UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Fenglin
General information
Located in the north-easternmost part of China, this biosphere reserve covers 28,500 hectares in a typical hilly region known for its intact natural stands of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis). This tree species is of world-wide interest for timber production and these forests constitute a valuable gene bank which should be protected, in spite of pressure to exploit the trees.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1997
Country
China
Total population
500
Area
Surface
18,165.00 ha
Total terresterial area
18,165.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 48.12 - Longitude: 129.12
Ecological Characteristics
Most of the landscape types of original forests are tilia Korean pine trees, birch-Korean pine trees and spruce-fir Korean pine trees, which are 52.9% of total area of the Reserve. Forest landscapes are in a vertical distribution of mountain broadleaf Korean pine forest belt. There are totally 15 forest landscape types in the Reserve.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Fenglin Biosphere Reserve is located in Wuying District. Around Yichun City, the main businesses are wood production and forest cultivation as well as some services, such as ecotourism, catering and accommodations. The customs of local residents include vegetable farming, wild vegetable harvesting and collecting Koran pine seeds.
There are around 50 families living in the biosphere reserve. Most of them plant vegetables on farmlands. In the winter, some earn money by transporting wood using pack animals, under the direction of the Wuying Forestry Bureau.