Abstract: Hani people in Mengsong of Xishuangbanna, have been maintaining and using rattan resources sustainably for hundred years. This paper describes the communal rattan protected for-est "Sangpabawa", a traditional rattan resources management system created by Hani people and the practice of rattan cultivation in Hani swidden system. The Hani practice in maintaining rattan resource and its forest environment is undoubtedly significant to rational use and develop rattan resources in Yunnan tropics even in the world tropics. Some ethnobotanical information on rattan were also provided. Finally, authors discussed both technical and policy aspects related rattan management in the area.

Key words: Hani people of Xishuangbanna