RECOMMENDATIONS 

　　The Biodiversity Working Group of the CCICED held a Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation in Guangdong Province from 17—22 August 1999.Guangdong Province has a high proportion of China's biodiversity as well as a large human population.In addition, Guangdong has experienced explosive economic growth and development during the last few decades.

　　As part of the workshop, groups were privileged to visit several nature reserves (Dinghushan Man & Biosphere Reserve, Nankunshan Nature Reserve and NeilingdingFutien National Nature Reserve) as well as the Xinyan Wildlife Market, Huadu Yingjili Peacock Farm, Nanhai Bird Farm, Wutongshan Nursery, Xiangjiang Wildlife Park and Shenzhen Wildlife Park.The people from these facilities were extremely gracious hosts and patiently answered all questions.

　　The BWG were impressed by the great work that has been done by the provincial authorities in the field of biodiversity conservation and the ambitious plans for further strengthening the protected area system and measures to control the trade and use of wildlife. 

　　The BWG team is concerned by the high levels of utilisation and question its sustainability, and noticed some areas in protected areas management that could be improved. In addition the BWG were alarmed at reports that some species of carnivore and raptors may be extinct over wide areas of the province.

　　This report contains our recommendations, arising from discussions held during the survey visits as well as discussions held during the plenary sessions of the workshop.The recommendations do not report on all the factual information collected during the field investigations, except where such facts are necessary to support recommendations made.

　　1. Trade in Wildlife 

　　On the face of it, the trade in wildlife through the Xinyan Wildlife Market must be unsustainable.The estimated 200 individual shops each had several hundred to several thousand snakes of various species, totalling several hundred thousand individual snakes.This trade may represent a significant ecological impact on the surrounding countryside, and on the countries of Southeast Asia that are contributing to this trade.What, for example, is the impact on rodent prey populations?Without the snakes do the rodent populations increase and heavily impact rice and other economically important food crop harvests?The answer is that we simply do not know the ecological impacts of this trade, nor indeed whether the trade is sustainable. 

　　Many of the wildlife species traded in Guangdong are threatened, but not protected by existing laws or conventions.On the other hand, some of the species listed in wildlife protection laws are common and widespread.In addition, the high levels of observed trade of nonlisted species could jeopardise those species so rapidly that corrective conservation actions may not be able to keep pace with the declines.Further, trade in species that are not native to China also needs to be regulated here, because China is a significant importer of wildlife and it has a responsibility to ensure that its levels of consumption are not breaking regulations elsewhere, or having negative impacts on wild populations.It is disturbing that the trade appears to be increasing; for example, a new block of 60 or so shops has just been completed.These facts highlight the danger of overexploitation.

　　Trade in other taxa that were seen, including turtles, lizards, mammals and birds, was difficult to assess as there are also other markets in the city specialising in these taxa.However, the conditions under which even the relatively limited numbers of these taxa were kept were unsatisfactory, with overheating an obvious problem, few animals having access to water, and untreated wounds common

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　a) a comprehensive study of the volume and ecological impact of the trade be initiated as soon as possible, in collaboration with an appropriate local university and experts on fauna and flora, the various provincial authorities, the traditional medicine community, the wildlife traders, customs officers, and TRAFFIC (to build in the international component); this study of trade should include investigation of the import pathways for nonnative species, as a basis for appropriate regulation and enforcement of trade agreements; 

　　b) regular monitoring of trade be instituted to ensure that trade is carried out in a sustainable manner; 

　　c) a professional Wildlife Traders Association be established that could agree and enforce standards of operation (and perhaps achieve economies of scale in negotiations with importers); 

　　d) a simple guide to legal and illegal species be prepared for the wildlife traders, in Chinese, so that they will know which species are protected under which legislation; 

　　e) an educational programme be designed on the basis of the results of the study under point a), aimed  over the longterm  at reducing public demand for wildlife; 

　　f) protected species legislation be revised using the most uptodate information available in consultation with relevant experts; and, 

　　g) a ban on hunting or trade in species being unsustainably harvested be instituted and remain in force until such time as the trade or hunting is no longer a threat to the species' survival. 

