In a groundbreaking move to address conservation funding challenges, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has insured 34 ancient trees in the Tianshan Mountains under a new "insurance + service" mechanism. The initiative, announced on March 17, 2026, directly covers treatment costs for natural disasters and pest infestations, with individual tree coverage reaching up to 100,000 yuan ($13,900).
With over 30,000 registered ancient trees across the region, authorities are leveraging a hybrid public-commercial insurance system to secure long-term protection funding. The program marks a significant shift from reactive conservation efforts to proactive risk management, combining financial safeguards with professional maintenance services.
Conservation experts highlight the model's potential to balance ecological preservation and sustainable tourism development. "This approach creates a safety net for our living heritage while supporting local communities," stated a regional forestry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
By December 2026, all trees aged over 500 years in Xinjiang are expected to be fully insured. The Tianshan pilot program could serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with similar conservation funding challenges across Asia.
