The Shilin Stone Forest in Yunnan, China, is a geological wonder formed over 270 million years ago. Once covered by an ancient sea, it is now home to stunning karst pillars, which have earned the site global renown 鈥 including as a UNESCO Global Geopark and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, the Stone Forest is also a cultural hub thanks to the 鈥鈥 project, implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with the China Youth Development Foundation and the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund. Not only does this initiative aim to protect the region鈥檚 unique landscapes and cultural heritage, but it also drives positive change by empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.
Ang Zhaoqiong is the general manager of an ethnic clothing company. The UNESCO Shilin Pilot Project has allowed her to transform her small-scale operation, primarily selling lace, embroidered patches, and clothing accessories, into a company with a registered trademark and thriving e-commerce activity. Her production has more than tripled in 6 years, enabling her to dedicate herself to designing top-of-the-range ethnic clothing and reviving traditional culture.
The project activities have allowed us as native Sani population to review and reflect our own ethnic culture. The development and publishing of Sani Embroidery technical standards, patterns, and industrial plan promotes safeguarding local cultural heritage and social economic development, which is remarkably beneficial in the present age and advantageous for future generations.
For Qian Ximan, another Sani embroidery artisan, the UNESCO project has not only helped her to refine her embroidery skills, but also to make significant advances in product design, marketing and promotion. Her participation in the project has led to the creation of innovative designs, including a series of award-winning storage boxes that has captured attention both locally and abroad. As she proudly states, 鈥淭his contributes to the inheritance and development of Shilin Sani Embroidery.鈥
The project has also supported local economic development, in particular by structuring the Yi (Sani) embroidery craft through standards and an atlas listing more than 200 traditional patterns. This has led to a Protected Geographical Indication for Sani embroidery and the training of many craftspeople.
Moreover, significant advances have been made in the preservation and management of the Stone Forest, including through the introduction of a Geographic Information System and a comprehensive database to improve site monitoring and tourism management. Initiatives such as the modernization of information panels - including the by UNESCO - and guide training have helped to improve visitor experience. This approach balances tourism development with the well-being of local communities.