　　2. Involving the Private Sector in Biodiversity Activities The phenomenal success in breeding peacocks (30,000 individuals, 2000 birds per month to the market), emus (10,000 produced per year from a single facility), canaries, and others indicate that the technology is available to breed virtually unlimited numbers of at least certain species in captivity, and that this technology is held primarily by the private sector.The private sector has a valuable relationship with the South China Agricultural University for conducting research on bird diseases, and they offer a range of other services to the Provincial Forest Department (breeding Green Peafowl——a protected species——and holding confiscated bears).In the new economic conditions, the private sector is going to become increasingly important as a contributor to biodiversity objectives.In the long term, the imbalance between supply and demand will be regulated by the market, but in the short term, government support may be required to enable the private sector to contribute to biodiversity objectives.

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　a) the private sector and government work together to determine the most supportive policy framework for current conditions.This framework should include clarified registration and permit procedures, certification procedures for captive bred/propagated individuals, developing international markets, and clear positions at CITES negotiations; and, 

　　b) the private sector be systematic in recording and sharing the methodology for captive breeding and cultivation, in cooperation with government captive breeding efforts for species that are unlikely to show an economic return but which are critical for biodiversity conservation. 

　　3. Wildlife Parks/Safari Parks The growing popularity of Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks, usually as private commercial enterprises, demonstrates the great interest of the Chinese people in wildlife.Far more could be done, however, to ensure that they also learn about China's native biodiversity, how people relate to wildlife, what needs to be done to ensure that levels of exploitation are sustainable, and so forth.In addition, these parks should follow the example of their counterparts in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America in contributing to international ex situ and in situ conservation efforts.

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　a) wildlife parks/safari parks in Guangdong be active participants in the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens including maintaining accurate records/studbooks and encouraging exchanges of information both within China and internationally, and agreeing to standards for management; 

　　b) each Wildlife/Safari Park should develop a comprehensive educational plan, perhaps drawing on the experience of relevant nongovernmental organisations and government agencies and highlighting in particular native Chinese wildlife; and

　　c) wildlife parks/safari parks should consider exhibiting native fauna and flora on an 'ecoregion' theme to make such facilities into biodiversity parks.

　　4. Nature Reserves

　　The nature reserves visited provided some excellent examples of good reserve management.In the course of the meetings, with our colleagues at these facilities, we learned of the successful results of halting fishing in some coastal areas to increase fish stocks, plans to create 'ecological forests' and the activity to increase the network of reserves in the province, and plans to complete a provincial biodiversity inventory.In addition, our colleagues shared with us some of the difficulties they currently experience in reserve management, including the difficulty for the staff to be put into the position of having to generate their own funds for reserve operation.Staff from some reserves (eg. Nankunshan) desire to increase funding by generating hydroelectric power or engaging in ecotourism.Significant modifications in the management of these parks must be undertaken before either of these options should be entertained.

　　For the provincial nature reserve network we recommend that:

　　a) the central government invest a higher percentage of funds in support of these forest areas and the staff entrusted with their management, and consider increasing the percentage of incoming generated through entry fees in order to fund an increase in public education and research activities in reserves; 

　　b) the reserves should establish regular monitoring schedules for the biodiversity in the reserve; 

　　c) reserves should develop ecotourism materials including species lists and educational materials, that are developed from an ongoing inventory of biotic resources; 

　　d) development of hydroelectric power within reserves should proceed with caution if at all. We encourage only microhydroelectric power to support the ecotourism infrastructure, and not largescale building of dams, etc; 

　　e) As a matter of general policy, any largescale potentially disruptive project in China's nature reserves should be evaluated by an independent environmental impact assessment (conducted by SEPA) to determine the costs and benefits of the project compared with potential loss of native biodiversity. 

