Mount Wuyi
Country
China
Inscribed in
1999
Criteria
(iii)
(vi)
(vii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Mount Wuyi is the most outstanding area for biodiversity conservation in south-east China and a refuge for a large number of ancient, relict species, many of them endemic to China. The serene beauty of the dramatic gorges of the Nine Bend River, with its numerous temples and monasteries, many now in ruins, provided the setting for the development and spread of neo-Confucianism, which has been influential in the cultures of East Asia since the 11th century. In the 1st century B.C. a large administrative capital was built at nearby Chengcun by the Han dynasty rulers. Its massive walls enclose an archaeological site of great significance. © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Trend
Improving
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Description of values
One of the largest and best preserved areas of humid subtropical forest in the world
Criterion
(x)
The property protects the largest intact forest wilderness in SE China, an area of great conservation significance. This encompasses Chinese subtropical forest and South Chinese rainforest, including 11 broad vegetation types and 55 discrete plant associations. The forests have high plant diversity and are a refuge for a host of ancient, relict plant species, many of which are endemic to China and are rare elsewhere in the country. There are 2,457 species of vascular plants have been recorded, of which 15 endangered species and 13 rare species are listed on the China Red List. The rich fauna includes 598 vertebrate species of which 49 are endemic to China, and 46 are listed under CITES. Rare and important species include Chinese tiger, clouded leopard, leopard, black muntjac, mainland serow, Cabot’s tragopan, Elliot´s pheasant and Chinese Giant Salamander. There are significant numbers of reptiles and amphibians, and 4,635 insect species are described so far. The area is also very important for migratory birds (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Spectacular rocky, forest-covered mountains and riverscape
Criterion
(vii)
The property comprises a rocky landscape of high peaks, 112 of which are higher than 1,000 m. Huanggang Mountain, its main peak, is 2,158m above level, making it the highest peak in Southeast China. Rugged, sheer-sided monoliths and domed cliffs in red sandstone, craggy forested gorges, cave systems and winding streams create very attractive scenery (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; UNEP-WCMC, 2011; State Party of China, 2017).
Assessment information
Overall, current threats can be rated as high. Extensive swathes of mao bamboo in the nature reserve sections of the site pose threats to native vegetation and alter ongoing ecological processes and natural succession. Intense numbers of tourists using the Nine-bend stream scenic area sections of the site also poses a threat, albeit this has paused under the COVID-19 outbreak. There is a low threat from tea cultivation and mao bamboo production with associated soil erosion and loss of water quality and air pollution, with minor impacts from tourism infrastructure development in the adjacent service area.
Water Pollution, Household Sewage/ Urban Waste Water
(Soil loss, water and air pollution)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Accelerated soil erosion accompanies tea cultivation, there is some water pollution from sewage and solid waste production (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011). However, with protected area refrom ongoing in China, the newly formed national park authorities have been working closely with the local government to continue effectively managing Jiuqu Stream (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The 2018 water quality monitoring indicators of Jiuqu Stream, with the exception of fecal coliforms and total phosphorus, are superior to the Class I standard of “Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard” (GB 3838-2002) (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Forestry/ Wood production
(Agriculture and livestock farming)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
As of 2012, there were 24,500 residents, mostly subsistence farmers, but some are engaged in growing tea and in subsistence (bamboo) forestry. Managed Mao bamboo covers large swathes of the site replacing natural forest vegetation. Some agricultural runoff occurs and tea growing has caused loss of soil and water quality (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011; IUCN, 2006; State Party of China 2017a). However the widespread use of chemical fertilizer has now largely been replaced by organic alternatives which has reduced harmful runoff to a certain extent, and active management interventions and the ongoing 'Returning Tea to Forest' afforestation program is addressing soil stability issues whilst increasing forested areas (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Since the boundary modification has extended the property into Jiangxi province the number of residents in buffer zone is increased but the proportion of natural habitat is increased. Only small sectors of the extension area are cultivated or used for bamboo (State Party of China 2017a).
