Exploring local adaptation to small hydropower closure scenarios: evidence from a giant panda nature reserve in Sichuan, China

Abstract

Abstract Given China’s ecological priority principle of nature reserve development, reconciling rural livelihood and ecological conservation is challenging. Although the closure of small hydropower in the nature reserve is an absolute necessity, a minimum requirement for its success is the active participation of local communities. Due to the remote location and historical reasons, some communities in giant panda nature reserves still depend highly on small hydropower for living. There is little guidance on how these vulnerable communities experience the closure of small hydropower and how these grass-root voices could contribute to the local adaptation plan. Hence, a case study using exploratory participatory scenarios analysis in Wawushan giant panda nature reserve was conducted to explore local adaptation strategies. The scenario-building process brought out four possible but diverse future development options and reflected local stakeholders’ corresponding beliefs regarding their adaptation strategies. The study further provided insights into underlying policy options and highlighted the importance of engagement and knowledge exchange between stakeholders to achieve better collaboration and reciprocity for the sustainable development of nature reserves.