Chou Wen-chung

Leadership Conference on Conservancy and Development: Introductory Remarks

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Over thirty Yunnan speakers presented their papers in three sessions: an overview of Yunnan's history, geography, ethnic groups, culture, ecology, and social and economic development; on ecology and environment; and on economic development and social change. Among the presentations were such topics as forest and lores, a village's participation in the attempt at developing tourism, community-based mentorship, and mountains and spiritual life. A number of other Yunnan scholars and experts served as session chairmen or took part in discussions. Still others representing other regions of China also made presentations or participated in discussions.

Among the international participants, more than twenty presented papers in three discussion sessions on conservancy and development: form a cultural perspective; from an ecological perspective; and from an economic and social perspective. Some of the topics presented were: mentorship as a multidimensional tool, community-based cultural studies and public education, built legacy and cultural development, authenticity and heritage tourism, artisans and the market economy, and culture within environmental protection strategies. Many other international participants also served as chairmen and rapporteurs, and took part in the discussions.

To complement these sessions, demonstrations and site visits were organized by or at institutions that have carried out major projects over the years as part of the Joint Plan in close collaboration with the Center and the specialists sent from the United States and Southeast Asia. At the Nationalities Museum, in addition to its exhibits on costumes, and ritual and everyday objects, there were demonstrations of embroidery, mask-making, pottery, and other crafts by village master artists who were recognized recently through a province-wide survey of artists and artisans. At the Nationalities Arts Department of the Yunnan Nationalities Institute, Conference participants observed village masters teaching nationalities students in pottery, silver jewelry, batik-making, and Dongba painting of the Naxi nationality, as well as attended student rehearsals for dances of the Hani, Mongol, Wa and Yi nationalities, supervised by rural master dancers. A visit to a Naxi village offered the opportunity of witnessing an example of community-initiated cultural study: local mentors instructing young villagers on ritual practices. There were also performances of music and dance of the Bulang and Yi nationalities, as well as of Dongjing ensemble music by groups whose authenticity had been evaluated by the Joint Plan scholars for the Conference.

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