through harvesting regulations and other measures. To date,
some of the harvesting restrictions have been put in place, and it is expected that with
further action planned to be undertaken by the local forestry bureau, more changes will
come into efect which will better protect the Qiong bamboo resource. In a survey of local
forestry policy makers after the end of the project, 92% considered the exercise and
recommendations useful and would put more focus upon biodiversity conservation of
Qiong bamboo in their work.
1. The defnition of bamboo, and bamboo forests and references to them in legislation
2. Management of property rights in bamboo forests
3. Biodiversity protection management systems and mechanisms
4. The system and mechanisms in place for the requisition and occupation of forestland
5. Investment in bamboo forest biodiversity conservation
6. The protection of rare and endangered bamboo resources
7. Introducing bamboo resource cultivation and management policy
8. Multifunctional use of bamboo forests
9. Protection of bamboo forest biodiversity in nature reserves
10. Community participation mechanisms on bamboo forest biodiversity protection
11. Compensation mechanisms for forests (and bamboo forest) ecological benefts
12. The States technology support system
13. Publicity and education on the conservation of biodiversity in bamboo forests
2
Ecoplanet Bamboo, 2011. Bamboo Worldwide- The current market and future potential, http://www.ecoplanet-
bamboo.net/bamboo-worldwide [Accessed October 2, 2011]
31 32
Policy Research 6

2007-2010 in China
Recommendations published by China Forestry Press
The aim of the policy analysis was to determine links between policies in place and
the biodiversity outcomes and impacts on bamboo forests. Data was gathered
through reviews of reports and published information, interviews with officials and
policymakers, and other stakeholders.
6.1 Policy recommendations for bamboo forest biodiversity in China
A holistic analysis of the bamboo sector and related policy areas was undertaken.
Although much of this focused upon Moso forests, it also included Qiong bamboo and
non-commercial species which may require in-situ and ex-situ conservation. As a result, 13
recommendations were made to improve on the current policies in place. These were
submitted to the forestry authorities and published by the China Forestry Press.
Draft recommendations were presented for discussion to the State Forestry
Administration at an advisory workshop in July 2009 in Beijing, and the fnal versions
submitted in 2010. They were also sent to the ECBP Project Ofce for communication to
central government within the framework of the generally envisaged framework of
improved biodiversity management in China.
English-language policy recommendations: The recommendations were published in
English for the beneft of international stakeholders, including policymakers in other
countries interested in policy approaches for the management of ecosystems containing
bamboo. INBAR presented the policy fndings of the project at the 10
th
Conference of the
Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 10) held in Nagoya, Japan in
October 2010. Over 500 copies of the publication have been distributed so far and
inquiries about the publication have been received from governments, international
organizations, plantation managers and enthusiasts. For instance, lessons from the
project cited in the report were used for the sustainable establishment of bamboo
plantations in Central America by a private company
2
.
6.2 Policy Recommendations for Qiong Bamboo
Given the rapid decline of Qiong bamboo resources due to overharvesting, and the fact
that it grows in areas which are remote and poor, it was felt that a specifc set of
recommendations and policies were needed these were provided to local ofcials and
through trainings. The policies covered both the reform of rights and responsibilities for
Qiong bamboo resources by the villagers, and how the local forestry bureau could act to
better protect the resource through harvesting regulations and other measures. To date,
some of the harvesting restrictions have been put in place, and it is expected that with
further action planned to be undertaken by the local forestry bureau, more changes will
come into efect which will better protect the Qiong bamboo resource. In a survey of local
forestry policy makers after the end of the project, 92% considered the exercise and
recommendations useful and would put more focus upon biodiversity conservation of
Qiong bamboo in their work.
33 34
2007-2010 in China
Lessons learnt for bamboo
development
7

Declining proftability of monoculture forests
Concurrently, monoculture bamboo forests face higher risks of damage than mixed
forests. Monocultures are more susceptible to disasters from diseases, insects and storms,
which can lead to loss of investment put into management of forests. In addition,
damaged forests need to be cleared in order for new shoots to re-establish, representing a
further loss in terms of income foregone from other activities. Furthermore, bamboo
forests that are managed intensively over long periods (10+ years) show falling levels of
productivity. It is likely that the reduced output from forest systems due to productivity
decline and damage to forests exceed the benefts from farming forests intensively.
Changing roles and values of forests
Forests provide multiple roles and services to local and global communities which can
change at diferent stages of development. While bamboo forests have had an important
production function (in terms of supplying bamboo timber and shoots) for trade and
income generation, other services such as watershed protection, biodiversity protection
and carbon sequestration are being seen as increasingly important. Mixed bamboo forests
are able to provide some of these services better than intensively managed bamboo
monocultures.
High costs of mixed forest re-establishment and expansion control
Once bamboo monocultures are established, it is difcult for other tree species to grow
due to the dense canopy. In areas where mixed forests are wanted, introduction of other
tree species to recreate mixed forests is therefore needed, which can be relatively costly.
For example, such activities are ongoing in Linan, Zhejiang province, with economic tree
species such as hickory, introduced at government expense.
Where the proftability and public interest in bamboo forest management has declined,
bamboo forests can also encroach into other ecosystems, resulting in unwelcome changes
in these. This is particularly the case in Japan, where Moso bamboo was widely introduced
and managed in the 19th and 20th centuries, but has become increasingly unmanaged in
recent years. Bamboo forests are expanding into other forests and grasslands, the control
of which is only possible through repeated cutting, but often this now requires public
funding. While this situation has not yet appeared in China, the potential efects of decline
in bamboo management on local ecosystems need to be taken into consideration.
Rising costs of managing monoculture forests
While monoculture bamboo forests are easier to manage and provide higher incomes to
farmers in the short run, over a longer period of time, these benefts can diminish as the
costs of management increase. Additional costs come from both the need to add
additional fertilizers to replenish nutrient levels lost through erosion or clearance of
other vegetation, as well as extra disease prevention measures which are needed as
monocultures lose some of the natural defenses of mixed forests.
Although the project targeted the situation in bamboo forests in China, there are
lessons to be drawn which have implications for development of the bamboo
sector in other countries. In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Laos, the
Philippines, and Vietnam but also in other regions which have the potential and
ambition to develop bamboo forests, such as in East Africa and Latin America, the
way in which bamboo plantations are developed requires consideration of their
long term sustainability and effects on the local environment.
33 34
2007-2010 in China
Lessons learnt for bamboo
development
7

