Abstract: Based on investigations using a variety of techniques and approaches,status quo of the socio economy of the surrounding areas of Shangyong Nature Reserve was analyzed.The areas faced a series of problems,such as low cultural quality of the population,poor health care and sanitation,backward agricultural production patterns,lack of participation of the masses in management of the nature reserve,and inharmony between the administration of the nature reserve and villages in the surrounding areas.On such a basis,a series of strategies are put forward for sustainable development of the socio economy of the communities in the surrounding areas.

Key words: participatory rural appraisal (PRA), Shangyong Nature Reserve, socio economy, sustainable development, approaches and strategies