Solution: Ecological compensation?

Shennongjia is following the route of calling for ecological compensation from its surrounding cities and from central government.

As an example, Shennongjia lies in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. If this area is not well protected, it could put at risk the supply of water from the Danjiangkou Reservoir in the lower reaches, an important element of China's giant South-to-North Water Diversion Project that helps alleviate water shortages in arid areas. In other words, Shennongjia plays an unseen role in this water network.

On April 7, local government therefore delivered a formal application to Hubei Provincial Development and Reform Commission, requesting to be included in the overall planning for the Danjiangkou Reservoir area, and thereby becoming eligible for state financial subsidies, otherwise termed ecological compensation.

According to Qian Yuankun, director of the Shennongjia Forest District, poor logistics has already severely hampered Shennongjia's economic development. However, road and rail infrastructure projects in Shennongjia must meet the requirements of a strict environmental impact assessment, to ensure that proposed projects will not damage the natural environment. From this point of view, Shennongjia should be eligible for significant financial subsidies from the state.

(China.org.cn by Ma Yujia, June 5, 2009)