Tourism/ visitors/ recreation
(Tourism development)
Outside site
Annual tourist numbers increased markedly from around 450,000 in 1993 to c. 1 million by 2004 and is now reported to fluctuate broadly between 1.2-1.4 million on an annual basis (IUCN Consultation, 2020). While most tourism infrastructure is confined to a Tourist Service Centre just outside the property boundary, there is minor environmental impact inside the property (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011). Tourism is not encouraged on the Jiangxi extension to the site (State Party of China, 2017a). Tourism numbers in 2020 are dramatically reduced as a result of COVID-19 virus shut-downs and it is not clear how these will continue in coming years.
Pressure from population growth and village expansion around the property is a significant potential threat, including infrastructure development in the buffer zone. Climate change may also bring increased frequency of extreme weather events such as cold-weather snaps and typhoon-associated floods in summer, which poses potential threats to the subtropical forests in the site.
Housing/ Urban Areas
(Pressure from population growth in buffer zone)
Outside site
The buffer zone is important for shielding the property from rapid social and economic development in surrounding villages, which poses a threat to the rich resources of the property (WCMC, 2011; State Party of China, 2017a). A high-speed railway and road are constructed adjacent to the NE corner of the extended buffer zone. It is not clear if this adds disturbance or serves as a protective barrier for wildlife.
Temperature extremes, Storms/Flooding
(Increasing frequency of extreme weather events - cold snaps in winter and typhoon driven floods in summer. )
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Migrant birds and vegetation zonation may be affected. Degree of impacts not clear but increasing. Several birds in China are distributing more northerly or higher altitudes. The nominate race of one prominent species (type specimen from this site) Red-tailed Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron milnei) appears to have disappeared (Fen-Qi et al., 2015).
There are a few current and potential threats to the property, which cumulatively represent a high threat. Inside the property, agricultural activities by local residents, particularly bamboo cultivation in the nature reserve and tea cultivation in both nature reserve and scenic area, cause cause a number of issues including replacement of original vegetation and altered succession, accelerated rates of soil erosion, agricultural runoff along with domestic sewage and waste production. However, these issues are now being addressed by the site management, particularly in the part of the property which is to be included in the National Park, and therefore awarded the highest level of protection in national legislation. Tourism infrastructure development is a concern in the property as visitor numbers are very high and tourism is now the major economic mainstay of Wuyishan. Pressure from population growth and village expansion in surrounding areas means the buffer zone is very important for maintaining the integrity of the property.
Management system
The National Administration of Forests and Grasslands of the People's Republic of China has assumed management authority from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development for natural WH areas and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage have the overall responsibility for the management of the cultural relics of the property. The Steering Committee of Mount Wuyi World Heritage site oversees its overall management. The management of the newly added Jiangxi section falls under the Department of Forests and Grasslands of Jiangxi province. The enlarged property is now jointly managed by the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province and Fujian Province through a coordination committee (State Party of China, 2017). At the time of this assessment, the Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning, Design and Research Institute have been commissioned to compile the "Wuyishan World Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Management Plan" and work towards this is steadily advancing (IUCN Consultation, 2020). It is reported that around 80% of the World Heritage site will fall within the boundaries of the newly formed National Park under broad reforms of China's protected area system, affording this part strong legal protection (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Effectiveness of management system
The management system is considered mostly effective. With the reform to China's protected areas system, including the formation of the country's National Parks, one of which will cover around 80% of the World Heritage site (IUCN COnsultation, 2020), this system is due to change- likely to include a stronger legal basis for its protection as well as increased resources. The compilation of the “Wuyishan World Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Management Plan”, to be finalised within the next year has involved a series of surveys and extensive consultation with relevant departments, towns and villages, including experts from the National Park Administration and the national park compilation unit to ensure that policy is aligned between National Park and World Heritage management. The plan is reported to analyze the current problems in the protection and management of Wuyishan World Heritage, and proposes management and control measures (IUCN Consultation, 2020)
Boundaries
The boundaries of the property and buffer zone were assessed as appropriate (WCMC, 2011). A boundary modification which was approved in 2017 adds a section (7,069 ha) of Mount Wuyi lying in Jiangxi Province to the large component part of the property, and reconfigures the buffer zone (IUCN. 2017). The northern sectors of the Mount Wuyi ecosystem, now added to the site, are different from the originally inscribed area as they contain different vegetation formations (including some deciduous broadleaf forest), with more tropical broadleaf forest, more rare wildlife and many additional species not found on the southern side of the mountain (State Party of China, 2017a;b).
