Evaluating China's Biodiversity

Evaluation of the current status of biodiversity conservation at national and provincial level

The goal is to review and identify the present status of biodiversity conservation in China in order to provide key recommendations to the government for improving its biodiversity conservation in harmony with development. Efforts were made to study the status, progress and problems of biodiversity conservation by holding workshops and conducting field survey in selected provinces in southern, northeastern and western China. As an output of these activities, a number of reports and articles were published with BWG's findings and relevant recommendations to the governments or sectors at both national and provincial level (Guangxi, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Guangdong, Sichuan and Qinghai, etc.).

Hainan 1998
		Guangzhou2000
		Qinghai 2001
Qinghai 2001	Hainan 1998

Baseline data investigation is urgently needed　 Conservation and sustainable development of biological resources, environmental change, study of invasive species, environmental restoration, and biodiversity evaluation and monitoring all require increased levels of field study. However, the field of taxonomy in China is now very weak. Experienced biologists, taxonomists, and field biologists are in very short supply. Most protected areas, remaining forest blocks, new plantations, marine areas and rural habitats lack any form of biodiversity inventory. Much of the existing data is out of date or taxonomically imprecise. At present, museum specimens are not being collected or maintained properly. Museum specialists are few. Existing information on taxonomy, distribution, and habitat has not been fully utilised. BWG suggests that, 1). A new national biodiversity inventory across all provinces should be implemented. 2). A State Natural History Museum should be established, operated by museum science specialists and housing specimens and associated equipment. Special care should be taken to preserve type specimens, and protection and management of collections should be strengthened. 3). Incentives should be offered to encourage taxonomic study. Field data collection and specialist training should be strengthened. Information systems should be established and shared according to the dimensions, complexity and practice needed.

Assessment and Red Listing of endangered species

The Red Listing Project is aimed at a production of a current list of threatened species in China by using the new IUCN Red List Criteria in order to provide a scientific basis for legislation, conservation planning and projects setting up for the government and related institutions. In cooperation with SSC/IUCN, BWG sponsored and organised the 1st China Red Listing Workshop in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, Aug. 2000, and the 2nd Workshop in Beijing, July, 2001. It is planned that the first China's Red List of Endangered Species could be formulated by the end of 2002.

Improve in-situ Conservation BWG has conducted many surveys in various protected areas and provided specific recommendations to each visited NR. The general recommendations can be submitted as follows: 1). Coverage of the whole range biodiversity in the protected areas system, which should also includes invertebrates, lower plants, fungi, etc. Globally and regionally restricted species should be given adequate coverage and attention. 2). Improving effectiveness of nature reserve staff: Operating expenses and salaries should be guaranteed for nature reserve staff. More donors are needed for training courses. A corps of training officers should be established, active in each biological region. 3). Strengthen function of education: All available multimedia aids (photos, TV etc.) and information should be used and biodiversity components should be the core theme. 4). Improving effectiveness of protection: Poisoning needs to be controlled in natural habitats. The ban on hunting and fishing should be extended from nature reserves to all natural forests, including Forest Parks and Scenic Areas. EIAs should be conducted on all projects impacting natural ecosystems. 5). Increase investment in training specialists to conduct inventories of bio-resources.

Evaluation of ex-situ conservation

To evaluate the existing situation of breeding programmes in order to promote the existing ex-situ attempts in a proper way. Investigation of ex-situ conservation of animals in China with emphasis on projects in Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, Qinghai and Heilongjiang and brief surveys to the existing Chinese zoos and botanical gardens were carried out. BWG recommends a number of issues including development of a national zoo Strategy for China，improvement of public education, etc.

Strengthen botanic gardens' roles in preserving plants Although the great contribution to the ex-situ conservation of plant, the efficiency of botanic gardens in China for conserving endangered plants is still very poor. 66% of endangered species are only cultivated in 1/4 botanic gardens. Only a few botanic gardens have been set up in the regions with the highest plant diversity in China or in areas containing endemic ecosystem. BWG suggested that a Natural Conservation Network should be formed based on a balance between different regions and ecosystems. The establishment of an authoritative body should be considered to coordinate, monitor and guide ex situ conservation and research on plant diversity in the botanic gardens of China. A Foundation for Ex situ Conservation of Endangered Plants should be established. International cooperation and communication are necessary so as to raise research standards and efficiency of conservation. A conservation strategy and action plan for botanic gardens should be formulated and revised periodically.

Improving role of Zoos in wildlife conservation The main goal of zoos is to expand existing wild populations and to carry out potential reintroduction projects thus saving rare and endangered wildlife from extinction. However, the BWG's survey found that only 10% of captive populations, even lower in endangered species, in zoos are self-sustaining and viable. The founder groups are always very small and genes are not well exchanged between zoos due to conflicts and barriers amongst different authorities. Therefore these zoo animals cannot contribute to re-establishment of populations in natural habitat. The majority of zoos still exhibit wild animals in small cages, their educational techniques are relatively simple. BWG suggests that, 1). The cooperation and coordination between zoos should be enhanced so as to avoid or greatly minimize the loss of genetic variability and un-natural selection. Zoos should intentionally to increase the potential of ex-situ populations for reintroduction purposes and actively participate in reintroduction programmes of extinct wild species and endangered species to their original habitat, as well as restocking projects. 2). Improve conservation education with good exhibitions where animals are shown in a harmonious arrangement of enclosures with their surroundings. Wildlife conservation must be the central theme of zoo education.

Fresh-water Biodiversity Evaluation

The Status of endangered Freshwater Fishes in China and analysis of causes 10% of estimated 900 species are endangered caused by habitat damage, excessive exploitation, pollution and alien species as well.

Ecological & Economic Valuation -- The Value of Biodiversity to China

The goal is to attract attention of decision-makers in various sectors to the significant contribution of biodiversity to national economic development. BWG made the first attempt in China to evaluate the total economic value of ecological benefit from biodiversity. This assessment was highlighted by a demonstration project of economic value of a forest ecosystem (in Xinshan County, Shennongjia Region, Hubei Province). In 2001, as part of its recommendations for the restoration of natural vegetation in China's degraded lands, BWG has constructed an analysis of the total economic value of natural vegetation of China in the booklet of Restoring China's Degraded Environment - The Role of Natural Vegetation. These activities have highlighted the importance of biodiversity and the maintenance of natural ecosystems, and have motivated many similar research projects in China. An illustrated booklet of Guidebook of Biodiversity Principles for Developers and Planner prepared by BWG clarifies the relationship between biodiversity conservation and economic development, with relevant recommendations for policy makers.

Summary of ecosystem service estimates for natural vegetation in China

Ecosystem service	Current value (billion RMB)	Potential value (billion RMB)
WATER & SOIL CONSERVATION
Water conservation/Drought prevention	200	>1,079
Flooding prevention	2,980	>>2,980
Soil erosion prevention	320	>320
Soil fertility maintenance/nitrogen fixation	67	>>144
Siltation prevention	151	>151
Desertification prevention	54	280
Coastal stabilization	2	>2
CLIMATE & WEATHER MODERATION
Microclimate and local climate	nv	nv
Fire protection	4.3	>4.3
Storm protection	3	>3
Carbon storage	474	>>474
Carbon fixation	20	>>20
POLLUTION CONTROL	>20	>99
BIOLOGICAL DISASTER PREVENTION	>>80	>>160
BIODIVERSITY UTILIZATION
Direct uses of biodiversity	336	>618
Nature based tourism	12	>>12
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Increased hydropower efficiency	43	236
Minimum value	>>4,766	>>6,582