Livelihood: SISC works to empower local communities to improve their livelihoods, protect their natural environment, preserve their cultural heritage and embed the empowerment process into broader society and institutions...
Biodiversity: SISC projects work on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in two of China's most fragile and important areas: the Tibetan plateau and the Yangtze river. These unique and varied ecosystems harbour rare endemic species such as the yunnan golden monkey, snow leopard and giant panda.
Participation: Community participation lies at the core of all SISC projects. We aim to empower communities through participation in unique learning processes. Without the input of local communities, development will not only fail to meet local needs, but is unlikely to be sustainable.
Water: Increased population and economic development are causing increased water pollution, threatening the ecosystems and communities that depend on the local watersheds for survival. Current statistics indicate that the Yangtze river accounts for 60% of China's total pollution.
Culture: The Shangri-la Institute facilitates Education for Sustainable Development by reconnecting local communities with the traditional knowledge embedded in ancient Eastern philosophies and cultures.
Shangri-la Institute is a registered non-governmental organisation working to promote Education for a Sustainable China.