Forestry authorities have built 763 nature reserves across the
country in the past three years, a number equal to 80 percent of
all the reserves built in the country by 2000 and a remarkable leap
forward for China's environmental protection efforts. China began
building reserves in 1956.
According to State Forestry Administration Vice Director Zhao
Xuemin, the nature reserves provide protection for 85 percent of
wild animal species, 65 percent of high-level botanic species, and
20 percent of the natural forests in China.
Speaking at a national conference on the creation and management
of nature reserves held by the administration in Beijing on
Wednesday, Zhao said that there are now 1,672 nature reserves under
the management of forestry authorities at all levels, accounting
for 84 percent of the total number of reserves in the country. The
remainder are handled by other government bodies, such those
administering agriculture, oceans or the environment.
The authorities plan to establish additional nature reserves in
the coming years, especially in wetland areas. Nearly 60 percent of
the country's natural wetlands still lack effective protection.
Forestry authorities hope to build another 128 reserves by 2010,
with the number reaching 2,500 by 2050.
But Xie Yan, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said
authorities should focus on rational management of nature reserves
rather than simply increased numbers. She stated that the
management system for these areas is not yet good enough.
Local economic development frequently clashes with nature
conservation, creating critical problems. Xie suggested that the
country set up a complete management system for protected areas
that includes both strict protection and reasonable uses of
resources where possible.
Also on Wednesday, the Beijing Forestry University announced the
establishment of China's first nature reserve school. The school is
expected to help fill the need for professionals in this field.
(China Daily December 23, 2004)
