Xinjiang Tianshan

While protected area management is effective at the individual component level, there is only a limited overall management framework for coordinating action in the four component parts of this serial property, and providing for uniform management throughout the property (IUCN, 2013). In August of 2016, the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region established “the Management Administration of World Natural Heritage” and its World Natural Heritage Nomination Leadership Team was renamed the World Natural Heritage Management Committee of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, thus strengthening overall coordination and comprehensive management of Tianshan World Heritage Site (IUCN Consultation, 2017). However, this is not fully operational yet, e.g. there are no regular meetings of component managers. A new management plan is in preparation and is expected to address this issue. Currently management plans are in progress in three components; however an integrated management plan which accounts for the entire site is still missing. In 2018, the responsible authority switched from Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to Ministry of Forest and Grassland, which has created some uncertainty regarding the future site management at both provincial and national level (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

Apart from a lack of an overall management plan for the whole World Heritage property, it appears that management intervention is generally effective in the individual component parts of the property (IUCN, 2013). Each separate component has established its management authority to ensure the protection and management effectiveness of the whole World Heritage Site (IUCN Consultation, 2017). However, the management measures are mostly focused on tourism development.

The boundaries of all four components of the site are appropriate and adequate and the buffer zone boundaries are complete. It is noted that the boundaries are drawn to avoid areas of mining and potential transport corridors. It has been recommended that consideration be given to adding further areas to the property (IUCN, 2013). Boundaries are clearly demarcated on the ground.

The site has been included in the Plan of Major Function Area in Autonomous Region and Plan of Protection and Utilization of Scenic Resources in Autonomous Region (IUCN Consultation, 2017). However, this plan is essentially promoting tourism and potential impacts on the site's values should be carefully assessed.

Consultation with local people about heritage conservation appears to have begun only with the World Heritage nomination. There is some disquiet among the nomadic pastoralist population about the pressure to cease livestock grazing and relocate out of the site. There appears to be little employment of the local people in management activities (IUCN, 2013). Management authorities have strengthened efforts in encouraging local residents to take part in protection and management activities, supporting operations like farmstay, increasing incomes, and inspiring their enthusiasm of participating in protection and management (IUCN Consultation, 2017). However, this is almost exclusively tourism orientated. There is a need for better engagement of local communities also in other areas, for example active involvement in the management plan revision process (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

The site is subject to comprehensive national and local laws and regulations providing for the protection of land (including official protected areas) and wildlife, and for the management of grassland and water resources (IUCN, 2013).

Like in all 5 stars tourist areas in China, the visitors' activities are extremely well controlled. However, much less information is available relating to control of other activities (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

At the time of inscription (2013) the World Heritage Committee requested the State Party to address certain issues, including completion of an integrated management plan for the whole area, collaboration with neighbouring countries and consideration of the potential of integrating local communities and in particular traditional herdsmen into management of the property (World Heritage Committee, 2013). A new World Heritage Site was inscribed in Western Tianshan in 2016 (Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzstan, Uzbekistan), but this does not appear to have involved any other countries besides the nominating States Parties. Local communities are reported to be involved, but mainly regarding the development in their area. At present, Xinjiang Tianshan is compiling its master plan, engaging traditional herdsmen in management (IUCN Consultation, 2017).

Concerns are held among the local nomadic herders about the possible ban on livestock grazing, but the State Party favours establishing a traditional sustainable resource exploitation regime (IUCN, 2013). Specific schemes adapted to the characteristics of each component should be designed and implemented. Very fast tourism development might lead to unsustainable use of some resources (e.g. water).

Funding was reported to be in the order of USD 100 million over the next five years (IUCN, 2013). Regular budgets are allocated to the different components, but more centralized activities should be implemented (management coordination, communication) with an “umbrella” budget.

There is a staff capacity of about 650 personnel who are reportedly well qualified (IUCN, 2013). However, centralized training (at whole property’s level) could be developed.

Education programmes are not reported, but some good quality interpretation is conducted (IUCN, 2013). However, the information is mainly focused on tourism needs, and more communication should be done regarding the values of the site and their long-term conservation.

Tourism operations and visitor numbers are not causing serious concerns at present. However, there is a need for caution in the face of the observed rapid increase in numbers to an estimated carrying capacity of about 9.5 million per year. The management authorities will need to be vigilant to avoid inappropriate types and levels of activities, such as the use of 4WD vehicles that could destroy vegetation cover, cause accelerated rates of soil erosion (IUCN, 2013), and impact on the site's outstanding scenic area. Measures have been taken to stop private car traffic inside the property (transportation by shuttle buses and camel) in the different components. Environmental protection facilities and infrastructure have been built or are under construction, e.g. a large water treatment plant in Bayinbuluke.
There is a need to conduct a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment in each component in order to assess the impact of mass tourism development on the Outstanding Universal Values and integrity of the Xinjiang Tianshan World Heritage site. More could also be done to understand tourism and its socio-economic impacts at regional level (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Tourism is currently confined to a limited area, but its rapid growth is of some concern.

There is a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme (IUCN, 2013). Bogda site has constructed a monitoring center for resources and environmental protection, including an early-warning system with 140 high-definition cameras installed with 100% coverage (IUCN Consultation 2017).
A special chapter on property-wide monitoring should be integrated in the new management plan. More information about socio-economic changes and how these might affect the site should also be collected and processed (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

The property has been extensively researched by national and international scientists (IUCN, 2013). Bogda has developed a long-term cooperation in scientific research and teaching with CAREERI, Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences, Xinjiang University and many other schools and institutions, having achieved more than 80 research papers on glacier hydrology, forest ecology, geology and geomorphology, biodiversity and so on (IUCN Consultation 2017).