Chinese, U.S. national parks officials gain insights regarding shared interests, mutual benefits during tour

In a collaborative effort to strengthen conservation and park management practices, Arizona State University recently organized a specialized short course for park administrators from China’s Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau, focusing on National Park Management and Wildlife Protection.

This program, designed to foster an exchange of knowledge and practices, involved key personnel from a variety of departments within the Sichuan Province, including the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Science for Giant Panda, the Habitat Protection Division and the Sichuan Wanglang National Nature Reserve Administration, among others.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions, field visits and workshops aimed at understanding the successful operational models of U.S. national parks, specifically Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Kelly Bricker, an ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Associate Dean who is director of the Hainan University-Arizona State University Joint International Tourism College (HAITC), and Nathan Bricker, Program Manager, led the delegation’s itinerary, which spanned seven days, providing an in-depth look at U.S. National Park operations.

The delegation met with Yellowstone and Grand Teton staff, encompassing law enforcement, park management, visitor services, concessions and wildlife management teams. These immersive experiences helped Sichuan administrators gain insights into the methods employed in visitor management, resource protection, habitat conservation and public engagement.

Program goals, structure

The program, created on principles of equality and mutual benefit, was born from a mutual recognition of the value in shared environmental stewardship. For Sichuan’s park administrators, learning about the U.S. approach to managing vast, ecologically diverse national parks offered valuable insights, especially regarding the integration of public use and conservation. This blend of conservation-focused and visitor-friendly policies and focused conservation efforts exemplifies how the United States balances ecological integrity with accessibility.

ASU’s curriculum included comprehensive lessons on resource allocation, wildlife monitoring, habitat preservation and sustainable tourism; elements essential to maintaining national parks as resilient ecosystems while ensuring a memorable visitor experience. The course also highlighted the use of technology in conservation, such as GIS mapping for biodiversity monitoring and digital tools for visitor tracking and management.

Key takeaways: visitor management and conservation

One of the main areas of interest was visitor management, a critical component in balancing tourism with conservation. Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks staff provided case studies in managing high visitor volumes without compromising ecological health. Techniques such as designated viewing areas, controlled access to sensitive zones and timed entry systems were demonstrated as effective measures to reduce human impact. This approach resonated with Sichuan officials, particularly as they oversee areas with unique biodiversity, like the Giant Panda reserves.

Wildlife management was another focal point. The delegates observed how U.S. parks manage human-wildlife interactions, a vital issue given the prevalence of large mammals in both U.S. and Sichuan parks. Kelly Bricker and rangers at Yellowstone shared their experiences with wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity measures, which are designed to allow animals to roam freely without disrupting park infrastructure. These methods could be instrumental for Sichuan’s parks, where maintaining natural animal behavior patterns is key to conservation.

Technology and public engagement in U.S. parks

ASU’s program highlighted the importance of technology in modern park management. U.S. Parks make extensive use of digital resources to enhance public engagement and streamline operations. For example, visitor apps provide real-time information on park conditions, wildlife sightings and safety alerts, helping visitors stay informed while reducing the need for physical staff presence in remote areas.

This innovation inspired the Sichuan administrators, particularly those from the Scientific Monitoring Division of Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve and the Research and Education Division of the Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau. They identified potential for similar applications in Sichuan, where remote park areas could benefit from tech-driven solutions for monitoring biodiversity and ensuring visitor safety.

Public engagement and education also play a vital role in the U.S. national parks system. Interpretive rangers at Grand Teton demonstrated educational techniques used to promote conservation awareness among visitors. This component sparked interest in developing new educational materials and visitor programs within Sichuan’s parks, especially in places like the Jiuzhaigou and Siguniang nature reserves, where ecotourism is growing.

Cultural exchange and environmental diplomacy

This program exemplified a successful instance of environmental diplomacy. The friendly exchanges between U.S. and Chinese officials underscored a shared commitment to global conservation and highlighted the benefits of open communication. As Faya Tian, the program organizer, observed, the opportunity for Sichuan’s delegation to directly interact with their U.S. counterparts fostered mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other’s challenges and successes in conservation.

Through this exchange, participants could appreciate the differences in park management approaches shaped by each country's unique environmental, social and regulatory contexts. This cross-cultural dialogue revealed that while specific strategies may vary, the foundational goals of conservation, public engagement and sustainable resource management are universal.

Building success: future opportunities

The ASU HAITC program has set a promising precedent for future collaborations. Both ASU faculty and the Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau expressed optimism about continuing this knowledge exchange, potentially expanding the program to include more comprehensive training sessions on advanced conservation techniques, climate resilience and community-based park management strategies.

The success of this program serves as a blueprint for similar initiatives, wherein conservation professionals from diverse backgrounds can learn from one another’s experiences. The positive feedback from participants suggests that this exchange has not only expanded their technical knowledge but also enriched their perspectives on international conservation practices.

The short course organized by ASU’s HAITC program for Sichuan’s park administrators has proven to be an invaluable experience for all involved. By gaining first hand exposure to U.S. national park operations, Sichuan officials are now equipped with new strategies and tools to enhance their park management efforts. This initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative learning and underscores the potential for cross-border partnerships to address global environmental challenges.

As the participants returned to China, they brought with them fresh perspectives and actionable insights that could shape the future of Sichuan’s parks, fostering a legacy of innovation, resilience and sustainability in natural resource management. Meanwhile, those participating in this program stateside have experienced the value of collaboration and shared responsibility for the health of the planet.

Written by Kelly Bricker, Watts College Associate Dean and HAITC Director. Bricker is a full professor in the Watts College-based School of Community Resources and Development.