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Final Report - Asian Development Bank

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TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project<br />

<strong>Final</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Appendix 7<br />

Developing a program of conservation breeding for a number of model species could be worth<br />

considering in the future.<br />

135. IUCN is widely recognized as the leading non-governmental conservation organization in the<br />

world which, as such, produces policies and strategies to encourage and guide conservation activities.<br />

It is recommended that any release program developed in the project area adhere to the IUCN<br />

Reintroduction Guidelines available on the IUCN website.<br />

c. Investment Output<br />

136. To improve and strengthen the rescue and breeding work of rare wildlife, the SARC<br />

investment will: (i) enlarge and enhance the rescue, breeding, research and other necessary facilities,<br />

(ii) establishing satellite sites for breeding of endangered species in different parts of the Project Area,<br />

(iii) actively adopt new approaches and technologies, and (iv) construct a high quality modern,<br />

ecological institution that represents best practice in China and meets international standards for exsitu<br />

conservation, endangered species management and develops systems for potential controlled<br />

release.<br />

137. The SARC expansion and modernization is intended to capitalize on the significant growth in<br />

tourism particularly in niche eco-tourism market segments. Visitation will also be encouraged from<br />

urban residents of Xian and southern Shaanxi to financially and technically support SARCS main<br />

objectives and functions. By focusing on the Qinling Mountains rare and globally important animal<br />

species and providing facilities of international standard that meets GEF and ADB requirements,<br />

SARC will offer a more attractive option for general tourists and for biodiversity enthusiasts compared<br />

with the Xian Wildlife Park which operates successfully since it opened in 2004 18 .<br />

138. The investment will greatly enrich the “Louguan Experience”. The linkage of Louguantai as<br />

the birthplace of Daoism with the SARC provides the opportunity to view two of the world’s most iconic<br />

fauna, the giant Panda and Crested Ibis along with Daoist experiences provides a unique opportunity<br />

especially for international clientele. The interest in the giant Panda is worldwide, and holidays<br />

specifically to view the panda can now be arranged from most European countries and North America.<br />

Because of the rarity value of the animal, these holidays are sold at premium rates. International<br />

tourists are increasingly being offered mixed cultural and wildlife tours but none that specifically target<br />

Xian.<br />

139. These options allow tourist companies to offer holidays which meet a wide variety of tastes.<br />

Many tourist offers currently available link a visit to Xi’an with Giant Panda experiences at either<br />

Wolong or Foping 19 . At present, SARC does not feature as a place to visit. The close location of SARC<br />

to Xi’an, gives a strong advantage to the Louguan site. Unlike Wolong (breeding centre) or Foping<br />

(wild viewing), access to the SARC is easy – an hour’s drive from Xi’an -- thereby allowing visitors to<br />

view the Giant Panda at the SARC within one day with minimal time spent traveling. Longer Giant<br />

Panda experiences will be available through the QBCDA area “Wild Experience” through the ecolodges<br />

and through longer half-day experiences by day visitors to the QBCDA Giant Panda breeding<br />

center.<br />

d. Project Activities<br />

140. SARC will expand from the current 140.7 ha to 1,112 ha, through the development of areas<br />

adjacent to the existing site and to three satellite areas within the Louguantai Forest Farm. The Project<br />

will add 6,545 sq m to the existing 6,842 sq m of building. The current utilities and telecoms have<br />

sufficient capacity to support future expansion.<br />

18 In 2006, the Xi’an Wildlife Park had attendance of 1.5 million with an entry fee of CNY 80. While the Park is<br />

apparently a major commercial success, visits to the Park by PPTA Team members raised serious concerns<br />

regarding the care of the animals and the maintenance of constructed facilities at the Park. The Wildlife Park<br />

opened in 2004, its capital cost was CNY 390 Million, and has a land area of more than 130 ha. It is owned<br />

and operated by one of the seven subsidiary companies under the Xi’an Tourism Group Company, which is an<br />

SOE of the Xi’an Municipal Government. The SARC proposal is intended to set new standards in Xi’an,<br />

Shaanxi and the western PRC for animal welfare, maintenance of facilities and providing a quality tourism<br />

experience.<br />

19 See Annex 1<br />

27

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