1. INTRODUCTION

　　According to the decisions of CCICED, the Biodiversity Working Group (BWG) started its Second Phase of work from 1997. In line with the requirements of the secretariat of CCICED, BWG would make some changes to its Chinese and international membership, and make up its working plans for the coming years of Phase Two.

　　A preliminary workshop was held 3-4 April 1997 to discuss these matters and initial plans were made. As a result of that workshop, decisions were made to hold a BWG Meeting from July 10-15 in Huairou to deal with these issues in more detail. Following the success of the sectoral meetings between BWG and the Ministry of Forestry, National Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, an d other sectors held last year, it was also decided to continue such sectoral meetings this year. Such a meeting was therefore held for two days during the course of the BWG Meeting. The meeting has turned out to be a success. Membership ha s been changed according to the needs of the work of BWG.

　　2. MEMBERSHIP

　　There has been a reformation of the group since Phase One of CCICED with more than half the members being changed on both the Chinese and international sides. The following membership is now proposed for approval by the Council for Phase Two of the BWG:

　　Wang Sond Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Co-chair)

　　Jin Jianming National Environmental Protection Agency

　　Zhao Shidong Commission for Integrated Survey of Natural Resources,

　　Chinese Academy of Sciences

　　Li Dianmo Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

　　Ma Keping Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

　　Qing Jianhua Ministry of Forestry

　　Zhu Mingyuan Fist Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration

　　of China, Qingdao

　　John MacKinno DICE, Kent University UK (Co-chair)

　　Robert Hoffman Smithosnian Institute, USA

　　Peter Raven Missouri Botanical Garden

　　Andrew Smith Arizona State University & IUCN

　　Jeff McNeely IUCN - Biodiversity Programme

　　Dan Viederman WWF - China Project Office

　　Patrick Dugan IUCN - Program Coordination & Regional Support

　　Shadow Ministers:

　　Claude Martin WWF

　　David McDowell IUCN - The World Conservation Union

　　Chen Yiyu Chinese Academy of Sciences

　　3. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE BWG

　　The current terms of reference are:

　　(1) Create a fertile forum for exchange of ideas and approaches whereby China has access to wider experience beyond her borders and where managers can network with scientists and technicians to solve issues of polity, strategy and action in the field of Biodiversity Conservation.

　　(2) Provide a mechanism whereby priority needs identified by scientists and technicians can be brought to the attention of relevant leaders and decision-makers through a multisectoral forum.

　　(3) Provide an independent view of China's biodiversity and advise the government on areas of concern or sectoral failure.

　　(4) Provide advice and assistance as need in China's participation in international biodiversity conventions and programs to ensure that China gets maximal benefit from these mechanisms and also resents the most favourable international image for its considerable biodiversity achievements.

　　(5) Initiate studies to demonstrate the contribution of biodiversity conservation to regional economic development in selected ecosystems in China and identify both factors that threaten such systems and appropriate remedies to ensure the sustainability of such benefits.

　　It is felt that the terms of reference may need revision at a future date but that they remain adequate for our immediate work programme.

　　4. SUMMARY OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES OF BWG

　　4.1 Estimation of Economic Value for Forest (Agriculture) Resources in Xingshan County, Hubei

　　The field studies undertaken by BWG last year to measure the economic benefits of biodiversity in a selected study area in Hubei Province have been completed. A GIS model of the Xingshan County was created to hold information on soil-type, altitude, sloe class, vegetation cover and drainage systems to calculate expected levels of soil erosion, water run off, evaporation and soil retention of water. T his model was used to calculate the improvement in water flow (lowered seasonally) caused by the contribution of natural vegetation.

　　Additional data was collected on the value of direct harvest of forest and agricultural products using a combination of county statistics and village household question-naires. The following tables summarise the results of the analysis.

　　4.1.1 Direct Economic Value

　　(1) Value from forestry includes: timber, fuelwood and other forest products.

　　(2) Value from plantation includes; agricultural crops such as rice and wheat, other crops with economic value such as vegetables.

　　(3) These figures are the average figure of the statistics for 1993 and 1994 issued by the county government.

　　4.1.2 indirect Economic Value calculation:

　　(1) Soil protection

　　* Loss of land

　　Average erosion level of deforested soil in Xingshan = 47m2/ha.

　　Total erosion quantity = 6517 X 103 tons/year

　　Suppose average surface soil depth = 0.5m

　　Price of land = 407.8 Yuan/ha.

　　Total economic value for decreasing lost land = 407.8 X 103 Yuan/year

　　*Loss of fertility

　　(2) Water conservation

　　Water conservation value of forests = (Precipitation - evaporation) X (price of water) X (contribution rate of forests).

　　Calculated figure for Xingshan County: water conservation value is 95 million Yuan.

　　(3) Contribution to power generation

　　Value of forests' function in regulating runoff = (efficiency of forests in regulating runoff) X (total power output of Xingshan County per year) x (price of electricity).