Declining proftability of monoculture forests
Concurrently, monoculture bamboo forests face higher risks of damage than mixed
forests. Monocultures are more susceptible to disasters from diseases, insects and storms,
which can lead to loss of investment put into management of forests. In addition,
damaged forests need to be cleared in order for new shoots to re-establish, representing a
further loss in terms of income foregone from other activities. Furthermore, bamboo
forests that are managed intensively over long periods (10+ years) show falling levels of
productivity. It is likely that the reduced output from forest systems due to productivity
decline and damage to forests exceed the benefts from farming forests intensively.
Changing roles and values of forests
Forests provide multiple roles and services to local and global communities which can
change at diferent stages of development. While bamboo forests have had an important
production function (in terms of supplying bamboo timber and shoots) for trade and
income generation, other services such as watershed protection, biodiversity protection
and carbon sequestration are being seen as increasingly important. Mixed bamboo forests
are able to provide some of these services better than intensively managed bamboo
monocultures.
High costs of mixed forest re-establishment and expansion control
Once bamboo monocultures are established, it is difcult for other tree species to grow
due to the dense canopy. In areas where mixed forests are wanted, introduction of other
tree species to recreate mixed forests is therefore needed, which can be relatively costly.
For example, such activities are ongoing in Linan, Zhejiang province, with economic tree
species such as hickory, introduced at government expense.
Where the proftability and public interest in bamboo forest management has declined,
bamboo forests can also encroach into other ecosystems, resulting in unwelcome changes
in these. This is particularly the case in Japan, where Moso bamboo was widely introduced
and managed in the 19th and 20th centuries, but has become increasingly unmanaged in
recent years. Bamboo forests are expanding into other forests and grasslands, the control
of which is only possible through repeated cutting, but often this now requires public
funding. While this situation has not yet appeared in China, the potential efects of decline
in bamboo management on local ecosystems need to be taken into consideration.
Rising costs of managing monoculture forests
While monoculture bamboo forests are easier to manage and provide higher incomes to
farmers in the short run, over a longer period of time, these benefts can diminish as the
costs of management increase. Additional costs come from both the need to add
additional fertilizers to replenish nutrient levels lost through erosion or clearance of
other vegetation, as well as extra disease prevention measures which are needed as
monocultures lose some of the natural defenses of mixed forests.
Although the project targeted the situation in bamboo forests in China, there are
lessons to be drawn which have implications for development of the bamboo
sector in other countries. In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Laos, the
Philippines, and Vietnam but also in other regions which have the potential and
ambition to develop bamboo forests, such as in East Africa and Latin America, the
way in which bamboo plantations are developed requires consideration of their
long term sustainability and effects on the local environment.
35 36
A role for government guidelines and recommended practices in
forest management
In the past, forestry extension and support has focused on bamboo forest productivity. A
national standard on farming bamboo has been drawn up by forestry authorities and
recommended at local levels, emphasizing maximizing of productivity. In some areas,
restrictions have existed on the cutting of non-bamboo trees in forested areas, however
in others these have not existed or not been enforced, leading to the clearing of other
trees by farmers who have management rights over their land. While the profts from
intensive bamboo farming go to farmers, the long term costs described above are likely to
have to be met by governments from public funds. In order to engender more sustainable
practices in farming practices, forestry authorities in bamboo producing areas need to be
aware of these issues and create incentives for farmers to manage forests with a longer
term perspective. Mechanisms to do this include providing assurances of long term
management or ownership rights to farmers, provision of education on environmental
values of forests, subsidies for landscape management and potentially the establishment
of enforceable restrictions on removal of non-bamboo timber species.
Although the outcomes of the project are difcult to evaluate comprehensively so soon
after its completion, as the major project focusing on forest biodiversity under the EU
China Biodiversity Project, the project has clearly been important in raising awareness
of biodiversity both within the counties and provinces in which it has been operating in
the forestry sector in China, and amongst bamboo and biodiversity practitioner
communities globally. With a low initial level of awareness of the importance of
biodiversity, this is arguably one of the most important results of the work.
At the general level, one of the most important achievements of the larger ECBP
project has been the inclusion of biodiversity into the text of Chinas 12th, 5-Year Plan,
which is an important step in promoting widespread recognition of the importance of
biodiversity management. Similarly, the eforts made under the project to bring
biodiversity to the discussion table of the forestry sector, and especially those
concerned with planning the development of the bamboo sector, is an important
achievement. The contributions of the project to scientifc research on ecological and
management aspects of bamboo biodiversity, the participation in national and
international events, the hosting of workshops at the provincial and central level and
the establishment of a forum for knowledge-sharing have all contributed to this.
8

Conclusions
35 36
A role for government guidelines and recommended practices in
forest management
In the past, forestry extension and support has focused on bamboo forest productivity. A
national standard on farming bamboo has been drawn up by forestry authorities and
recommended at local levels, emphasizing maximizing of productivity. In some areas,
restrictions have existed on the cutting of non-bamboo trees in forested areas, however
in others these have not existed or not been enforced, leading to the clearing of other
trees by farmers who have management rights over their land. While the profts from
intensive bamboo farming go to farmers, the long term costs described above are likely to
have to be met by governments from public funds. In order to engender more sustainable
practices in farming practices, forestry authorities in bamboo producing areas need to be
aware of these issues and create incentives for farmers to manage forests with a longer
term perspective. Mechanisms to do this include providing assurances of long term
management or ownership rights to farmers, provision of education on environmental
values of forests, subsidies for landscape management and potentially the establishment
of enforceable restrictions on removal of non-bamboo timber species.
Although the outcomes of the project are difcult to evaluate comprehensively so soon
after its completion, as the major project focusing on forest biodiversity under the EU
China Biodiversity Project, the project has clearly been important in raising awareness
of biodiversity both within the counties and provinces in which it has been operating in
the forestry sector in China, and amongst bamboo and biodiversity practitioner
communities globally. With a low initial level of awareness of the importance of
biodiversity, this is arguably one of the most important results of the work.
At the general level, one of the most important achievements of the larger ECBP
project has been the inclusion of biodiversity into the text of Chinas 12th, 5-Year Plan,
which is an important step in promoting widespread recognition of the importance of
biodiversity management. Similarly, the eforts made under the project to bring
biodiversity to the discussion table of the forestry sector, and especially those
concerned with planning the development of the bamboo sector, is an important
achievement. The contributions of the project to scientifc research on ecological and
management aspects of bamboo biodiversity, the participation in national and
international events, the hosting of workshops at the provincial and central level and
the establishment of a forum for knowledge-sharing have all contributed to this.
8

