IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

SITE INFORMATIONCountry ChinaInscribed in 1992Criteria (vii)

A spectacular area stretching over more than 26000 ha in Chinas Hunan Province the site is dominated by more than 3000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks many over 200 m high Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams pools and waterfalls some 40 caves and two large natural bridges In addition to the striking beauty of the landscape the region is also noted for the fact that it is home to a number of endangered plant and animal species copy UNESCO

SUMMARY

GOOD WITH SOME CONCERNS

2020 Conservation Outlook Finalised on 02 Dec 2020

The integrity of the World Heritage site generally and its natural scenic and aesthetic values in particular are of low concern but were significantly impacted by rapid tourism growth and burgeoning visitor numbers after the sites World Heritage inscription which remains a challenge to the management Targetted management interventions have yielded successful outcomes such as the reduction of air and water pollution which is now controlled However a number of necessary management improvements are still outstanding including the simplification of the current management system and agencies responsible for its implementation and threats in the buffer zone and surrounding lands Efforts to this end have resulted in an improved state of conservation of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in recent years however maintained action is required to resolve these issues fully in order to continue the positive trajectory

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

FULL ASSESSMENT

Description of values

Values

World Heritage values

An extensive and spectacular landscape of majestic quartz sandstone peaks

Criterion(vii)

The quartz sandstone peak forest landscape in Wulingyuan consists of more than 3000 sandstone columns and peaks presenting a spectacle unlike any other of its kind in the world Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams pools and waterfalls There are more than 40 caves many containing speleothems and two huge natural stone bridges one of which rises 357 m above the valley floor (IUCN 1992 State Party of China 2002 World Heritage Committee 2014)

Other important biodiversity values

Diversity of ecosystems with rare endangered and relict species

Wulingyuan was a refuge for many ancient species of flora and fauna during the Quaternary glaciations It is home to some 3 000 species of tropical subtropical and temperate plants including 600 spp of woody plants There are116 species of 50 families of terrestrial vertebrates Globally endangered animals include the Chinese giant salamander Chinese water deer Asiatic wild dog and Asiatic black bear (IUCN 1992 State Party of China 2002)

Assessment information

Threats

Current Threats Low Threat

Of greatest concern is the explosive growth of tourism in the 20 years since inscription of the property leading to excessive development of facilities with increased urbanization and commercialism These threats are being actively managed with demolitions of illegal buildings having occurred in the past and further interventions ongoing Despite some management improvements rapid increase in visitor numbers with overcrowding at times and environmental impacts remain high threats and further assessment of the effectiveness of management to reduce these impacts needs to be undertaken Threats of lesser concern relate to pollution of water and air modification of river networks and water flows impacts from local community uses of land and resources and damage from low- frequencyhigh-magnitude events especially floods and landslides

Water Pollution Air Pollution(Pollution of water bodies especially from sewage discharge and air pollution mainly from from vehicle exhausts)

Low ThreatInside site localised(lt5)

Water and air pollution from a number of sources including sewage and vehicles has been identified as a threat However this has been addressed by the management of the site such that it is currently a low threat Monitoring undertaken from 2014 to 2016 indicates that the water quality from the monitoring sections including Longweixi Shuiraosimen Wujiayukou and Huanglongdong are all in line with corresponding requirements with the former three meeting the class II standard (ie drinking

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

water) of surface water quality and Huanglongdong meeting the class III standard As for air quality in 2015 and 2016 ambient air quality measured at Yuanjiajie station met the first class standard while it met the second class standard at Weiyang station (IUCN consultation 2017) It was reported in the State of Conservation Report of Wulingyuan (State Party of China 2018) that the comprehensive environmental management of the property and buffer zone were conducted the environmental pollution prevention and control projects including water air and solid waste pollution were implemented and integrated managements on river basins were carried out effective monitoring and controlling the pollution in the property and buffer zone were continuously conducted The water quality of the surface water monitoring sections in Wulingyuan District was continuously improved through the above operationswith the compliance rate of 100 met the requirements on corresponding functional zones (State Party of China 2018) It was reported on the official website of Wulingyuan Government (in Chinese) named ldquoEnvironmental Quality Bulletin of Wulingyuan District in 2018rdquo that in 2018 the number of days with good air quality in the Wulingyuan District was 338 with an excellent or good rate of 9630 an increase of 4 percentage points over the previous year (based on the air quality index AQI)

Identitysocial cohesion changes in local population and community that result in negative impact(Local community impacts from housing agriculture sewage and waste disposal firewood collection and hunting)

Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known

The local government is currently implementing a Phase III resettlement project of local residents in the Wulingyuan World Heritage site and has moved the residents of Tianzishan and Yuanjiajie in the Wulingyuan site to the areas in the buffer zone To date 411 households with 1416 people have reportedly been resettled along with the removal of illegal buildings (UNESCO 2019) The State Party of China 2018 report to have included public consultation and a remediation and resettlement plan to encourage voluntary relocation and have made efforts to safeguard traditional cultures of those who have been relocated However the State Party should be further encouraged to ensure effective consultation fair compensation access to social benefits and skills training and the preservation of cultural rights Illegal hunting and collection of firewood (IUCNUNESCO 1998 Huang Liangbin 2006 Wei Xiang 2011) reported in the 2014 IUCN World Heritage Outlook are reported to no longer be an issue due to improvements in living standards and in awareness of the need for protection among the local populace (IUCN Consultation 2017) The correct guidance and pollution control of agricultural activities in the buffer zone such as the control of pesticides and the introduction of organic fertilizer and other measures has reduced the impacts on the site in this regard (UNESCO 2015)

Dams Water Management or Use(Modification of river systems and water flows)

Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known

Construction of dams and reservoirs for flood control and water uses dredging of river beds changes of river courses constriction of flow discharge due to riverbank protection works and house construction and filling in of springs have previously been reported (IUCNUNESCO 1998 Huang Liangbin 2006 Wei Xiang 2011) In order to strengthen the protection on the Wulingyuan World Heritage the local government has implemented sustainable water management policies A so-called river chief system has been established in Wulingyuan with a total of 84 chiefs assigned to the scheme with varying responsibilities at district town and village level with the aim of better managing the rivers located within Wulingyuan A number of bans have also been enforced including on plantation of vegetables and crops setup of buildings and infrastructure dumping of waste and unauthorized discharge of sewage within the river management zones (State Party of China 2018)

StormsFlooding(Increased impacts of low-frequency high-intensity events especially floods and landslides)

Low ThreatInside site extent of threat not known

Flooding intensity and frequency had been reportedly increasing due to river course alterations and discharge restrictions a number of years ago along with increasing frequency of landslides due to clearing of forests and instability of slopes due to undercutting by road construction (IUCNUNESCO 1998 Huang Liangbin 2006 Wei Xiang 2011) No floods are reported to have occurred in recent years

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

(IUCN consultation 2017) however remains a low level threat

Tourism Recreation Areas(Excessive tourist facility development)

Low ThreatInside site localised(lt5)

Excessive and unchecked development of facilities were constructed especially in the decade following inscription of the property Urbanization and commercialization of key scenic areas and main entrances used to happen Towns developed in the property and villages grew into cities in the buffer zone and surrounding lands By 2005 two new roads and a electricity tourist bus line were constructed three cable car lines and a 326 m-high glass elevator was installed and 40 new hotels and restaurants built in the property (World Heritage Outlook 2014) resulting in subsequent loss of scenic and aesthetic quality intrinsic wilderness attributes and traditional cultural values (UNESCO 2015) Considerable localized environmental damage and disruption including rock blasting soil erosion water and air pollution and forest fragmentation caused plant and animal habitat loss and ecosystem disturbance (IUCNUNESCO 1998 State Party of China 2002 Huang Liangbin 2006 Zhang 2008 Wei Xiang 2011) Extensive removal of illegal buildings (including the above-mentioned 40 hotels and restaurants) and restoration of affected areas took place between 1999 and 2003 and again between 2006 and 2009 (IUCN consultation 2017 State Party of China 2015) A third phase of the demolition project was ongoing between 2015-2018 Acknowledging the negative visual impacts of the cable cars and the elevator on the outstanding universal value of the property (State Party of China 2018) positive measures have now been implemented to minimize the impact of existing cable car elevator and electric railway tourism infrastructure within the property (UNESCO 2019)

Tourism visitors recreation(Rapid increase in visitor numbers with overcrowding at times and environmental impacts)

High ThreatInside site scattered(5-15)

Rapid increase in visitation from less than one million personsyr in 1992 to more recent figures in 2015 2016 2017 and 2018 (till October) of approximately 3884 million 4066 million 4083 million and 3678 million respectively all of which were strictly controlled within the reasonable capacity specified in the Overall Plan of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (2005-2020) of 556 million visitors per year (IUCN consultation 2017 State Party of China 2015 State Party of China 2018) This rapid growth in visitation and the tourism industry has exceeded the physical and social carrying capacity of the site leading to undesirable environmental impacts loss of visitor satisfaction (IUCNUNESCO 1998 Huang Liangbin 2006 Wei Xiang 2011) and significant increases in carbon emissions (Tang Zhong and Ng 2017) The scenic spots of Zhangjiajie performed well regarding low-carbon behaviour however there are still a great deal of room for improvement and promotion (Kai Wang Chang Gan Yan Ou 2019)