Integration into regional and national planning systems
N.A.
Relationships with local people
About 24,500 people in 14 villages lived in the site in 2012, most of whom are subsistence farmers. Historically, there have been no reports of engagement with local people in the management of the property (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011), however more recent consultation with management of the site suggests that local community consultation has been part of the process in compiling the new 'Wuyishan World Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Management Plan'. Nonetheless, there is inherent conflict in that protection of the site involves reducing the area used for bamboo and tea cultivation and a lack of alternative livelihood offered in compensation (IUCN 2006). The boundary modification of the property extending into Jiangxi adds two villages to the buffer zone but no additional residents inside the property (State Party of China, 2017).
Legal framework
The property consists of several protected areas and there is strong local and national legislation protecting the property and its values. The entire Mount Wuyi property is owned by the People’s Republic of China (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011; State Party of China, 2017). All areas of the enlarged World Heritage property are located within strict protection zones of national level protected areas, and are thus fully protected by national and provincial laws and regulations (State Party of China, 2017). At the time of this assessment, it is proposed that 80% of the land area of Wuyishan World Heritage is to be included in the national park pilot project. National parks, where the most stringent control measures are implemented, have the highest protection level in China. At the same time, the Wuyishan Municipal Government has strengthened the protection of the property through a series of administrative means, including the so-called "Qingshan Redemption", which refers to the purchase and storage of commercial forests in key ecological locations (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Law enforcement
Law enforcement is adequate in both provincial sections of the property.
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
N.A.
Sustainable use
Sustainable agriculture, subsistence bamboo forestry, and tourism operations. Commercial tea growing occurs also (State Party of China, 1998; WCMC, 2011). Three famous classic tea varieties -Da Hong Pao (the most expensive tea in the world), Lapsang Suchong and Oolong originate within the site and have cultural value but are not listed as a cultural element of OUV.
Sustainable finance
The recently added areas of Mount Wuyi Jiangxi are reported to have stable funding (State Party of China, 2017); however, no up-to-date figures are available for the entire enlarged property. The establishment of the pilot Wuyi Shan National Park is likely to bring significant financial investment for the State towards the management of the components which fall within the National Park.
Staff capacity, training, and development
There were 275 staff in total, 145 professional and 130 management and maintenance reported at the time of inscription (State Party of China, 1998; WCMC, 2011).. More up-to-date figures are not available for the entire property. The newly added areas of Mount Wuyi Jiangxi section has 25 staff. Extensive training programmes are available (State Party of China, 2017).
Education and interpretation programs
Good programmes are reported. There are several cultural and natural museums and a great deal of literature is available for visitors (State Party of China, 1998; WCMC, 2011).
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism has growing steadily and the site is now reported to be visited by around 1.3-1.4 million people per annum (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Rafting on the Nine-Bend river is among the most popular activities, as are cave visits. Most tourist facilities are located outside the property (State Party of China, 1998; World Heritage Committee, 2012; WCMC, 2011). Visitation to the newly added Jiangxi section is limited and is only allowed by a special permit (State Party of China, 2017).