Conclusions
37 38
2007-2010 in China
At the same time, training on biodiversity for forestry ofcials and workers at the county,
provincial and national level was undertaken in order to translate the theory and wider goals
into the approaches used when planning and regulating forestry management. Training of
trainers was necessary to ensure sustainability of the lessons learnt under the project, and
the encouraging fgure of 92% of trainers wanting to conduct more training on the topic
highlights a high level of understanding of the importance in retaining biodiverse forests. It
is therefore highly likely that those who have been trained will not advocate the
establishment of pure monocultures as a routine anymore, and place emphasis on keeping
mixed forests as a forestry objective. At the village level, training of villagers on methods was
successful in introducing farming techniques which were both good for biodiversity and for
income generation. Whilst training on farming practices seems to have generated positive
results and are being taken up by farmers, it is too early to tell what the efects of this will be
in the long run.
In terms of policy, the projects research and analysis into the range of land-use, property
rights, research, fnancing, classifcation, education and economic policies has provided a
broad perspective on the various issues which afect biodiversity and bamboo forests. The
resulting picture is a complex one, partly as a result of fragmentation in policies targeting
bamboo forest ownership and a lag between the existence of policies which emphasize
reform of certain areas and their implementation. The publication of 13 policy
recommendations and their submission to the central forestry authorities in China provides
further clarifcation of the major issues and highlights some of the areas which need
addressing. The submission of these to the central authorities and local authorities
introduces strong reasoning to change inappropriate or unclear policy, and it is expected
that changes will be introduced, albeit slowly, further emphasizing the importance of
retaining mixed forests.
Thus far, there has been relatively little change in the regulation governing the bamboo
forests. However, through engaging policymakers directly in the compilation of reports, and
subsequently submission of the outcomes to the appropriate authorities, it is clear that
policymakers are more aware of the issues and the problems related to advocating
monoculture forestry.
37 38
2007-2010 in China
At the same time, training on biodiversity for forestry ofcials and workers at the county,
provincial and national level was undertaken in order to translate the theory and wider goals
into the approaches used when planning and regulating forestry management. Training of
trainers was necessary to ensure sustainability of the lessons learnt under the project, and
the encouraging fgure of 92% of trainers wanting to conduct more training on the topic
highlights a high level of understanding of the importance in retaining biodiverse forests. It
is therefore highly likely that those who have been trained will not advocate the
establishment of pure monocultures as a routine anymore, and place emphasis on keeping
mixed forests as a forestry objective. At the village level, training of villagers on methods was
successful in introducing farming techniques which were both good for biodiversity and for
income generation. Whilst training on farming practices seems to have generated positive
results and are being taken up by farmers, it is too early to tell what the efects of this will be
in the long run.
In terms of policy, the projects research and analysis into the range of land-use, property
rights, research, fnancing, classifcation, education and economic policies has provided a
broad perspective on the various issues which afect biodiversity and bamboo forests. The
resulting picture is a complex one, partly as a result of fragmentation in policies targeting
bamboo forest ownership and a lag between the existence of policies which emphasize
reform of certain areas and their implementation. The publication of 13 policy
recommendations and their submission to the central forestry authorities in China provides
further clarifcation of the major issues and highlights some of the areas which need
addressing. The submission of these to the central authorities and local authorities
introduces strong reasoning to change inappropriate or unclear policy, and it is expected
that changes will be introduced, albeit slowly, further emphasizing the importance of
retaining mixed forests.
Thus far, there has been relatively little change in the regulation governing the bamboo
forests. However, through engaging policymakers directly in the compilation of reports, and
subsequently submission of the outcomes to the appropriate authorities, it is clear that
policymakers are more aware of the issues and the problems related to advocating
monoculture forestry.
39 40
Longer term results, 2011 - 2013
9

2007-2010 in China
The county authorities have established a new project on Qiong bamboo management
that aims to improve the outputs of low-yielding Qiong bamboo forests using the
management practices the project introduced, such as restructuring stand density,
managing fertilizer and nutrients, controlling shoot harvesting managing non-bamboo
vegetation. These practices have been applied to more than 2000 hectares of Qiong
bamboo forest, with excellent results in the three years since the project was completed.
The average diameter of newly grow Qiong bamboo has increased from 0.8cm to 1.2cm,
the average height has increased from 2.6m to 3.3m, and the average yield per hectare
has increased from approximately 750kg to approximately 2,250kg, generating additional
annual cash income of 6000 yuan (1000 USD) for the farmers.
Guidelines developed for the harvesting and management of Qiong bamboo have also
adapted and used by Shuifu County. Regulations restricting community farming have
been issued to relieve pressure on immature Qiong bamboo forests due to
overharvesting, and which are intended to enhance the sustainability of forest
management. Southern West Forestry University, one of the projects partners, has also
has recently started a Protection of Rare and Endangered Qiongzhu Bamboo and
Recovery Technology Research for Degraded Qiongzhu Bamboo Forest project to
continue the work on the Qiongzhu protection and rehabilitate degraded natural
bamboo forests in Daguan County.
Hunan Province
Four follow-up projects on Moso bamboo have been launched in Yanling County in the
three years since the biodiversity project came to an end. These have resulted in the
projects biodiversity conservation practices being adopted in approximately 8,000
hectares of Moso forest, including retaining other woody species to maintain a mixed
forest, protecting rare species seedlings in the understory, and stump fertilization. The
area of mixed bamboo forest has increased by 5,800 ha., and now covers 24.8% of the
bamboo forest area of the county.

These practices not only have been applied via projects and regular technical training
courses for communities, but also integrated into local forestry policies. Policy
recommendations and the relevant technologies for biodiversity conservation have been
consolidated into the Yanling technical regulations and procedures for high level
transformation of Moso bamboo stands for timber and shoots, to prevent mixed
bamboo forest being converted into monoculture forest and to maintain biodiversity.
Yunnan Province
Over the past three years in Daguan county,
Yunnan, the sustainable management
practices and policy recommendations for
Qiong bamboo have been adapted and
applied by local government and
communities after the projects completion.
The INBAR project has acted as a promoter
that has encouraged local government and
other partners to move from awareness
raising into action, and from improvement
of policies and production of guidelines into
enhanced technical practices in the feld.
39 40
Longer term results, 2011 - 2013
9

2007-2010 in China
The county authorities have established a new project on Qiong bamboo management
that aims to improve the outputs of low-yielding Qiong bamboo forests using the
management practices the project introduced, such as restructuring stand density,
managing fertilizer and nutrients, controlling shoot harvesting managing non-bamboo
vegetation. These practices have been applied to more than 2000 hectares of Qiong
bamboo forest, with excellent results in the three years since the project was completed.
The average diameter of newly grow Qiong bamboo has increased from 0.8cm to 1.2cm,
the average height has increased from 2.6m to 3.3m, and the average yield per hectare
has increased from approximately 750kg to approximately 2,250kg, generating additional
annual cash income of 6000 yuan (1000 USD) for the farmers.
Guidelines developed for the harvesting and management of Qiong bamboo have also
adapted and used by Shuifu County. Regulations restricting community farming have
been issued to relieve pressure on immature Qiong bamboo forests due to
overharvesting, and which are intended to enhance the sustainability of forest
management. Southern West Forestry University, one of the projects partners, has also
has recently started a Protection of Rare and Endangered Qiongzhu Bamboo and
Recovery Technology Research for Degraded Qiongzhu Bamboo Forest project to
continue the work on the Qiongzhu protection and rehabilitate degraded natural
bamboo forests in Daguan County.
Hunan Province
Four follow-up projects on Moso bamboo have been launched in Yanling County in the
three years since the biodiversity project came to an end. These have resulted in the
projects biodiversity conservation practices being adopted in approximately 8,000
hectares of Moso forest, including retaining other woody species to maintain a mixed
forest, protecting rare species seedlings in the understory, and stump fertilization. The
area of mixed bamboo forest has increased by 5,800 ha., and now covers 24.8% of the
bamboo forest area of the county.