Potential Threats Low Threat

Management actions have been taking to remove illegal buildings The governments at all levels related with Wulingyuan actively took a lot of effective measures to decrease the negative visual impact on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property of the cable cars elevator and electric railway They made substantial effects in the appearance of facilities environmental remediation and personnel training effectively reducing negative impact of these infrastructures The State Party China and local governments where Wulingyuan is located in were fully aware of the negative visual impacts of the cable cars and the elevator on the outstanding universal value of the property no similar project has been constructed so far and local government also have not planned to develop similar project inside the property (State Party of China 2018)

Tourism visitors recreation(High visitation may continue to put pressure to develop tourism facilities)

Low ThreatInside site localised(lt5)

Outside site

Although management actions are being taken to mitigate the impacts of tourism on the values of the site such as decreasing the negative visual impact of the cable cars elevator and electric railway high visitation is a constant management challenge which may lead to further demands for development of

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

tourism facilities and infrastructure in the future

Overall assessment of threats Low Threat

The threat from rapid tourism growth and burgeoning visitor numbers remains the greatest challenge for the management of the site calling for a greater level of management intervention to reduce the impacts on the natural values of the property from urbanization and commercial development in its buffer zone Also of some low threats are from pollution of air and water some of which is a consequence of tourism development however this has been brought under control in recent years Additional but lower threats originate from within the local community relating to agricultural and other land uses and from modification to waterways and land surfaces which is contributing to increased hazards from high-magnitude low-frequency events like flooding and landslides

Protection and management

Assessing Protection and Management

Management system Mostly Effective

The current management plan Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (2005-2020) includes a specific chapter on heritage protection and landscape conservation planning which specifically addresses World Heritage conservation (State Party of China 2015) According to relevant national requirements the Peoplersquos Governments of Hunan Province Zhangjiajie City and Wulingyuan District have launched the assessment and revision operations on the Overall Plan of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (2005-2020) for its revision at the end of the implementation period in 2020 The World Heritage Committee recently expressed its regret that the State Party did not submit the 2005-2020 Overall Plan of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area and also requested the State Party to submit the revised draft Plan to the World Heritage Centre for review as soon as it is available (World Heritage Committee 2019)

Effectiveness of management system Mostly Effective

Effectiveness of management has been hindered in the past by a myriad of government planning policy-making and management agencies leading to disparate and un-coordinated goal setting and management direction (IUCNUNESCO 1998 State Party of China 2002 Huang Liangbin 2006 Zijun Tang 2011) However The Administration of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area and National Forest Park Administration has now been set up administering the management of the property in coordination with the Wulingyuan District Peoples Government and is reported to have significantly improved the effectiveness of management system such that it is in an effective state (State Party of China 2018) Furthermore recent measures have been taken to improve this situation (see legal framework and integration into regional and national planning systems) representing positive steps Undertaking a comprehensive management effectiveness evaluation using an internationally recognized management effectiveness evaluation toolkit such as Enhancing our Heritage would generate a better understanding of current management effectiveness and guide further actions needed to improve it

Boundaries Some Concern

The boundaries of the site are of some concern largely due to the fact that they were delineated at the time of inscription in 1991 based on the now outdated boundaries of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area which needs to be updated (State Party of China 2015) Additionally insufficient or lack of buffer zones in some parts of the WH site (Figure 2 State Party of China 2015) cannot mitigate the negative impacts of pollutants effectively and therefore may require review in order to ensure the outstanding universal value of the property is maintained and effectively managed and the protection of the property is not weakened but strengthened after the national protected area reform in

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

Wulingyuan

Integration into regional and national planning systems Mostly Effective

Multiple agency management and complex bureaucratic systems have previously been problematic In January 2015 Zhangjiajie municipal government developed the Zhanjiajie Wulingyuan scenic area management system reform work programme and joined the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Management Division and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area Administration into one office and is taking measures to rationalize the Wulingyuan Scenic Area management system and operational mechanism (IUCN consultation 2017) These are important steps towards improving integration of the property into regional and national planning systems In March 2018 China completed the reform and adjustment on administrative authorities for protected areas at the national level and the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Peoples Republic of China was founded representing a major change and improvement in the history of Chinas protected area management So far all the protected areas in China have been subjected to uniform management by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (National Park Service) affiliated to the Ministry of Natural Resources fully reflecting the strong emphasis on the Chinese governments unified and coordinated management on different types of natural protected areas The management of Wulingyuan has also and will continue to benefit from this reform (State Party of China 2018)

