Final Report - Asian Development Bank

34
TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 7
� On-going investment and maintenance of the center will be necessary
� Not everything can be done at once
� Will funding be available to introduce new husbandry techniques at the outset?
� There is a need to increase the staff capacity early in the process to achieve
international standards
200. During the detailed design the following steps are recommended:
� Survey undertaken of the site
� SARC staff to develop Institutional Collection Plan
� Support facilities identified
� International design experts identified
� A business plan developed for the center that considers commercial opportunities and
maintenance costs
201. The scale of the new center will put considerable strain on resources during planning,
construction and site preparation and management which could put at risk the successful completion
of the project. The senior staff at SARC have done a great job to pull together a very exciting and
ambitious plan for the center which can only compliment the plans for the satellite centers. Bringing
forward the development of the animal exposition will enable the center to meet international
standards early in the program, giving reassurance of success for the longer term program.
202. The center has the potential to become one of the most important sites for biodiversity
conservation in the province and nationally. The combination of wildlife rescue, conservation breeding,
research and education on one site provides an unusual resource for visitors and wildlife
professionals. It will support the National Conservation Strategy and Action Plan of the Convention of
Biological Diversity.
203. A center of this standard has the potential to attract international partners which could enable
an exciting future for the center in their efforts for wildlife conservation.
204. The following table summarizes the major activities based on the Chinese FS (May 2007).
Table 11: SARC Description of Interest
Major Activities
1. Giant Panda breeding and raising base – to be located adjacent to the proposed Takin Satellite Area will have
an area of 500 mu (33 ha) with slopes up to 20-35 degrees. Area offers a good natural environment, good
vegetation, abundant water supply, a temperate climate and adequate space for breading and research – and fits
the physical living conditions of Giant Panda in terms of landform, slope and so on. Being close to the road, the
site as well has good access to transportation, communication and power supply systems. Officially listed as a key
investment project in the National Government’s 11th FYP
2. Crested Ibis breeding and raising base – to be located near Xilou Village, Louguan Township to the west of the
current SARC site in the ex-situ Zone B on the west bank of the Jiyu River. Phase on is to be built on an area of
300 mu (20 ha), which is a well-forested area on a 35 degree slope with 4 ha of flatland under the slope which can
be rebuilt into wetland with irrigation facilities from the Jiyu River for feeding – and with little human activity and with
convenient transportation. Already approved by the State Forestry Administration.
3. Golden monkey breeding and raising base – to be located in the Dongguayu Valley to the south of the center;
this area is a small valley of 15-25 degrees slope, with an area of 150 mu (10 ha), of which 90 mu are Chinese pine
forest in the valley bottom and sides. The site is capable of raising 30 golden monkeys.
4. Rare wild animal rescue district – where the saved and accepted animals are rescued, treated, quarantined, and
cared for; district consists of the animal hospital and the rescue and quarantine center; the animal hospital is
located in the northeast corner of the current center while the rescue and quarantine center is located in the
northwest corner.
5. Animal Exposition Area – where a limited number of non-breeding animals will be housed for public education
and display purposes. The exposition area will be upgraded and enhanced to be the leading animal display site in
China and will play an important role in providing a substantially higher income base for the QBNBG
6. Phase one upgrade of existing animal exhibition area of 6ha to meet international standards
7. Resettlement
8. Environmental Protection
9. Food/Forage Base – comprised of a plantation area for food for vegetarian animals like giant panda and golden
monkey, and a feeding garden where food animals for Crested Ibis are raised.