The Mountain Institute (Washington, D.C., for Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China): Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve Ecotourism Trail Development - $10,000

With programs in the Andean, Appalachian and Himalayan mountain ranges, The Mountain Institute seeks “to improve mountain livelihoods, conserve mountain environments, and support mountain cultures.” Bordering the Tibet region of northwest Yunnan, China, the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve is in the center of the Three Parallel Rivers region, a global diversity hotspot. The area is home to 19 minority groups and some of the world’s most obscure animals, including the endangered golden monkey and snow leopard. The Tourism Cares grant will aid in the design and construction of a 32-mile ecotourism hiking trail through the buffer zone of the nature reserve. The trail supports a larger sustainability program to minimize the negative environmental impact of visitors.