A recent wildfire in a Tibetan-populated area of China’s Sichuan province devastated vast forests filled with pine and oak trees that were crucial for nurturing matsutake mushrooms, a hidden treasure and economic lifeline for residents.
The wildfire, which started in March in Nyagchu county (Yajiang in Chinese) in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, led to the evacuation of 3,000 people from the traditional Kham region of Tibet and destroyed a significant portion of the county’s matsutake output, according to Chen Wen, director of the Yajiang Matsutake Industrial Park.
The mushrooms, used in dishes in Japan, South Korea, and China, may not grow back in the burned area for at least 20 years, posing a significant impact on the local economy.
China leads in matsutake mushroom production and export, with Japan as the top importer. The Tibetan plateau, including Nyagchu county, accounts for over 12% of China’s annual matsutake output.
Demanding and lucrative
Many families in Nyagchu, primarily Tibetans, rely on matsutake harvesting as a source of income. Harvesters endure harsh conditions at high altitudes to forage for these mushrooms, which can earn them more than 2,000 yuan (US$300) per day during the harvest season.
The wildfire’s impact extends beyond economic loss, affecting the local ecosystem and potentially forcing Tibetans to seek alternative sources of income. The ecological consequences of the blaze remain uncertain.
Matsutake mushrooms, known as “oak mushrooms” in Tibet, have a symbiotic relationship with evergreen oak trees. They are highly prized in Asia and have specific environmental requirements for growth.
The long-term impact of the wildfire on matsutake growth and Tibetan livelihoods remains uncertain, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in the aftermath of such disasters.
Translated and edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.