Relationships with local people Some Concern

There has been significant wide-spread disturbance of the residential community through re-location and rendashhousing (State Party of China 2002) Negative perceptions of relocation and resettlement are common among the residents (Wang Kai et al 2017) In 2019 the World Heritage Committee requested the State Party of China to ensure that any such programmes are in line with the with the 2015 Policy Document on the Integration of a Sustainable Development Perspective into the Processes of the Convention and ensure effective consultation fair compensation access to social benefits and skills training and the preservation of cultural rights (World Heritage Committee 2019) Concern has also been expressed amongst the communities that traditional cultural practices and values are being lost (Xiang 2011) However the State Party report submitted to the World heritage Committee states that traditional culture of relocated residents including food customs and traditional festival activities etc were fully respected and reserved in the places of immigration (State Party of China 2018) The State Party has also reported a series of policies on compensation resettlement production and living security and proposing measures to benefit the people To date more than 95 of the residents have expressed satisfaction and voluntarily signed a relocation agreement (IUCN Consultation 2020)

Legal framework Mostly Effective

Newly formulated regulations on World Natural Heritage Protection are commendable Besides the laws and regulations of China on January 1 2001 Chinarsquos first local regulation for protecting world natural heritage the Regulations on Protecting Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Property in Hunan Province were officially approved by the peoplersquos congress of Hunan Province and its publication and implementation represents that the protection of Wulingyuan natural World Heritage is now represented in legal text (State Party of China 2015)

Law enforcement Mostly Effective

The local government carefully enforces national environmental protection laws and regulations to ensure that laws are observed including relevant prosecution for those acting contrary to these regulations (State Party of China 2015) with the establishment of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area Law Enforcement Bureau gradually improving law enforcement at the site (IUCN consultation 2017)

Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations

Mostly Effective

The State Party has made progress in implementing the decisions and recommendations of the World Heritage Committee related to Wulingyuan For example 1 Manage tourism sustainably in face of rapid increase in facilities ndash many buildings and illegal tourist facilities demolished improved waste

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

management systems installed shuttle bus introduced improved ticketing 2 Prepare a species conservation status report as basis for inscription under biodiversity criteria ndash some lists of species compiled and cooperation with Zhongnan Forestry University between 2015-2017 on a research plan to catalogue biodiversity 3 Manage the buffer zone for conservation objectives ndash planned expansion of buffer zone not conducted Major tourism developments and urbanization in buffer zone and surrounding lands Extensive re-afforestation of cleared and agricultural land 4 Seek WH emergency funding for repair of flood damage ndash 60000 USD received from the World Heritage Fund to restore infrastructure damaged by floods in 1998 (World Heritage Committee 1998 IUCN 1992 IUCNUNESCO 1998 State Party of China 2002) 5 requests the State Party to ensure that no further such developments are permitted within the propertymdashSince March 2015 neither similar infrastructures (like cable cars elevators and electricity buses) nor new roads have been developed within the Property (State Party of China 2018) However concerns are still noted in the most recent Committee decision specifically relating to tourism and road infrastructure development and relationships with local people (World Heritage Committee 2019)

Sustainable use Mostly Effective

Reduction in natural resources and environmental impacts from community agricultural and farming uses continue to be of some concern (IUCNUNESCO 1998 Huang Liangbin 2006) Within the property the residential areas engaging in agricultural production include Tianzishan Yuanjiajie and Suoxiyu With the accelerating of tourism development in recent few years the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Site has mitigated its agricultural pollution and residentsrsquo agricultural activities are causing less damage to the environment (State Party of China 2015) A few farmland landscapes that are of important aesthetic and cultural value have been reserved and restored including the original architectural form and traditional farming activities of farmers living in the property for generationsPesticides and chemical fertilizers are forbidden in the property (State Party of China 2015)

