Final Report - Asian Development Bank

TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 7
95. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity states that the greatest threat to
biodiversity is the introduction of Alien Species and Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) calls on Parties to "prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species
which threaten eco-systems, habitats, or species". Recommendation for a loan condition - All plant
material to be used within the Qinling Botanic Garden must be endemic to – or at the very least
representative of -- the Qinling Mountains.
96. To ensure that the risk of an alien species introduction is managed the Qinling Botanic
Garden will submit its detailed plans to the biosafety protocol of SEPA prior to any field construction.
This should include a risk management protocol that outlines what species are being propagated, or
planted and the expected risk that these pose to the Qinling Mountains. Where data is not available
plant material will be introduced.
97. Hard Landscape Elements. The Qinling Botanic Garden will serve as a large botanic and
open space facility. Its design requires a diversity of hard landscape elements to implement many of
the planned site management strategies. These landscape elements have both vehicular and
pedestrian functions and include signage, lighting, paths and roads, and various types of outdoor
furniture. The landscape elements also serve an important functional role in the garden, acting as
reference and signal points for visitor orientation and circulation, as well as contributing to the gardens
overall appearance, character, identity and attractiveness.
98. The hard landscape elements must positively contribute to the character and identity of the
garden. Custom designed structures should be developed, with the design emphasis on the use of
natural materials. The use of concrete structures is not considered appropriate within the Botanic
Garden setting as these are more appropriate to urban street scenes.
99. In designing the hard landscape elements the designers should:
(a) Initiate product development, and act as industry pioneers in the development
and use of recycled materials in hard landscape elements.
(b) Investigate alternate energy sources for areas of new lighting etc.
(c) Utilize environmentally sensitive design materials wherever appropriate, such
as permeable materials for large areas of hard surfaces including paving
areas and car parks.
(d) Ensure consistency of design and character, materials selection and
application of elements across the site.
(e) Ensure the Garden’s commitment to design excellence is reflected in the
selection of landscape elements. Promote quality in design and materials as
well as quality through environmentally sustainable design principles.
(f) Ensure landscape elements are designed, installed and maintained to
promote safety for Garden staff and all Garden visitors.
100. In addition, the hard landscape design elements should respond to different areas of the
Garden, reflecting a diversity of settings ranging from the developed formal garden and display areas
of the site through to natural settings of the “Qinling Experience” whilst simultaneously still being able
to be recognized as elements which are inherently part of the overall Garden’s character.
101. There are a number of considerations that will determine the use of landscape elements in
different areas of the Garden, which can be depicted by landscape elements to differentiate: (i) scale -
the physical size of the elements; (ii) siting - the way in which the element is located in the landscape,
in either a dominant or subtle manner; (iii) materiality - the materials used to build the landscape
elements, and (iv) intensity of use - the frequency with which the elements are used across the site,
denoting areas of high visitation and access, through to low visitation and restricted access.
102. Building Design. The Feasibility Study of May 2007 builds on the area’s strong Daoist
influences and features the restoration of a number of buildings of traditional design. The Daoist /
Chinese traditional style should be carried through all of the structures to be constructed on site
thereby providing harmony. Any religious site or temple restoration will require the approvals of the
Daoist community and this shall be provided to ADB to enable disbursement.
103. The quality of the “Garden Experience” is greatly dependent on its future design and
management. Poor design and poor management will lead to an inferior experience and detract from
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