Monitoring
A comprehensive monitoring programme is in place which encompasses air and water quality monitoring and monitoring of vegetation cover, visitation levels and biodiversity. This is based on an advanced GIS-based system developed with funding from a GEF-supported project (State Party of China, 2017). Upon designating the Wuyishan National Park Pilot in 2017, satellite image comparison and other measures have been adopted for the management of tea gardens, effectively controlling their growth within the site (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Research
There is a long history of biological research, with the most recent output of note being the discovery of a new amphibian species (Messenger et al., 2019), which represents the first discovery of a new frog species in the region for over 50 years. Research is also carried out in relation to the sustainable development of the local community, and has been used to inform the new management plan (IUCN Consultation, 2020)
Overall, the protection and management of the property can be assessed as mostly effective. The property enjoys adequate legal protection and strong administrative support, which should improve further when the new management plan comes into effect which is to be bolstered further by the establishment of the National Park to cover a large proportion of the site. However, there are concerns regarding the ability to control some impacts from activities of local residents and from tourism developments both inside and outside the property and concerns with regard to smooth cooperation between different management agencies responsible for the 5 different sections of the site, especially the 20% of the site which lies outwith the Wuyishan National Park.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Highly Effective
Some concern has been expressed about the growth of village population and tourism infrastructure development outside the property, which have the potential for impacting the property (WCMC, 2011). The original reserve was confined to Fujian Province but the northern side of the Mountain, only access road to Huangganshan peak and best natural habitat and wildlife are in fact outside Fujian in neighbouring Jiangxi Province. There was a great need for better coordination across the province divide but this has now been addressed as the site has been greatly strengthened now that the Jiangxi sections have been added to the site through the boundary modification process (State Party of China, 2017; IUCN Evaluation, 2017).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Good
Trend
Improving
The current state of the site’s natural values and attributes are assessed as as good with an increasing trend. Management authorities report to be addressing the pressures from growing numbers of people and village development in surrounding areas. The successful modification of the site boundary in 2017, although minor in area (c.7%) has high significance in improving the resilience and viability of the Mount Wuyi ecosystem and biodiversity. Some new habitats, many additional species and larger populations of iconic key species - black muntjac, Cabot's tragopan etc. are now included.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
The property has become a popular tourist destination and visitor numbers are growing steadily. Tourism infrastructure is developed mainly outside the property boundaries. 2020 covid-19 virus pandemic has greatly altered the levels of visitation. Long-term supervision changes may be needed to maintain better social spacing in the future.
History and tradition
The property is of global significance for protection of archaeological sites and relics of great spiritual and cultural value. The cultural values of the origins of famous tea varieties should not be ignored.
Soil stabilisation,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The property is important for protecting soil and water resources over a very large area.
History and tradition
The property is of significance as the birthplace of Neo-Confucianism, which is a philosophy of international religious and political importance
The Mount Wuyi property provides benefit to the local and national communities and to the world especially in respect of commercial and recreational tourist opportunities, conservation of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, environmental services in soil and water conservation, and protection of sites, relics and other intangible values of great antiquity and religious significance.
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References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Fen-Qi He,Song-Lin Cheng,David S Melville, et al. (2015). Garrulax milnei milnei, a taxon little known in Chinese ornithology [J]. Zoological Systematics, 40(2): 235-236.
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| 2 |
ICOMOS. (1999). World Heritage Nomination – ICOMOS Technical Evaluation, Mount Wuyi (China). In: ICOMOS World Heritage Evaluations 1999, ICOMOS Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. [online] Paris, France: ICOMOS. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/911/documents/ [Accessed 15 January 2017].
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| 3 |
IUCN Consultation. (2020). IUCN Confidential Consultation- Mount Wuyi- China.
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| 4 |
IUCN. (1999). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation, Mount Wuyi (China). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 1999, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/911/documents/ [Accessed 15 January 2017].
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| 5 |
IUCN. (2006). Field Assessment of Wuyishan World Heritage Site
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| 6 |
Messenger, K. R., Dahn, H. A., Liang, Y., Xie, P., Wang, Y., & Lu, C. (2019). A new species of the genus Megophrys gunther, 1864 (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Mount Wuyi, China. Zootaxa, 4554(2), 561-583.
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| 7 |
State Party of China. (1998). Nomination of Mount Wuyi as a World Heritage Site.
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| 8 |
State Party of China. (2017a). Proposal for minor boundary modification for Mount Wuyi World Heritage Site.
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| 9 |
State Party of China. (2017b). Revised Map of Property and buffer zone of Mount Wuyi World Heritage Site.
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| 10 |
WCMC. (2012). Mount Wuyi, China. UNEP-WCMC World Heritage Information Sheets. [online] Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC. Available at: https://yichuans.github.io/datasheet/output/site/mount-wuyi/ [Accessed 26 November 2020].
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| 11 |
World Heritage Committee. (2012). Decision : 36 COM 8E. Mount Wuyi (China). Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value. In: Decisions Adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th Session. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4841 [Accessed 26 November 2020].
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| 12 |
World Heritage Committee. (2017). Decision : 41 COM 8B.38 Minor modification to the boundaries of Mount Wuyi, China. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6910 [Accessed 26 November 2020].
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