　　Additional recommendations for nature reserves are included in Annex 1.1.In addition, some specific information and recommendations for the individual reserves visited are mentioned below:

　　Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve 

　　This NR provided an excellent example of a well run nature reserve.We are particularly impressed by effort being made in public education, such as tags on trees indicating the importance of those trees, and the medicines and other human resources obtained from them.The reserve deserves praise for developing lists of species occurring in the reserve and publishing articles based on research carried out in the reserve.The present zoning of the reserve (core area, buffer zone and experimental zone) seems to be well drawn.The temple area in the buffer zone is heavily visited, but it is well maintained and attractive to visitors.The presence of shops and vendors (gifts, food, etc.) provides visitors with many opportunities to enjoy their visit to that area.

　　For Dinghushan Man & Biosphere Reserve we recommend that:

　　a) it would be worthwhile to expand educational efforts to reach both ecotourists and cultural tourists. The Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (Hong Kong) is experienced in producing various educational materials and could be helpful tothe nature reserve in expanding this very important aspect of their public programs;

　　b) researchers on the staff should be encouraged to expend greater effort in developing more complete species list for animals and plants in the reserve.The existing lists, while a good beginning, are incomplete.The BWG should be able to provide lists of species of birds, mammals, etc. likely to be found in the reserve;

　　c) the present mounted specimens of birds and mammals at the reserve headquarters are mislabelled or unlabelled and in such poor condition that they ought to be replaced as a public display by good quality photographs; 

　　d) the attraction of the natural portion of the buffer zone could be increased by establishing several "naturewalks" that could be located along existing pathways and could provide visitors educational opportunities of how the forest functions and what roles its component species play in the life of the forest;

　　e) these trails should also be kept as free of trash as possible; and, 

　　f) providing some shops catering to ecotourists might increase the number of visitors to that area of the buffer zone. Nankunshan Nature Reserve 

　　The forest in the general vicinity of Nankunshan Nature Reserve (NNR) is expansive and apparently healthy.Few signs were seen of any logging or mancaused disturbances.We viewed this area as one of high national importance  a real natural asset (especially considering its proximity to such a large urban area as Guangzhou).The actual area of NNR is considerably smaller than the total forest, but we were provided no maps to judge accurately the extent and location of the reserve.It was also unclear who has the ultimate responsibility for different aspects of management of NR and the surrounding forest  for planning, impleme

　　ntation of plans, funding, etc.This confusion was not only apparent to us, but also to those nominally responsible for administration of management of this forest.The NNR has much promise for biodiversity conservation  but we did not witness any concerted evidence that biodiversity conservation is being addressed directly in elements of park management.There are only three full time staff and none are involved in research.The relatively pristine state of the park at present is due more to a lack of funding than active management to protect the area.

　　For Nankunshan Nature Reserve we recommend that:

　　a) an understanding concerning the division of responsibilities for managing the reserve be clarified; 

　　b) the reserve be expanded to encompass the forests of Nankunshan range.Such enlargement would not only result in greatly enhanced protection of the biota in these mountains, but would better protect the water resources of several rivers whose headwaters are in these mountains.The great importance of water in this densely inhabited part of Guangdong is obvious; and, 

　　c) means should be found to begin an inventory of the biota of the Nankunshan.Since the staff of the reserve itself are inadequate to conduct such inventories, consideration should be given to identifying suitable specialists from elsewhere in the Province or region who might be able to assist the reserve staff. 

　　NeilingdingFutien National Nature Reserve 

　　This site is clearly important at a national level, being an extension of the Mai Po Reserve in Hong Kong.The reserve is well situated to be a National Nature Reserve because a major new highway offers an excellent boundary.The reserve also has considerable potential as an educational site, being the mangrove forest closest to Guangzhou and Hong Kong.In order to make it more valuable for education, greater investment will be required for management, including dealing with the difficult problem of tideborn trash.The ongoing research on mangrove restoration is excellent, and should be continued and applied in other parts of the Pearl River estuary.The success of the reserve depends ultimately on solving the problem of land tenure with the local people currently occupying the Reserve area.

