Objectives Since the rediscovery of the crested ibis, China has actively explored the path of harmonious coexistence between humans and the Crested Ibis, and has achieved remarkable results. Exploring how the relationship between humans and the crested ibis has changed from conflict to symbiosis in China is of great value in the preservation the endangered species.

Methods Based on existing research findings and field research, we explored the realization path and internal mechanism of the relationship between human and crested ibis from conflict to symbiosis through the form of case study.

Results Traditional conservation strategies have relied on a series of prohibitive measures to protect the crested ibis, which made environmental protection difficult because it hindered the pursuit of an affluent lifestyle by local communities and limited the development capacity of the region. Yang County chose to develop organic agriculture driven by the strategic initiative of safeguarding the crested ibis population, thereby fostering a multifaceted approach that integrated the conservation of this species with the promotion of economic development at the local level. Through the development of organic agriculture, the local ecological environment has improved greatly, accompanied by a notable increase in the population of the crested ibis.

Conclusions In the practice of ibis conservation, the government, farmers and enterprises worked together to transform the ecological advantages brought by protection into economic value, thus realizing the coordinated development of ecological protection and economic development. The government’s potential inventions for promoting harmonious coexistence between human and crested ibis included the establishment of a cooperation platform, the enhancement of regional public branding, and the augmentation of technology-enabled supervision.