Pastoralism and Rangeland Management on the Tibetan Plateau in ...

5.3 Social problems caused by exploitation of the Cordyceps sinensis
resources
While bringing benefits to the people, Cordyceps sinensis has caused a number of
economic, social <strong>and</strong> environmental issues. In the past decade Cordyceps sinensis
has brought local farmers <strong>and</strong> pastoralists considerable income, on one h<strong>and</strong>,
but on the other h<strong>and</strong>, it has dealt a serious blow to other traditional industries,
resulting in over-reliance on the caterpillar fungus industry. Farmers <strong>and</strong>
pastoralists have deviated their interests <strong>and</strong> activities from animal husb<strong>and</strong>ry
<strong>and</strong> farming. If the Cordyceps harvest someday becomes problematic, there will
surely be social <strong>and</strong> economic chaos. In addition, disputes over rangel<strong>and</strong> borders
<strong>and</strong> collection rights have caused more <strong>and</strong> more social problems as well.
6 Recommendations
�� We should help farmers <strong>and</strong> herdsmen seek alternative income sources
Cordyceps collection is totally dependent on the natural environment. Therefore,
it is a high-risk <strong>and</strong> resource-based industry. Unlike other resource-based
industries, such as mining <strong>and</strong> forestry, it is entirely dependent on natural
climatic conditions. Therefore, in the wake of global climate change, its yield
is likely to be extremely unstable. Moreover, in recent years, wild fluctuations
in market prices of Cordyceps sinensis indicate speculation. In order to maintain
social stability the primary task of the local government should be to help
pastoralists develop alternative sources of income.
�� We should strengthen environmental training <strong>and</strong> improve people’s
awareness of conservation <strong>and</strong> the sustainable use of resources
Cordyceps sinensis has created tremendous wealth for Tibetan farmers <strong>and</strong>
herdsmen. However, it has also brought many environmental <strong>and</strong> ecological
problems. In order to achieve the sustainable use of this precious resource, we
must strengthen environmental education for all of the stakeholders <strong>and</strong> raise
people’s awareness of the sustainable use of resources. At the same time, we
should take some practical measures to protect the ecological environment
of the Cordyceps sinensis. For instance, there should be a strict limit on the
times of collection, with the collection permit specifying the valid time period
for collection. There should be more planning within the Cordyceps sinensis
growing areas. We should establish some protected areas for Cordyceps sinensis,
where natural resources can recover <strong>and</strong> where rebalance can be achieved.
Measures should be taken to develop a reasonable plan of balanced protection
<strong>and</strong> exploitation.
174