　　For NeilingdingFutien NNR, we therefore recommend that:

　　a) the government reach agreement with the local people regarding longterm tenure/ rights to sustainably exploit the resources of the site; 

　　b) the Reserve seek recognition under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), perhaps as an extension to Mai Po (which is already listed); 

　　c) a belt of trees and shrubs be planted along the highway to buffer the site from the impacts of vehicle and pedestrian traffic; 

　　d) the reserve capitalise on its potential as an educational site for the general public and include in its buffer zone functioning fish ponds that would not only maintain an important part of the culture of the local peoples, but could provide a practical example of sustainable use of resources; and, 

　　e) avoid the introduction of exotic species in any restoration work on mangrove forests . 

　　5. Benefits from Biodiversity for all Stakeholders 

　　The involvement of the private sector and government in the sustainable use of biodiversity was obvious during our visits. However, it was unclear that people at the source of biodiversity, either local villagers or local governments, were receiving a fair share of the benefits from use of their biodiversity resources.Breeding limited numbers of endemic orchids or pheasants, for example, could earn a significant benefit for these people and help them to recognise that conservation and sustainable use have direct value to them.The quantities and species they deal with would be unlikely to compete with the commercial private sector or state enterprises.

　　We therefore recommend that: 

　　a) transfer of technology and sharing of benefits derived from captive breeding/propagation of wildlife resources be implemented at all levels, in particular to local people in remote areas, as a means of helping them to earn some economic benefits from sustainable use of biodiversity; and, 

　　b) trading companies should invest in small ventures run by villagers at the source of biodiversity, especially species that have specialised habitat or nutritional requirements that are not easily created in captivity. 

　　6. A Comprehensive Provincial Approach to Biodiversity 

　　As part of her commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), China has completed a National Biodiversity Action Plan.However, China is one of the megadiversity countries of the world and it is important to follow this national level Action Plan with a national strategy that would specify national policy on biodiversity.This should be implemented through planning at the provincial level to account for conditions specific to Guangdong, to define the roles for the various economic sectors, and to outline the major activities needed to implement the CBD at the provincial level.As a starting point, at the end of 1999, the Forest Department of Guangdong Province will have completed a provincial biodiversity survey.

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　a) the Province of Guangdong should prepare a Provincial Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, led by the State Planning Commission and with the active participation of the Provincial Forestry Department, the Provincial Environmental Protection Agency, provincial agricultural, fisheries, marine, tourism, science and technology, transport, energy, trade, education agencies, and the private sector.The strategy and action plan should address county and township issues as well.The Strategy and Action Plan would set out the major policy directions for the province, to ensure that any use of biological resources is sustainable, and that biodiversity is able to continue to play its critical role in the welfare of the people of Guangdong; and, 

　　b) a means for providing adequate resources for implementation should be included in the Guangdong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, drawing on a wide range of funding mechanisms (ranging from admission fees to special taxes to linkages to water resources). 

　　7. Guangdong's Responsibility for Hainan: 

　　Guangdong province retains a historical responsibility for biodiversity in Hainan province. Hainan lacks a university or any biological institutes to undertake its important biodiversity conservation programme. 

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　Scientists from Guangdong should support the Hainan authorities, through helping train Hainan biologists and field managers and providing vital data and reference collections to Hainan. This is particularly important for marine areas as Hainan is quite unequipped to control the huge area of rich tropical seas, whose management is confused by overlapping international claims.

　　8. Need for higher levels of provincial investments in biodiversity:

　　Biodiversity is providing massive and valuable services to the province in the form of water catchment functions  providing a yearround supply of clean water, reducing flood impact, protecting soils, refreshing the atmosphere and nutrient cycling. The soil itself derives from natural ecosystems and their component organisms.These services create large economic gains to many sectors, including agriculture, hydropower, industry, and fisheries. 

