Final Report - Asian Development Bank

TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 15
16. The PA is included in the Qinling Mountains Ecosystem Function Conservation Area (QMEFCA)
within the high priority Central Conservation Zone of Qinling Water Resources and Biodiversity Function
Zone (II1). The proposed activities in this Project are consistent with the requirements of the QMEFCA.
Under the proposed QMEFCA framework, the “Shaanxi Qinling Mountains Northern Slope Ecological
Environment Protection Plan” was prepared and approved by the SEPB in March 2007. The proposed
project conforms to the development standards stated in the Northern Slope Protection Plan.
17. The socioeconomic of the Project Area indicates a total population of 43,800 living in 10,500
households most with living standards well below provincial averages. Net farmer income per capita is only
29% of the national average and 47% of the provincial averages. The Ex Situ area is part of an important
grain production and exporting region and per capita grain availability for the total target population is above
both the national and provincial averages.
Area and
Key Indicators
Table 1: Socioeconomic Data in the Project and Fringe Areas
Registered
Population
(2005)
Popula.
Density
Ex Situ 15,763 267
(196)
In Situ 4,593 12
(9)
Total Project Area 20,356 44
(32)
Average
Household
Size b
Sex c
Ratio
4.45 1.06
(104)
3.73 1.16
(113)
4.26 1.08
(106)
Fringe Area 23,405 NA 4.09 1.07
(105)
Total Target
Population
43,761 NA 4.17 1.08
(106)
Average
Cultivated
Land d
Per Capita
Net Income
(Y)
3
Per e
Capita
Grain
2.5 966 (30) 422
(114)
3.7 599 (18) 198 (53)
2.5 884 (27) 371
(100)
1.9 1,020 (31) 409
(110)
2.2 956 (29) 392
(106)
a b c
population density = persons per sq. km. average household size = persons per household. Sex
ratio = male to female ratio. d = mu per person. e = Kg /person
NA = not available. N.B Figures in brackets are percentages of the national average.
Source: PPTA MTR
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES
18. The following sections analyze the key environmental impacts anticipated due to the proposed
activities under each component of the Project. Table 9 summarizes the potential environmental impacts
and mitigation measures. Detail of expected impacts and proposed mitigation strategies are annexed in
Project Environmental Management Plan.
A. Sub Component : Shaanxi Qinling Botanical Garden
19. The activities proposed under this component include building 18 specialized gardens covering an
area of about 54 ha, one greenhouse of 600 m 2 , two main exhibition halls, research facilities and
infrastructures including irrigation system, drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, solid waste
management, roads and cableway. This component also includes reconstruction of 18 Daoist religious
sites. Total visitation is projected to be 600, 000 per year by 2011.
20. Potential adverse impact associated with this intervention may include (i) possible invasion by
exotic species, (ii) loss of vegetation due to road and cableway construction, (iii) impacts on local water
resources from water supply extraction, (iv) waste water and solid waste impacts, and (v) impacts to
landscape, culture and religion.
21. The specialized Gardens will involve over 1000 species of plant in the ex-situ area. There is a threat
of exotic species invading the CDA is therefore significant. The Qinling Botanic Garden will develop and
implement an environmental risk assessment for bio-safety as part of the detailed design.