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Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21

This project seeks to develop methods for maintaining the ecological value of forests and managing forest resources in a sustainable manner. This project is based on programme area 14D and chapter 15 of China's Agenda 21.

1. Background

The tropical rain forests in China are part of the Indian-Malaysian rain forest system, forming the northern margin of global rain forests. The species composition, structure and the ecology of tropical rain forests in China have their own special characteristic. They are distinct from equatorial tropical rain forests as they have developed under a tropical monsoon climate. The biological diversity of Chinese rain forests is rich and provide habitats for many rare and endangered species.

Exploitation over many years has resulted in serious damage to the tropical rain forest in China. Cutting for wood in the mountain areas has led to severe soil erosion and disappearance of species. This has disrupted the regional ecological balance and impaired local social economic development.

There is good research background on tropical rain forests in China. This research has helped to provide a better understanding of the conservation and use of rain forest as well as guiding regional economic development. However, because of limited budgets and time, current research on Chinese tropical rain forests has been restricted and little information is available on the ecological restoration of destroyed tropical rain forests and harmonization of regional economy- environment linkages. There is an urgent need to balance conservation needs with sustainable development priorities.

Management of tropical rain forests and conservation of biodiversity are a global task. As a signatory of the Biodiversity Convention, the Chinese government is taking steps to implement the conservation of rain forests.

2. Objectives

• Long-term Objectives
  • To establish networks for monitoring tropical rain forests in China and to develop models for restoring degraded ecosystems and balancing conservation and sustainable development of forests.

• Immediate Objectives
  • To develop an inventory of biodiversity in these forest ecosystems.
  • To establish pilot projects for restoration of damaged ecosystems.
  • To formulate models for sustainable development of the rain forest areas.
  • To develop regulations and standards for conservation of tropical rain forests.
  • To establish demonstration projects for rain forest protection in Yunnan and Hainan.

3. Activities

The implementing agencies will be the Science and Technology Commission, the National Environmental Protection Agency, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Forestry, and the provincial governments of Yunnan and Hainan.

The project duration will be five years.

• 3.1 Research on conservation and sustainable development of tropical rain forests in Xishuangbanna area in Yunnan Province and Jianfengling area in Hainan Province. Specific activities will include:
  • Establishment of an ecological monitoring network;
  • Investigation of forest ecosystems and their role in the ecosystem of Southeast Asia;
  • Analysis of main causes of forest destruction;
  • Investigation of biodiversity and preparation an inventory of biodiversity;
  • Studies on present conditions and trends of biodiversity and predictive models;
  • Studies on conservation and management of rare and endangered species;
  • Investigation of impacts of global climate change and possible remedial measures;
  • Investigation of the carbon-oxygen cycle model for these forests;
  • Analysis of the role of these forests in the regional social economic system;
  • Studies on the impact of destroyed forests on regional development;
  • Establishment of a regional demonstration model for an integrated conservation and development model.

• 3.2 Research on measures to prevent soil erosion and restore damaged ecosystems in tropical rain forests in Xishuangbanna area in Yunnan Province and Jianfengling area in Hainan province. Specific activities include:
  • Research on areas with different levels of soil erosion;
  • Investigation of new and traditional measures to prevent soil erosion;
  • Research on natural restoration patterns of summit communities of these forests;
  • Research ecological restoration technology and establish pilot projects.

• 3.3 Establish a nature reserve of tropical rain forests in Nabanhe river region in Yunnan province to study and implement conservation measures and determine applicable policies, regulations and rules. The eventual aim is to extend these reserves to the entire southwest tropical rain forests area.

• 3.4 Capacity building at local, regional and national levels will be achieved through:

  • Establishing four monitoring stations in Yunnan, Hainan and Guangdong Province;
  • Training for local personnel in sustainable forest management practices;
  • Collecting and disseminating national and international information and materials;
  • Developing a management information system at the national level;
  • Disseminating studies by national and regional meetings and workshops.

4. Inputs

• 4.1 Chinese Inputs

  Inputs from China will include planning and management, provision of research and supporting personnel, and financial contribution for transport, field survey, instruments, educational materials and information.

• 4.2 International Cooperation

  The international cooperation and financial support include capacity building through construction of an ecological station, training of researchers and assistance with preparing regulations and standards for conservation of tropical rain forests.

5. Benefits

This project will provide updated information on the environment and biodiversity of tropical rain forests in southwest China. This will provide monitoring systems and a firm base for sustainable management of these tropical rain forests and their biodiversity. The project will also contribute to regional sustainable economic development and provide models for environmentally sustainable development. The lessons from this project will be applicable to other areas in Southeast Asia and provide a model for regional environmentally sustainable development.