Liziba Village has abundant natural resources and a good ecological environment, but excessive logging, illegal medicinal plant collection, and poaching have caused losses to villagers’ lives. In 2003, with the support of the Gansu Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve Administration and the local village committee, villagers spontaneously formed a forest protection team to expel illegal loggers and poachers and to educate and supervise fellow villagers. After the introduction of conservation agreements in 2007, illegal activities decreased and the ecological environment improved. The promotion of tea industry technologies and mechanized management increased tea farmers’ income. Villagers shifted from traditional forest-dependent livelihoods to diversified development, becoming protectors and managers of forest resources. This transformation boosted the community economy and living standards, and promoted harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.