Ludian in Yunnan has long been a centre supplying medicinal plants. These are cultivated, but gathering also threatens populations of some species. The Kunming Institute of Botany has helped the Ludian Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development Association (established 2007) acquire access to the internet, thereby increasing its bargaining power with buyers. The association has established two reserves to safeguard supplies of medicinal plants.
#China (2008)
© Alan Hamilton