　　Calculated figure for Xinghan County is 467 million Yuan.

　　4.1.3 Global Benefits - Carbon fixed and supplying oxygen

　　Supplied oxygen by one ton dry material - 1.2 tons

　　The total growing dry material in Xingshan = 79.3 x 103 tons/year

　　Economic value of oxygen supplied by forest in Xingshan County = 1,056.4

　　million Yuan/year

　　The figures show that the largest direct use of forest is for firewood collection and that the total direct harvested production from the forest is worth only a bout 20% of the combined production of forestry, agriculture and animal husbandry. The figures calculated for the value of indirect benefits are much larger wit h the contribution of forest to hydropower production being more than ten times the value of forest production. This figure is based on currently generated electricity of the stations inside Xingshan County plus the contribution towards Gezhouba Dam. The figure for the contribution of vegetation to increased hydropower will rise to almost 2 billion RMB, when the Three Gorges dam comes into production.

　　The figures show that there would be an enormous financial reward not only in not allowing any further opening up of the forest area, but in actually closing forests to further improve its water catchment function. This could be achieved by reducing the dependence of local people on firewood by providing subsidised electricity and also using the availability of electricity to generate new industry and new forms of employment to absorb the 100,000 people who will be displaced when the Three Gorges dam rises. In contrast, the plan of clearing new sites for planting orchards (currently being considered as a solution to the resettlement problem) would make minimal contribution to the overall economy.

　　4.2 Sustainability of Wildlife Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

　　A project to evaluate the sustainability of wildlife use in traditional Chinese medicine through investigation of six markets and questionnaires to wildlife departments, to TCM manufacturers and also to companies was undertaken during May-July of 1996. The results of this study are as follows:

　　(1) A total of 44 types of animal items were found in this study, mainly consisting of mammals (43.2%), invertebrate (27.3%) and reptiles (18.2%). These animal items involve 65 species, 26 (or 40%) of which are included in protected species lists of relevant legislation.

　　(2) Fifteen animal items are subject to significant use, 12 are covered by relevant legislation. If factors of market price, purchase trend and annual consumption by TCM manufacturers are take into account, musk deer, pangolin, viper, and s o forth are the most severely affected species by TCM.

　　(3) Comprehensive captive breeding operations for 13 taxa are available, whereas market orientation of these products and the breeding success of these operations need to be further reviewed.

　　The following recommendations are put forward based on the findings of this study:

　　(1) Immediate attention is required to implement and enforce current legislation pertaining to wildlife trade for TCM use, in order to review the wide availability of protected endangered species in markets and monitor the flow of wildlife specimens into China from its neighbouring countries;

　　(2) There is a need to review the justification of continued use of Category I protected species in TCM, or otherwise to ensure control mechanisms are in place over this continued use;

　　(3) To introduce limitation mechanisms on the use of depleting populations of musk deer, pangolin, and other species, through appropriate measures taken by the State Administration of TCM or the TCM industry itself;

　　(4) Continued efforts are to be made towards captive breeding of medicinal wildlife species, the demand of which is primarily met by their wild populations; and

　　(5) The National Protected Wildlife Species List under the State's Wildlife Protection Law needs to be revised based on its present status of the wildlife population and threats. For example, some snake species such as viper should be included in the List so as to afford it adequate protection through legal basis.

　　4.3 Sectoral Meetings

　　Sectoral meetings of BWG with Ministry of Forestry (MOF), and other participants from National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), Ministry of Water Resources and State Oceanic Administration.

　　Coordination among the various governmental agencies in China changed with responsibilities for different natural resources (forests, soil and water, marine resources, and so forth) is an essential component of effective ecosystem management to preserve China's rich heritage of biological diversity. The opportunity for BWG to meet with agency representatives from this different section greatly facilitates such coordination and cooperation. It is planned to continue holding a bout one such meeting per year but to focus discussion on one or two key issues rather that become too general.

　　Memorandum of Conclusions of the Sectoral Meeting between BWG, MOF and other Agencies

　　Following the successful sectoral meeting held between BWG and MOF in 1996, and in line with the conclusion that such dialogue should be maintained and extended, a second sectoral meeting was held in Huairou on 11-12 July 1997.

　　A wide range of topics was discussed between the members of BWG, representatives of MOF and participants from NEPA, Ministry of Water Resources and State Oceanic administration. Information and views were exchanged in a frank and friendly atmosphere and the following conclusions were reached at the meeting as detailed in subsequent paragraphs.

