Abstract: In dealing with the relationship between conservation and community development, and promoting local community participation in natural resources management, the Administration of Wuyishan National Nature Reserve has had some successful experience. However, there is a little opportunity for local people to voice their ideas and concerns since only a few representatives from their communities have seats in the joint conservation committee, which was established in 1994. The current participation system lacks incentives for local people to get involved in conservation management. Therefore, the proposal for development of a shareholding tourism cooperative in the reserve as well as mechanism for its operation are brought forth herein.

Key words: community participation, cooperative and shareholding system, nature reserve, resources co-management, tourism company