These practices not only have been applied via projects and regular technical training
courses for communities, but also integrated into local forestry policies. Policy
recommendations and the relevant technologies for biodiversity conservation have been
consolidated into the Yanling technical regulations and procedures for high level
transformation of Moso bamboo stands for timber and shoots, to prevent mixed
bamboo forest being converted into monoculture forest and to maintain biodiversity.
Yunnan Province
Over the past three years in Daguan county,
Yunnan, the sustainable management
practices and policy recommendations for
Qiong bamboo have been adapted and
applied by local government and
communities after the projects completion.
The INBAR project has acted as a promoter
that has encouraged local government and
other partners to move from awareness
raising into action, and from improvement
of policies and production of guidelines into
enhanced technical practices in the feld.
41 42
2007-2010 in China
Awareness of the ecological benefts of mixed bamboo forests of the local forestry ofcers
has increased considerably and they now take this into account in development projects
in the sector to ensure protection of biodiversity and enhance the environmental and
ecological benefts of the forests.
Sichuan Province
The Changning authorities have started six new bamboo projects in the past three years,
all of which work to improve biodiversity conservation, and include activities such as
promoting mixed bamboo forests in bamboo aforestation projects, adapting
management of low yielding forests to ensure understory vegetation is retained, and
using stump fertilization techniques.
Changning has proposed a "Four-point" mode for technology extension in accordance
with a set of technical measures that provide unifed guidance in the county.
Point One: Convening an expert panel including INBAR, the Chinese Academy of Forestry,
the International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Nanjing Forestry University, Sichuan
Agricultural University, provincial and municipal Academy of cooperation, county forestry
bamboo industry research and development centers, and science and technology
promotion stations, to explore bamboo industry research, development research projects
internationally and domestically. Fourteen research projects are testing eight
technologies for improving low-yielding bamboo forest, including improved fertilization,
pest control and exploring integrated ecosystem management techniques and standards
for bamboo forests.
Point Two: Using sample plots for a range of diferent demonstrations - 10 ha for
high-yielding bamboo forest management and 6 ha for traditional bamboo forest
management. These plots and the demonstrated efects of the diferent management
regimes are used for the bamboo farmers on-site training.
Point Three: Implementing a set of technical practices: 1) managing stand density; 2)
optimizing bamboo culm age structure in the forest; 3) appropriate fertilization; 4) timely
pest control.
Point Four: Establishing a service team at village level for more than 500 ha of bamboo
cultivation in the high yield demonstration area.
Over the past few years, the ofcers and technicians promoting bamboo forest
technologies in Changning have changed their priorities from promoting mono-cultured
bamboo forest to developing mixed forests with higher biodiversity and improved
ecosystem services. The local project ofcer has been ranked the ninth top-notch talent
in Changning and has passed the assessment for senior engineer status, and biodiversity
and conservation has been recognized by the local authorities as important tools in
improved forest management. Changning is now initiating a rare tree species
management plan, developing a Sea of Bamboo and panda research projects, and
preparing a forest resource inventory.
41 42
2007-2010 in China
Awareness of the ecological benefts of mixed bamboo forests of the local forestry ofcers
has increased considerably and they now take this into account in development projects
in the sector to ensure protection of biodiversity and enhance the environmental and
ecological benefts of the forests.
Sichuan Province
The Changning authorities have started six new bamboo projects in the past three years,
all of which work to improve biodiversity conservation, and include activities such as
promoting mixed bamboo forests in bamboo aforestation projects, adapting
management of low yielding forests to ensure understory vegetation is retained, and
using stump fertilization techniques.
Changning has proposed a "Four-point" mode for technology extension in accordance
with a set of technical measures that provide unifed guidance in the county.
Point One: Convening an expert panel including INBAR, the Chinese Academy of Forestry,
the International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Nanjing Forestry University, Sichuan
Agricultural University, provincial and municipal Academy of cooperation, county forestry
bamboo industry research and development centers, and science and technology
promotion stations, to explore bamboo industry research, development research projects
internationally and domestically. Fourteen research projects are testing eight
technologies for improving low-yielding bamboo forest, including improved fertilization,
pest control and exploring integrated ecosystem management techniques and standards
for bamboo forests.
Point Two: Using sample plots for a range of diferent demonstrations - 10 ha for
high-yielding bamboo forest management and 6 ha for traditional bamboo forest
management. These plots and the demonstrated efects of the diferent management
regimes are used for the bamboo farmers on-site training.
Point Three: Implementing a set of technical practices: 1) managing stand density; 2)
optimizing bamboo culm age structure in the forest; 3) appropriate fertilization; 4) timely
pest control.
Point Four: Establishing a service team at village level for more than 500 ha of bamboo
cultivation in the high yield demonstration area.
Over the past few years, the ofcers and technicians promoting bamboo forest
technologies in Changning have changed their priorities from promoting mono-cultured
bamboo forest to developing mixed forests with higher biodiversity and improved
ecosystem services. The local project ofcer has been ranked the ninth top-notch talent
in Changning and has passed the assessment for senior engineer status, and biodiversity
and conservation has been recognized by the local authorities as important tools in
improved forest management. Changning is now initiating a rare tree species
management plan, developing a Sea of Bamboo and panda research projects, and
preparing a forest resource inventory.
Conservation management for mixed Moso bamboo forest as in Hunan and extensive and
common management in monoculture Moso bamboo forest as in Sichuan were both
found to infuence the species richness of arthropods. However, conservation
management has less efect on arthropods species diversity in the two layers than does
intensive management.
The intensive management practices had diferent efects on species diversity in the two
layers. The use of intensive practices led to an increase in the species diversity in the
canopy layer, and a decrease in understory. Overall, compared to extensively-managed
bamboo forest, the impact of mixed forest conservation management, the intensive and
common management practices on arthropod diversity is relatively small and without
signifcant diferences.
Among the arthropods observed, the main pests in Hunan are bamboo oval bugs
(Hippota dorsalis), leafhopper (Empoasca sp.), bamboo thorn gall mite (Aculus bambusae)