　　We therefore recommend that:

　　The benefits of investments in biodiversity are realised by the provincial authorities and that these economic gains are reinvested into vital protection operations so as to secure sustainability of these services and as a longterm insurance against natural disasters. Successful demonstration of the soundness of such investment would help lead the way for national biodiversity care.

　　Annex 1.1 Additional recommendations on protected areas 

　　Coverage of the whole range biodiversity in a protected areas system

　　At the species level, a large proportion of biodiversity includes invertebrates, lower plants, fungi etc. Generally diversity is higher in tropical forests  in Guangdong there is a large gradient with both latitude and altitude. Particular emphasis should thus be placed on the natural forests in the south (e.g. Gutien NR) and at lower elevations (e.g. Chebaling NNR, Heishiding NR).

　　Small forests, though of minor significance to mammals etc., may be important to invertebrates etc. E.g. feng shui woods, traditional sacred groves near villages, may be of great importance to conservation of smaller forest species

　　Wetlands should also be covered adequately in protected areas.

　　Globally and regionally restricted species should be given adequate coverage and attention. Recommendations concerning these will arise from the current Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden survey. E.g. some reptiles and amphibians have highly restricted ranges and need adequate protection.

　　Continuity of stream ecosystems is very important. Dams may prevent recolonisation of upper stream after seasonal spates etc.  dams should not be allowed in important streams in NRs.

　　Improving effectiveness of nature reserve staff

　　A series of ten training manuals are being produced by SFA's Division of NRs, for different levels of nature reserve staff. This is a great step forward, but donors are still needed for training courses. Staff need to receive salaries reliably!

　　Operating expenses should be guaranteed for NRs Education staff need specific training.

　　We support SFA's attempt to implement job descriptions for NR staff .Job duties often need to be clarified. E.g. if there are three staff, who is responsible for education? If possible, auditing of expenditure should be improved. Expenditure allocated from central sources needs to be monitored, to ensure it has gone where it was allocated to. Training courses should involve some kind of assignment afterwards (as practised by WWF HK at Mai Po), before certificate is granted.

　　A corps of training officers should be established, active in each biological region. Should include experts from outside Forestry Dept. Training courses should include biomespecific elements.

　　Education of future Forestry officials very important. Should include strong biodiversity component. This should be coordinated by Chinese Academy of Forestry (for provincial officials), and the training department responsible for educating local officials.

　　Education

　　All available visual aids (photos etc.) and information should be used, e.g. that available in Hong Kong.

　　Education needs guides. Visitors should be charged for guided tours.

　　Protected species

　　The new Red Data Books are a great improvement. But so far there is little emphasis on species whose habitats are restricted  more on species which are heavily traded. Needs amendment.

　　All Red Data Book species should be also on the national protected list, or at least on the provincial list in those provinces where they are threatened.

　　New Red Lists should incorporate all uptodate information from reliable sources. Should ideally include data from the SFA's national surveys.

　　Improving effectiveness of protection

　　Poisoning of streams is a big problem in South China. Those stream systems that have not been badly damaged, e.g. Qixingkeng in SW Guangdong, should be given high priority for protection. Elsewhere poisoning needs to be controlled in natural habitats. Need to encourage the reporting of incidents (liming etc.) to police, and the response of the police to these reports.

　　The ban on hunting and fishing should be extended from nature reserves to all natural forests, including Forest Parks and Scenic Areas. Guns, nets etc. should be confiscated when encountered, and the owners should not be allowed to reclaim them (this occurs in some places).

　　EIAs should be conducted on all projects impacting natural ecosystems. Revenue from ecotourism Game fishing might be considered in future, using native species (e.g. Sinoperca perches). Only after depleted populations have recovered.

　　Investing in taxonomy etc.

　　Should part of the budget of EIAs be invested in training specialists, on which they ultimately depend for their effectiveness?