Sustainable finance Mostly Effective

Revenue generation from tourist operations is very significant to the site (State Party of China 2002 Wei Xiang 2011) with the peoplersquos government at Wulingyuan District and Zhangjiajie Forest Parkrsquos management bureau receiving RMB 4935 Yuan and RMB 4465 Yuan respectively from each ticket sold in order to fund management activities Operational taxation and charge of companies in the property and buffer zones adds additional revenue for these purposes as well as other sources such as the World Heritage Fund which had been used previously as emergency aid together with municipal provincial and national investment Private enterprises in the property include Tianzishan Cable Car Company Bailong Elevator Company and Huangshizhai Cable Car Company who have also made contribution to the protection and management (State Party of China 2015)

Staff capacity training and development Highly Effective

Staff numbers have increased from approx 500 in 2002 to almost 700 in 2011 but training requires improvement (State Party of China 2002 Wei Xiang 2011) It is noted that capacity building has been a focus of management for many years with much work being done on personnel training and heritage protection (IUCN consultation 2017) In 2017 Wulingyuan became one of the two pilot projects of UNESCO ldquoWorld Heritage and Sustainable Tourismrdquo The panel of Asia Pacific Heritage Center Expert conducted a number of special research activities and organized the world heritage protection training courses (State Party of China 2018) Several trainings related with world natural heritage by the National Forestry and Grassland of the provincial departments have also been held (hnlkycn 2019)

Education and interpretation programs Highly Effective

Public education has been a focus of management for many years with reportedly successful results (IUCN consultation 2017) Zhangjiajie World Geopark MuseumWulingyuan World Natural Heritage Exhibition Center is being upgrading to provide better interpretation and education for tourists (Zhangjiajie Global Geopark Museum 2019)

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

Tourism and visitation management Some Concern

Tourism growth and development remain the most important and problematic areas for management of the property Continued tourism growth will likely exacerbate this problem In April 2017 Wulingyuan was selected as a pilot project of the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Project in China and jointly developed the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Demonstration with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Research Center (Tongji University) The project was completed by the end of 2018 and is expected to contribute to improving sustainable tourism management of the property (IUCN consultation 2020) With a demonstrated positive impact on the sustainability of tourism at the property future assessments of tourism and visitation management may improve accordingly

Monitoring Highly Effective

Monitoring system for environmental conditions air and water quality noise pollution vegetation and ecosystems animal habitats and species pests and geological risks has improved markedly in recent years (State Party of China 2002 IUCN Consultation 2020) In order to protect natural resources Wulingyuan has established a set of monitoring systems with the participated monitoring units including the Forestry Bureau tourism companies environmental protection transportation companies construction bureau park management office and environmental protection bureau (State Party of China 2015)

Research Highly Effective

There is an active research program and the results of research are taken into account for improved management (State Party of China 2002) In 2004 Wulingyuan was accepted as the first batch of the UNESCO Geo-park and the intensity of scientific research in the site has gradually strengthened In April 2011 the Zhangjiajie Landform Joint Research Center jointly set up by park management committee and IGSNRR (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research CAS) officially announced its establishment More recently Wulingyuan has also intensified the biodiversity research occurring in the site (State Party of China 2015)

Overall assessment of protection and management Some Concern

There are some challenges in management of the property That of greatest concern relates to control of increasing tourism development Management authorities have failed in the past to maintain a proper balance between retention of the outstanding natural value of the property and the pressures of mass tourism leading to urbanization and commercialization of significant parts of the property Greater efforts have been put forward to remedy this unsatisfactory situation reducing the impacts on the natural values of the property however continuous efforts are needed Another problem concerns the boundaries of the property and buffer zone including pressure from the situation from the past (defined almost 30 years ago based on the old Plan of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area) and challenges from the current reform on natural protected areas system Myriad of agencies are involved in decision-making and the complex bureaucracy which can lead to improperly planned and uncoordinated action Although improvements have been made in that regard by joining the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Management Division and the Wulingyuan Scenic Area Administration into one single office further integrated management between the world heritage property and the national protected area system could be achieved

Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site

Some Concern

There is little evidence from available reports that the threats in the buffer zone and surrounding lands are being effectively addressed

Best practice examples

In 2012 the 36th World Heritage Committee formally adopted the World Heritage and Sustainable