and Nanjing Schizotetranychus (Shcizotetranychus nanjingensis). The main pests in
Sichuan are bamboo sharp chest foam cicadas (Aphrophora notabilis), leafhopper
(Empoasca sp.), bamboo bugs (Mystilus priamus) and bamboo aphid (Oregma
bambusicola).
Birds
The bird diversity fndings showed that 34 bird species were present in mixed forests and
12 birds present in monoculture bamboo forest , while 35 bird species in mixed bamboo
and 15 in the monoculture forest in Sichuan. While these fgures have to be taken with
some caution as they did not cover long time periods of monitoring, they indicate a clear
diference in the presence of bird abundance in diferent types of bamboo forest.
Zosterops japonicus found in mixed bamboo forest in Changning, Sichuan
Lonchura striata found both in mixed bamboo forest and monoculture forest in
Changning and Yanling
Plant diversity
There were 165 species belonging to 139 genus and 85 families in the experimental plots
of Hunan Province in mixed trees and bamboo forests. The highest abundance of species
was found in the shrub layer whose main families were Rosaceae, Euphorbiaceae and
Lauraceae. The grass layer had the next highest abundance mainly made up of
Compositae, Rubiaceae, and Magnoliaeae. The main families in tree layer were Poaceae
(Moso bamboo), Rosaceae, Lauraceae, and Fagaceae with a total of 18 families and 33
species.
There were 81 vascular plants belonging to 72 genus and 44 families in the experimental
plots of Sichuan Province in the monoculture bamboo forest. Angiosperms constituted
85% of all species. There were more species of plants in the mixed bamboo forest than
that in the bamboo monoculture forest.
Impact of management practices on insect diversity
Arthropods play an important role in forest ecosystems, but are also the most sensitive to
ecosystem disturbance. Improper management can lead to pest outbreaks and lead to a
signifcant reduction in the diversity of arthropods. The prevalence of monoculture,
intensively reclamation and weeding have become the major source of human
disturbance, and may explain the continued outbreaks of pests, and hence the increasing
use of chemical pesticides. When outbreaks occur, secondary pests rise to become major
pests and arthropod diversity in Moso bamboo forests becomes signifcantly lower
(Zhang Feiping et al. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007).
In April 2009, nine observation plots in Yanling County, Hunan province and Changning
County, Sichuan Province were set up to monitor the impact of management practice on
insect diversity by using arthropods as indictors. Arthropod diversity was investigated by
measuring species richness, abundance and diversity index.
According to table 1, more arthropods families and species both in canopy layer and
understory were found in mixed bamboo forest in Yanling than in the monoculture
bamboo forest in Changning .
Annex 1: Findings of Plant, Bird and Nematode population
surveys in Hunan and Sichuan Moso bamboo sites
2007-2010 in China
Arthropods in layers sites orders families species
Yanling 19 134 383
Yanling 15 96 268
Table 1. Arthropod species diversity in the two project sites
Changning 18 84 221
Changning 15 67 154
43 44
ANNEXES
Canopy layer
Understory
Conservation management for mixed Moso bamboo forest as in Hunan and extensive and
common management in monoculture Moso bamboo forest as in Sichuan were both
found to infuence the species richness of arthropods. However, conservation
management has less efect on arthropods species diversity in the two layers than does
intensive management.
The intensive management practices had diferent efects on species diversity in the two
layers. The use of intensive practices led to an increase in the species diversity in the
canopy layer, and a decrease in understory. Overall, compared to extensively-managed
bamboo forest, the impact of mixed forest conservation management, the intensive and
common management practices on arthropod diversity is relatively small and without
signifcant diferences.
Among the arthropods observed, the main pests in Hunan are bamboo oval bugs
(Hippota dorsalis), leafhopper (Empoasca sp.), bamboo thorn gall mite (Aculus bambusae)
and Nanjing Schizotetranychus (Shcizotetranychus nanjingensis). The main pests in
Sichuan are bamboo sharp chest foam cicadas (Aphrophora notabilis), leafhopper
(Empoasca sp.), bamboo bugs (Mystilus priamus) and bamboo aphid (Oregma
bambusicola).
Birds
The bird diversity fndings showed that 34 bird species were present in mixed forests and
12 birds present in monoculture bamboo forest , while 35 bird species in mixed bamboo
and 15 in the monoculture forest in Sichuan. While these fgures have to be taken with
some caution as they did not cover long time periods of monitoring, they indicate a clear
diference in the presence of bird abundance in diferent types of bamboo forest.
Zosterops japonicus found in mixed bamboo forest in Changning, Sichuan
Lonchura striata found both in mixed bamboo forest and monoculture forest in
Changning and Yanling
Plant diversity
There were 165 species belonging to 139 genus and 85 families in the experimental plots
of Hunan Province in mixed trees and bamboo forests. The highest abundance of species
was found in the shrub layer whose main families were Rosaceae, Euphorbiaceae and
Lauraceae. The grass layer had the next highest abundance mainly made up of
Compositae, Rubiaceae, and Magnoliaeae. The main families in tree layer were Poaceae
(Moso bamboo), Rosaceae, Lauraceae, and Fagaceae with a total of 18 families and 33
species.
There were 81 vascular plants belonging to 72 genus and 44 families in the experimental
plots of Sichuan Province in the monoculture bamboo forest. Angiosperms constituted
85% of all species. There were more species of plants in the mixed bamboo forest than
that in the bamboo monoculture forest.
Impact of management practices on insect diversity
Arthropods play an important role in forest ecosystems, but are also the most sensitive to
ecosystem disturbance. Improper management can lead to pest outbreaks and lead to a
signifcant reduction in the diversity of arthropods. The prevalence of monoculture,
intensively reclamation and weeding have become the major source of human
disturbance, and may explain the continued outbreaks of pests, and hence the increasing
use of chemical pesticides. When outbreaks occur, secondary pests rise to become major
pests and arthropod diversity in Moso bamboo forests becomes signifcantly lower
(Zhang Feiping et al. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007).
In April 2009, nine observation plots in Yanling County, Hunan province and Changning
County, Sichuan Province were set up to monitor the impact of management practice on
insect diversity by using arthropods as indictors. Arthropod diversity was investigated by
measuring species richness, abundance and diversity index.
According to table 1, more arthropods families and species both in canopy layer and
understory were found in mixed bamboo forest in Yanling than in the monoculture
bamboo forest in Changning .
Annex 1: Findings of Plant, Bird and Nematode population
surveys in Hunan and Sichuan Moso bamboo sites
2007-2010 in China
Arthropods in layers sites orders families species
Yanling 19 134 383
Yanling 15 96 268
Table 1. Arthropod species diversity in the two project sites
Changning 18 84 221
Changning 15 67 154
43 44
ANNEXES
Canopy layer
Understory
Water infltration
In order to study the relations between understory plants and root weight in diferent soil layers, the
correlation of soil infltration features with root weight and the soil water content in diferent soil
layers, the project has set up experimental plots in three diferent forest stand types in Yanling