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

Tourism Project In April 2017 a two-year cooperation agreement was signed with two pilot units one of which is Wulingyuan Based on the problem orientation this study divided into five sections OUV Basic Research of World Heritage Sites Cognition of OUV by World Heritage Stakeholders Protection and Management of OUV of World Heritage Sites Operation and Management of World Heritage sites as tourist destinations and Community Engagement in OUV protection and tourism development of World Heritage Site The research is divided into two stages The first stage is an international and domestic comparison the second stage is the analysis of the current situation of the World Heritage Site The research method applied in the first stage is mainly based on literature review and on-site investigation Stage one is also divided into two approaches a comprehensive understanding of the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism programme Including a review of the five objectives the Action Plan of the UNESCOrsquos World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit ldquoSustainable Tourism Capacity Buildingrdquo Project carried out in Africa pilot sites in Nordic-Baltic region and Community-based Management and Sustainable Tourism project in South-East Asia And a review of World Heritage application documents outstanding universal values value carriers integrity protection and management the evaluation of the World Heritage Advisory Body the status report on protection and the resolutions of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee The differences and commonalities between the value identified by the World Heritage Committee and the present value identified by China are determined by field survey and analysis Stage Two research method is based on literature review on-site investigation in-depth interviews and questionnaires and this stage is divided into four approaches Identifying the four major stakeholders closely related to heritage protection and tourism development namely administrators residents tourism practitioners and tourists and analyzing the deviation of OUV protection caused by cognitive differences though the analysis of the four major stakeholders cognition of heritage value protection community culture and relevant acquisition channels From the perspective of management the research makes a comparative analysis of the existing institutional setup management system and heritage management planning on the one side and the status quo of other relevant national planning in Chinese heritage sites on the other in order to point out the conflicts between the existing management system and management planning and the implementation of protection and management of OUV To analyze the conflicts caused by tourism development on OUV The research based on the current status of tourism development analyzes the interpretation and dissemination of the concept of heritage OUV in tourism activities the combination of tourism products and heritage value tourism operation and management and the investment of tourism income in heritage protection Finally from the perspective of the community the research assesses the spatial distribution of the community in the heritage site the approaches and means of the community for OUV protection the degree and effect of the community engagement in tourism activities and the conflict between the community engagement in tourism development and OUV preservation Six experts from World Heritage Centre praised the research results of the pilot study It was agreed that the study is of great significance and has strong practicality and pertinence in the context of the analysis of the overheated tourism market and the relation development protection in China The experts also mentioned that the pilot study could play a certain role of reference and be thought-provoking for other 53 World Heritage Sites in China (httpwwwwhitr-aporgindexphpclassid=1509ampnewsid=3098ampt=show 20198)

State and trend of values

Assessing the current state and trend of values

World Heritage values

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

An extensive and spectacular landscape of majestic quartz sandstone peaks

Low ConcernTrendImproving

The quartz sandstone peaks that constitute the sites OUV are naturally resilient to threats and therefore of low concern overall However the propertyrsquos outstanding scenic and aesthetic values and attributes have been impacted by unchecked growth of tourist operations and facilities in the past A rapid increase in visitor numbers has caused overcrowding which on some days during the high season exceeds the physical and social carrying capacity of the property The imbalance between retention of the outstanding natural values of the property and the pressures of mass tourism has created undesirable levels of urbanization and commercialization of some parts of the property and its buffer zone (IUCNUNESCO 1998 State Party of China 2002 Huang Liangbin 2006 Zhang 2008 Wei Xiang 2011) Management interventions to demolish illegal buildings and restore affected areas have been taken in the past and further such interventions are ongoing (IUCN consultation 2017 State Party of China 2015 2018)

Summary of the Values

Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values

Low ConcernTrend Improving

The natural landscape and its outstanding scenic and aesthetic values and attributes have been compromised by excessive growth of tourist operations and facilities These impacts are accentuated by the rapid and continuing increase in visitor numbers However the number of tourists entering the World Natural Heritage Site of Wulingyuan is strictly controlled within the reasonable capacity specified in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area Master Plan (2005-2020) (State Party of China 2018) Consequences of tourism and visitor pressures include loss and fragmentation of natural vegetation and wildlife habitat disruption of ecosystems and species increased carbon emissions (Tang et al 2017) reduction of scenic attributes and intrinsic wilderness values and lessening of visitor satisfaction Management interventions to demolish illegal buildings and restore affected areas have been taken in the past and further such interventions are ongoing (IUCN consultation 2017 State Party of China 2015 2018)

Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values

Data DeficientTrend Data Deficient

The propertyrsquos diverse ecosystems and biodiversity are impacted by the same threats that affect its outstanding scenic values However there is insufficient data available to assess the actual impact from these threats on biodiversity

Additional information

Benefits

Understanding Benefits

Outdoor recreation and tourism

Almost 5 billion yuan in tourist revenue was earned in 2009 ndash an increase from 2 billion yuan in 2002 (Wei XIANG 2011) A disproportionate amount of revenue benefit is going to local people Large businesses and tourist operators are benefitting most Many private companies are exploiting the property which is a public resource (Huang Liangbin 2006) Some hotels are State-ownedFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit

- Pollution Impact level - High

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

- Overexploitation Impact level - High

Commercial wells

Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed within the property and surrounding catchments There is better control of flood discharges and reduced impact from flooding on people and property Hydroelectric power is being controlled and withdrawn in an orderly manner such as Wulingyuan Suoxi Hydropower Station There is much improved water supply from reservoirs for residents and businesses in the property and buffer zoneFactors negatively affecting provision of this benefit

- Climate change Impact level - Low- Pollution Impact level - Moderate- Overexploitation Impact level - Moderate

Direct employment

Cash income is available through employment of almost 700 people as staff in the property Many more local people benefit from tourist revenue generation The service and construction industries are enhanced by tourist development and the provision of facilities Subsistence agriculture is permitted in the property There are improved water supply energy sources and waste management systems Re-housing of displaced people is occurring

Carbon sequestrationSoil stabilisationFlood preventionWater provision (importance for water quantity and quality)Pollination

Much attention are given to to protection of World Natural Heritage Properties in China through national laws and regulations which bring much environmental services For example in the property forest coverage rate is up to 98 and no forest fire has broken out in the past 57 years consecutively and no floods has been reported for many consecutive years In a word the threats of natural hazards to the property are low (UNESCO 2015)

Summary of benefitsTourist operations generate a very substantial amount of revenue for the property as well as providing employment both in the property and in the local business community Better water management has improved water supply flood control and generation of energy which has reduced the dependence on coal for fuel The local community has benefitted greatly from employment cash income and the support of sustainable living There is some concern that traditional cultural practices and values are being lost

Projects

Compilation of active conservation projects Organizatio

nBrief description of Active Projects Websit

e

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

1 World Heritage Centre World Heritage Institute of Training and Research-Asia and Pacific (shanghai) Tongji University Peoples Government of Wulingyuan

In 2012 the 36th World Heritage Committee formally adopted the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Project coordinated by the World Heritage Centre After a period of six months of analysis and screening in April 2017 a two-year cooperation agreement was signed with two pilot units one of which is Wulingyuan (httpwwwwhitr-aporgindexphpclassid=1509ampampnewsid=3098ampampt=show) Two research topics including ldquoOutstanding Universal Value and Sustainable Tourism of World Heritagerdquo and ldquoSustainable Development and Protection World Heritage Property Tourism and Communityrdquo were selected from current pilot projects of Wulingyuan according to the requirements on the development of the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Property sustainable tourism plan and management capabilities of the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Property were further improved through the survey and investigations by the expert group guaranteeing highlighting the protection on outstanding universal values and sustainable development of the local community (State Party of China 2018)

httpwwwwhitr-aporgindexphpclassid=1509ampampnewsid=3098ampampt=show

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

REFERENCES References

1 China Daily ndash Xinhua (2019) China unveils guideline to establish nature reserve area mechanism Available at httpswwwchinadailycomcna20190627WS5d139d35a3103dbhellip (in English)

2 China Daily ndash Xinhua (2019) Xi Jinping Continue to chew the hard bone and make sure its done one by one at a time Available at httpslanguagechinadailycomcna20190124WS5c4982fba3hellip (in both Chinese and English)

3 Environmental Protection Bureau of Wulingyuan (2019) Environmental Quality Bulletin of Wulingyuan District in 2018 Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc480620190711i493320html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

4 Environmental Protection Bureau of Wulingyuan (2019) The circular on the issuance of the 2019 Implementation Plan for Environmental Law Enforcement Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc480620190711i493312html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

5 Huang Liangbin (2006) The Jangjiajie phenomenon and solutions for protecting the nature in nature reserves China Environment Series Issue No 6 pp 132-135

6 IUCN Consultation (2017) IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation Form Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

7 IUCN Consultation (2020) IUCN Confidential Consultation- Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area- China

8 IUCN (1992) World Heritage Nomination ndash IUCN Technical Evaluation Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China) In IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 1992 IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List [online] Gland Switzerland IUCN Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist640documents [Accessed 25 November 2020]

9 IUCNUNESCO (1998) Report of an IUCNUNESCO WHC systematic monitoring mission to the mixed and natural World Heritage sites in China 6-21 September 1998 Paris France UNESCO

10 Li Hong WHITRAP SHANGHAI (2019) Outcome of the Chinese Pilot Studies on WH+ST (2017-18) Available at httpwwwwhitr-aporgindexphpclassid=1509ampnewsid=3hellip