county, Hunan province and temporary plots in four diferent forest stand types in Anji County,
Zhejiang Province, (pure bamboo stand; mixed bamboo and tree stand; mixed bamboo and
shrub-grass stand; and mixed trees and shrub-grass stand) as comparisons.
types of bamboo forest Diversity index Evenness index Abundance index
Changning,
Sichuan
Mixed bamboo 1.621 0.158 0.899 0.032 1.542 0.553
Monoculture
forest
1.325 0.206 0.857 0.048 1.847 0.887
Mixed bamboo 1.708 0.179 0.914 0.065 1.601 0.660
Monoculture
forest
Yanling,
Hunan
1.422 0.343 0.892 0.039 1.724 0.632
Figure 1a. The trends of permeability of diferent forest types in the
0-40 cm soil layer (Anji, Zhejiang)
The root weight in the 0-40 cm soil layer was about 3 times as much as that in the 40-80 cm soil layer,
and the correlation of understory plant diversity with root weight in the diferent soil layers was not
signifcant. The permeability in the 0-80cm soil layer in the mixed bamboo and tree stand was
highest among forest types in Anji and that of the pure bamboo stand was the lowest.
According to fgure 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, in Yanling, the lowest stable infltration rate both in the 0-40cm
soil layer and the 40-80cm soil layer is mixed trees and shrub-grass stand. Stable infltration rate of
mixed bamboo and tree stand in the 0-40cm soil layer is the highest, while that of mixed bamboo
and shrub-grass stand is the highest in the 40-80cm soil layer.
In Anji, the stable infltration rate both in the 0-40cm soil layer and the 40-80cm soil layer shows the
same trend: Mixed trees and shrub-grass stand is the highest, followed by mixed bamboo and
shrub-grass stand, then mixed bamboo and tree stand, that of pure bamboo is the lowest.
Figure 1b. The trends of permeability of diferent forest types in the
0-40 cm soil layer (Yanling, Hunan)
45 46
2007-2010 in China
Water infltration
In order to study the relations between understory plants and root weight in diferent soil layers, the
correlation of soil infltration features with root weight and the soil water content in diferent soil
layers, the project has set up experimental plots in three diferent forest stand types in Yanling
county, Hunan province and temporary plots in four diferent forest stand types in Anji County,
Zhejiang Province, (pure bamboo stand; mixed bamboo and tree stand; mixed bamboo and
shrub-grass stand; and mixed trees and shrub-grass stand) as comparisons.
types of bamboo forest Diversity index Evenness index Abundance index
Changning,
Sichuan
Mixed bamboo 1.621 0.158 0.899 0.032 1.542 0.553
Monoculture
forest
1.325 0.206 0.857 0.048 1.847 0.887
Mixed bamboo 1.708 0.179 0.914 0.065 1.601 0.660
Monoculture
forest
Yanling,
Hunan
1.422 0.343 0.892 0.039 1.724 0.632
The root weight in the 0-40 cm soil layer was about 3 times as much as that in the 40-80 cm soil layer,
and the correlation of understory plant diversity with root weight in the diferent soil layers was not
signifcant. The permeability in the 0-80cm soil layer in the mixed bamboo and tree stand was
highest among forest types in Anji and that of the pure bamboo stand was the lowest.
According to fgure 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, in Yanling, the lowest stable infltration rate both in the 0-40cm
soil layer and the 40-80cm soil layer is mixed trees and shrub-grass stand. Stable infltration rate of
mixed bamboo and tree stand in the 0-40cm soil layer is the highest, while that of mixed bamboo
and shrub-grass stand is the highest in the 40-80cm soil layer.
In Anji, the stable infltration rate both in the 0-40cm soil layer and the 40-80cm soil layer shows the
same trend: Mixed trees and shrub-grass stand is the highest, followed by mixed bamboo and
shrub-grass stand, then mixed bamboo and tree stand, that of pure bamboo is the lowest.
45 46
2007-2010 in China
Soil water content was found to decrease with soil depth for all forest stand types in the
Yanling site. The soil infltration rate at diferent depths was signifcantly related to the
weight of the roots. The cumulative amount of infltration is typically negatively
correlated with initial soil water content in the 0-40cm soil layer, although there is no
obvious correlation between of them in the 40-80 cm soil layers.
Nematodes
1. The PLFA (Phosphor Lipid Fatty Acid) test results show that, compared with the control
plot, the practice of clearing the understory + adjusting the standing bamboo
structure in Yanling had the greatest impact on soil organisms, while traditional
clearing of the understory has the least impact on soil organisms.
2The diversity index indicated that none of the management treatments changed the
structure of the soil nematode community or afected the diversity of soil nematodes.
Some of the nematodes function index results showed that there were no signifcant
changes in the soil nutrients and the soil health status in the few months after
treatment was applied. Thus the practices promoted by the project (see page 20) did
not afect the nematode biodiversity in the soil, at least not within the three year time
frame of the project.
3. There was also no signifcant nematode diversity between monoculture and mixed
Moso bamboo forests, indicating that the changes of aboveground biodiversity and
that of soil nematode diversity are not necessarily synchronous.
Figure 3. Soil water content in four diferent forest stand types (Anji, Zhejiang)
A study on over ground biomass structure
of clone population of natural
Phyllostachys pubescens in Haiziping
An investigation on snow damage on four
kinds of bamboo forests in Daguan County
A Study on leaf area and culm-form
structure of natural Phyllostachys
pubescens in Haiziping
Ecological status of Taoyuandong National
Nature Reserve
Efects of diferent cultivation intensities
on bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
forest biodiversity
Structure dynamics and quantitative
statistics of natural Phyllostachys edulis
clone population
Distribution pattern of natural
Phyllostachys pubescens population in
Haiziping
Impact of the snow disaster occurred in
2008 in south China to the bamboo in
south Sichuan
Studies on the growth and rhythm of
natural Moso bamboo population in
Haiziping
The study of the necessity and feasibility of
certifcation for sustainable bamboo forest
management in China
Some basic theories involved in
biodiversity conservation in west Sichuan
The environmental efects of grazing and
its negative infuence on conservation
Bamboo as a pathway towards prosperity:
probe into local peoples attitudes on
bamboo forest conservation in Southwest
China
Resilience thinking implications for
reconfguring bamboo management and
governance
Zheng Jinxuan,
Dong Wenyuan,
Chen Chong
Zhao Jinfa, Dong Wenyuan,
Mao Wenjun, Wang Li
Zheng Jinxuan, Dong
Wenyuan, Chen Chong,
Duan Chunxiang
Tan Yimin, Wu Zhangwen
Guo Wenxia, Niu Shukui,
Zhang Yanlong, Li Yanxia,
Da Zhixiang
Zheng Jinxuan,
Dong Wenyuan,
Chen Chong
Dong Wenyuan,
Zheng Jinxuan,
Chen Chong
Jiang Junming, Li Benxiang,
Jiang Nanqing, Zhu
Weishuang, Yu Ying,
Chen Xiuming
Zheng Jinxuan, Dong
Duan Chunxiang, Zhao
Jinfa, Lu Zhenhong
Lou Yiping, Li Yanxia,
Kathleen Buckingham
He Yaping, Huang Dengcai,
Fei Shimin et al.
He Fei, He Yaping, Huang
Dengcai et al.
Zhou Yan
Kathleen Buckingham and
Lou Yiping
Forest Inventory and
Planning, January 2009
Journal of West China
Forestry Science, January
2009
China Forestry Science
and Technology, March
2009
Scientia Silvae Sinicae,
July 2009
Journal of Agricultural
University of Hebei, April
2009
Journal of Nanjing
Forestry University
(Natural Sciences Edition),
May 2009
Journal of Northwest
Forestry University,
January 2010
November 2008

Journal of Bamboo
Research, February 2008

Journal of Bamboo
Research, March 2008

Journal of Sichuan
Forestry Science and
Technology, April 2009
Journal of Sichuan
Technology, March 2009

Collected by library of
University of Copenha-
gen, Faculty of Life
Science 2008.08
VIII World Bamboo
Congress Proceedings
Vol. 11-2. Thailand. 2009
Annex 2 Scientifc publications resulting from the project
Paper Title Authors Journal
47 48
2007-2010 in China
Soil water content was found to decrease with soil depth for all forest stand types in the
Yanling site. The soil infltration rate at diferent depths was signifcantly related to the
weight of the roots. The cumulative amount of infltration is typically negatively
correlated with initial soil water content in the 0-40cm soil layer, although there is no
obvious correlation between of them in the 40-80 cm soil layers.
Nematodes
1. The PLFA (Phosphor Lipid Fatty Acid) test results show that, compared with the control
plot, the practice of clearing the understory + adjusting the standing bamboo
structure in Yanling had the greatest impact on soil organisms, while traditional
clearing of the understory has the least impact on soil organisms.
2The diversity index indicated that none of the management treatments changed the
structure of the soil nematode community or afected the diversity of soil nematodes.
Some of the nematodes function index results showed that there were no signifcant
changes in the soil nutrients and the soil health status in the few months after
treatment was applied. Thus the practices promoted by the project (see page 20) did
not afect the nematode biodiversity in the soil, at least not within the three year time
frame of the project.
3. There was also no signifcant nematode diversity between monoculture and mixed
Moso bamboo forests, indicating that the changes of aboveground biodiversity and
that of soil nematode diversity are not necessarily synchronous.
Figure 3. Soil water content in four diferent forest stand types (Anji, Zhejiang)
A study on over ground biomass structure
of clone population of natural
Phyllostachys pubescens in Haiziping
An investigation on snow damage on four
kinds of bamboo forests in Daguan County
A Study on leaf area and culm-form
structure of natural Phyllostachys
pubescens in Haiziping
Ecological status of Taoyuandong National
Nature Reserve
Efects of diferent cultivation intensities
on bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
forest biodiversity
Structure dynamics and quantitative
statistics of natural Phyllostachys edulis
clone population
Distribution pattern of natural
Phyllostachys pubescens population in
Haiziping
Impact of the snow disaster occurred in
2008 in south China to the bamboo in
south Sichuan
Studies on the growth and rhythm of
natural Moso bamboo population in
Haiziping
The study of the necessity and feasibility of
certifcation for sustainable bamboo forest
management in China
Some basic theories involved in
biodiversity conservation in west Sichuan
The environmental efects of grazing and
its negative infuence on conservation
Bamboo as a pathway towards prosperity:
probe into local peoples attitudes on
bamboo forest conservation in Southwest
China
Resilience thinking implications for
reconfguring bamboo management and
governance
Zheng Jinxuan,
Dong Wenyuan,
Chen Chong
Zhao Jinfa, Dong Wenyuan,
Mao Wenjun, Wang Li
Zheng Jinxuan, Dong
Duan Chunxiang
Tan Yimin, Wu Zhangwen
Guo Wenxia, Niu Shukui,
Zhang Yanlong, Li Yanxia,
Da Zhixiang
Zheng Jinxuan,
Dong Wenyuan,
Chen Chong
Dong Wenyuan,
Zheng Jinxuan,
Chen Chong
Jiang Junming, Li Benxiang,
Jiang Nanqing, Zhu
Weishuang, Yu Ying,
Chen Xiuming
Zheng Jinxuan, Dong
Duan Chunxiang, Zhao
Jinfa, Lu Zhenhong
Lou Yiping, Li Yanxia,
Kathleen Buckingham
He Yaping, Huang Dengcai,
Fei Shimin et al.
He Fei, He Yaping, Huang
Dengcai et al.
Zhou Yan
Kathleen Buckingham and
Lou Yiping
Forest Inventory and
Planning, January 2009
Journal of West China
Forestry Science, January
2009
China Forestry Science
and Technology, March
2009
July 2009
Journal of Agricultural
University of Hebei, April
2009
Journal of Nanjing
Forestry University
(Natural Sciences Edition),
May 2009
Journal of Northwest
Forestry University,
January 2010
November 2008

Journal of Bamboo
Research, February 2008

Journal of Bamboo
Research, March 2008

Journal of Sichuan
Technology, April 2009
Journal of Sichuan
Technology, March 2009