11 Li Ping (2019) Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team of Zhangjiajie Forestry Park Administration Bureau the maintenance of tourism order in the core scenic spots is very effective Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc552920200109i525290html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

12 Li Ping (2019) Wulingyuan is holding a concept design review meeting on Zhangjiajie global geopark exhibition center Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc552820190423i474948html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

13 Mei Ye (2020) Wulingyuan District is holding a law enforcement training class to enhance the comprehensive rule of law district administrative Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc552920200109i525290html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

14 Peng Lei (2020)The Governor of Wulingyuan is checking the process of Zhangjiajie global geopark exhibition center Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc552820200227i536108html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

15 State Party of China (2012) Note for the Boundaries and the Areas of the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Property and its Buffer Zone (submitted to the World Heritage Centre)

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

References

16 State Party of China (2015) Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China) Beijing China Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development

17 State Party of China (2018) Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China) [online] National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) The Peoplesrsquo Republic of China Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist640documents (Accessed 22 October 2019)

18 State Party of the Peoplersquos Republic of China (2002) Periodic Report First Cycle Section II Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgenlist640documents [Accessed 25 November 2020]

19 Su Ming Ming et al (2017) Multi-agency management of a World Heritage Site Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area China Current Issues in Tourism 20(12) 1290-1309

20 Tang C Zhong L Ng P (2017) Factors that Influence the Tourism Industrys Carbon Emissions a Tourism Area Life Cycle Model Perspective Energy Policy 109 704-718

21 UNESCO (2015) Report on the State of Conservation of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre lt httpwhcunescoorgensoc3313gt

22 UNESCO (2019) Decision 43 COM 7B6 on Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (China) (N 640) [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpwhcunescoorgendecisions7451

23 UNESCO (2019) Report on the State of Conservation of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area China State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre [online] Paris France UNESCO World Heritage Centre Available at httpswhcunescoorgensoc3895 (Accessed 22 October 2019)

24 Wang Qing (2020) Wulingyuan district justice bureau carrying out administrative law enforcement training Available at httpwlyzjjgovcnc552920200410i543205html (in Chinese official website of the Peoplersquos Government of Wulingyuan)

25 Wang K Chen QC amp Li Z (2018) A diachronic study on resettlersrsquoperceptions toward ecological relocation in world heritage site A case study of Wulingyuan Scenic Area Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology 29(3) pp 997-1005

26 Wang K Gan C Ou Y amp Liu H (2019) Low-Carbon Behaviour Performance of Scenic Spots in a World Heritage Site Sustainability 11(13) 3673

27 Wang K Moyle B D Li Z (2017) Residents Perceptions of Resettlement for Nature-Based Tourism A Case Study of Wulingyuan Scenic Area China Tourism Review International 21(2) 101-119

28 Wei Xiang (2012) Striking development of Wulingyuan Scenic Area over past 20 years Available at hnchinanewscom

29 World Heritage Committee (1998) Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area- In Decisions of the twenty-second extraordinary session of the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee (Kyoto 28-29 November 1998) with regard to the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List noted by the Committee [online] Paris France UNESCO Available at httpswhcunescoorgarchiverepcom98a4htmsc640 [Accessed 8 December 2020]

IUCN World Heritage Outlook httpsworldheritageoutlookiucnorgWulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment

References

30 World Heritage Committee (2014) Decision 38 COM 8E- Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area- Adoption of Retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value In Decisions adopted at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee [online] Paris France UNESCO Available at httpswhcunescoorgendecisions6149 [Accessed 8 December 2020]

31 Zhang CZ et al (2008) Meeting needs equals enhancing satisfaction Case study of cableway and lift riding in World Heritage site Wulingyuang ChinaMMV4 Proceedings- management

32 Zhangjiajie Global Geopark Museum (2019) Zhangjiajie Global Geopark Museum [online] Available at httpsenzjjwcomplusviewphpaid=393[Accessed 25 November 2020]

33 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (2017) Zhangjiajie Wujingyuan received 2059 million visitation between January and October 2016 httpwwwzjjparkcomindexphpm=contentampc=indexampa=showampchellip Visited 25 September 2017

34 Zijun Tang (undated) Tourism and heritage protection an empirical study on World Heritage site Wulingyuan in China from the perspective of property rights economics Jishou University

35 hnlkycn (2019) [online] Available at httpwwwhnlkycnreadnewsaspid=2076 [Accessed 25 November 2020] (in Chinese)