Collected by library of
University of Copenha-
gen, Faculty of Life
Science 2008.08
VIII World Bamboo
Congress Proceedings
Vol. 11-2. Thailand. 2009
Annex 2 Scientifc publications resulting from the project
Paper Title Authors Journal
47 48
2007-2010 in China
49
Bibliography
CHINESE NATIONAL STANDARD (GB/T 20391-2006), High yield Management Techniques for Moso
bamboo Stands, issued in 13th June 2006 by General Administration of Quality Supervision,
Inspection and Quarantine of the Peoples Republic of China and Standardization Administration
of the Peoples Republic of China , efective from 1st December 2006
Hong, Y.Y., Chen, S.L., Wu, B.L. 2005. Bamboo forest sustainable management and main cultivation
measures. East China Forest Management 8(19): 20-22
Lou, Y.P., Wu L.R, Shao D.F. Yan, Z.W. 1997. Efect of Long Term Management of Pure Phyllostachys
pubescens Stands on Soil Fertility. Forest Research.10(2): 125-129
Zhang, F.P., Chen Q.L., Shi, Y.W., Fang, M.H., You, M.S. 2006. Relationships among undergrowths,
contents of chemical substances in leaves and arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla
cv. Pubescens forest, Scientia Silvae Sinicae. 42(8): 50-56
Zhang, F.P., Chen, Q.L., Wu, Q.Z., Hou, Y.M., You, M.S. 2005. Composition and structure of the
arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens forest. Acta Ecologica Sinica.
2005,25(9): 2272-2283
Zhang, F.P., Chen Q.L., You, M.S., Hou, Y.M. 2004. Relation between management disturbance and
undergrowth and canopy mites in Phyllostachys Pubescens forest. Scientia Silvae Sinicae.
40(5):143-150
Zhang, F.P., Hou, Y.M., You, M.S. 2005. Efects of diferent management measures on the
composition and structure of arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. pubescens
forest. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 6(48): 928-934
Zhang, F.P., You, M.S. 2007a. Diversity and stability of the arthropod communities in diferent
forest types of the bamboo Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens, Acta Entomologica Sinica.
50(1): 31-37
Zhang, F.P., You, M.S. 2007b. Impact of forest management on pest-natural enemy interaction of
arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens forest, Scientia Silvae Sinicae.
43(10): 90-94
Acknowledgements
INBAR is grateful to the EU for funding the project. The project team is grateful to various partners
and organizations for their continuous support and cooperation, which lead to successful project
implementation and outcomes. They are State Forestry Administrative, Sichuan provincial
Forestry Department, Hunan provincial Forestry Department, Yunnan provincial Forestry
Department, Research Institute for Subtropical Forestry of the Chinese Academy of Forestry,
Changning County Forestry Bureau, Yanling County Forestry Bureau, Daguan County Forestry
Bureau, Southwest Forestry University and Central South University of Forestry & Technology.
We are grateful to the projects short term experts and consultants for the technical backup and
to those involved in the project at various levels. We especially thank Mr Xu Yuanxin from Yanling
Forestry Bureau and Mr Tang Senqiang from Changning Forestry Bureau who help share
post-project impact information.
The team also thanks Coosje Hoogendoorn, Han Zheng and Heide Vanhanen for their comments
on earlier drafts.

49
Bibliography
CHINESE NATIONAL STANDARD (GB/T 20391-2006), High yield Management Techniques for Moso
bamboo Stands, issued in 13th June 2006 by General Administration of Quality Supervision,
Inspection and Quarantine of the Peoples Republic of China and Standardization Administration
of the Peoples Republic of China , efective from 1st December 2006
Hong, Y.Y., Chen, S.L., Wu, B.L. 2005. Bamboo forest sustainable management and main cultivation
measures. East China Forest Management 8(19): 20-22
Lou, Y.P., Wu L.R, Shao D.F. Yan, Z.W. 1997. Efect of Long Term Management of Pure Phyllostachys
pubescens Stands on Soil Fertility. Forest Research.10(2): 125-129
Zhang, F.P., Chen Q.L., Shi, Y.W., Fang, M.H., You, M.S. 2006. Relationships among undergrowths,
contents of chemical substances in leaves and arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla
cv. Pubescens forest, Scientia Silvae Sinicae. 42(8): 50-56
Zhang, F.P., Chen, Q.L., Wu, Q.Z., Hou, Y.M., You, M.S. 2005. Composition and structure of the
arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens forest. Acta Ecologica Sinica.
2005,25(9): 2272-2283
Zhang, F.P., Chen Q.L., You, M.S., Hou, Y.M. 2004. Relation between management disturbance and
undergrowth and canopy mites in Phyllostachys Pubescens forest. Scientia Silvae Sinicae.
40(5):143-150
Zhang, F.P., Hou, Y.M., You, M.S. 2005. Efects of diferent management measures on the
composition and structure of arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. pubescens
forest. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 6(48): 928-934
Zhang, F.P., You, M.S. 2007a. Diversity and stability of the arthropod communities in diferent
forest types of the bamboo Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens, Acta Entomologica Sinica.
50(1): 31-37
Zhang, F.P., You, M.S. 2007b. Impact of forest management on pest-natural enemy interaction of
arthropod community in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens forest, Scientia Silvae Sinicae.
43(10): 90-94
Acknowledgements
INBAR is grateful to the EU for funding the project. The project team is grateful to various partners
and organizations for their continuous support and cooperation, which lead to successful project
implementation and outcomes. They are State Forestry Administrative, Sichuan provincial
Forestry Department, Hunan provincial Forestry Department, Yunnan provincial Forestry
Department, Research Institute for Subtropical Forestry of the Chinese Academy of Forestry,
Changning County Forestry Bureau, Yanling County Forestry Bureau, Daguan County Forestry
Bureau, Southwest Forestry University and Central South University of Forestry & Technology.
We are grateful to the projects short term experts and consultants for the technical backup and
to those involved in the project at various levels. We especially thank Mr Xu Yuanxin from Yanling
Forestry Bureau and Mr Tang Senqiang from Changning Forestry Bureau who help share
post-project impact information.
The team also thanks Coosje Hoogendoorn, Han Zheng and Heide Vanhanen for their comments
on earlier drafts.

INBAR Technical Report No. 34
Gi l es Henl ey, Lou Yi pi ng, Li Yanxi a
Results of the EU-funded Bamboo Ecosystem
Biodiversity Project, 2007-2010, in China
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan
www.i nbar.i nt
The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental
organisation established in 1997. INBAR is dedicated to improving the social,
economic, and environmental benefts of bamboo and rattan.
INBAR plays a unique role in fnding and demonstrating innovative ways of using
bamboo and rattan to protect environments and biodiversity, alleviate poverty, and
facilitates fairer pro-poor trade. INBAR connects a global network of partners from the
government, private, and not-for-proft sectors in over 50 countries to defne and
implement a global agenda for sustainable development through bamboo and rattan.
2014
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
P. O. Box 100102-86
Beijing 100102, P. R. China
Tel: 00 86 10 64706161
Fax: 00 86 10 64702166
Email: info@inbar.int
http:// www.inbar.int
Edited by Andrew Benton
Produced by Megan Cai, Li Yanxia
All photos by INBAR
ISBN: 978-92-95098-33-6
Printed on recycled paper
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