　　4.3.1 The Role of Forests in Water Control

　　Data from the Hubei watershed studies in Xingshan County were examined by the participants (See BWG minutes for more details). These clearly demonstrate conditions that are quite general in China - namely that the indirect values of forest protection for safeguarding watersheds, conserving soil and improving hydropower production and climate regulation are huge in scale and generally much larger than the economic value of timber and other direct forest products. Protection of such catchment forests must be stressed and the area and quality of catchment forests increased. Existing forests should be more effectively managed, including strictly forbidding felling in native forests needed for ecological functions. Felling of forests should only be done after EIA.

　　At present, there is still not enough emphasis placed on the role of forests in protecting water catchments, thus the occurrence of both floods and droughts is increasing. Highest importance must be put on the irreplaceable functions of forests in the whole life-support system, the function of hydrological regulation and in keeping the ecosystem in harmonious ecological balance. So long as the protection function of forests is under-recognised and under-rewarded, local farmers w ill be forced to continue destroying and degrading such forests at great loss to other sectors.

　　Some major water conservation projects have failed because inadequate attention w as paid to the environmental conservation in their catchments. These mistakes must not be repeated. Water conservation projects must include full attention to entire catchments and include budgets for catchment restoration and protection. The water conservation project is only as good as the mountains it collects from, and the mountains are only as good as their forest cover.

　　There is an urgent need to conduct a national review of the effectiveness of the existing reservoirs in China. Cooperation between the sectors of forestry, agriculture and water conservation should be strengthened to effectively protect forest and grass vegetation, water resources and maximize contribution to the country' s sustainable development. This is the primary need of biodiversity conservation. NEPA should exert its function of coordination in three ways:

　　i) Actively promote comprehensive polity making;

　　ii) Formulate regional development plans and wise use of natural resources;

　　iii) Prevent the possible occurrence of damage to the ecosystem, through application of EIA.

　　4.3.2 Quality of Reforested Ecosystems

　　The representatives at the meeting feel that there are some problems with the quality of artificial plantations, such as too much monoculture, poor undergrowth, and so forth. The reason for these inadequacies is largely due to shortage of funds and the tree selection preferences of farmers. For instance, only RMB 6 Yuan is paid for the planting of each mu (1/15 ha) in the forest belt project of the middle and upper Changjiang.

　　The Ministry of Forestry recognises these problems and is now increasing the proportion of mixed stem plantations year by year. Most new project plans must include at least 30% planting of mixed plantations, otherwise they will be rejected. I n future more attention should be placed on the indirect benefits derived from planted forests. More emphasis should be placed on natural reforestation methods and the State should provide more realistic funding to guarantee the quality of reforested areas.

　　The Participants welcome the great improvement in the reforestation plans of Ministry of Forestry and hope that an increasing proportion of land will be planted with mixed plantations of native species to provide maximal water catchment function as well as protecting more biodiversity. Improvements can be made to site preparation in afforestation, in order to stop further soil and water loss. EIA should also be carried out in engineering afforestation projects, and environmental management should be carried out.

　　4.3.3 Problems with Nature Reserves

　　As one of the main management agencies for nature reserves, the MOF is responsible for managing most of China's nature reserves. In order to meet the needs of sustainable national economic development, emphasis should be laid on not only the increase of the number of nature reserves and the expansion of nature reserve area, but also on the distribution of nature reserves. To this end, nature reserves have been established in western China to protect biodiversity in that region.

　　The forestry sector has also recognized that the enhancement of the quality of nature reserves is a major problem waiting to be solved. The main obstacle to the solution of this problem is that the construction, management and development o f nature reserves need a lot of investment, although the MOF has tried its best by providing preferential policies. In the development of nature reserves, the MOF hopes to establish a progression of financial benefits to the nature reserve s for their protection work. Yet in fact, whilst it is usually the nature reserves that are carrying out the tasks of protection, management and production, the beneficiaries are usually enjoy in the indirect benefits free of charge or with very low fees. This lack of reward seriously impedes the development of nature re serves.

　　Considering these facts, the MOF proposes that the investors and beneficiaries (in the sectors of water resources and agriculture) should further cooperate to establish a reinvestment system to promote the development of nature reserves, and enable nature reserves to attach more importance to the indirect economic and ecological benefits of nature reserves in regulating climate, stabilizing agricultural production and conserving water.

　　MOF reconises the continuing need for support from the scientific community with respect to inventory and monitoring of biodiversity resources and welcomes scientists to help collect data in the nature reserves.

　　Biodiversity management agencies like MOF/DNR should strive to select motivated staff for nature reserves, rather than leaving this task to others. This will contribute to continued collection of routine data, as well as all other aspects o f reserve function.

　　4.3.4 Developing Funds to Pay for Forest Protection Work

　　Over the years, the input from the Chinese government into the forestry sector has been far from sufficient to satisfy development needs. With the progress of the national economy and establishment of the market economy system, the shortage of investment in forestry has become daily more prominent. The lack of funds for development of ecological forest systems is even more serious. The variety of in direct benefits of forests cannot be compensated; the owners of ecological and public welfare type forests will continue to be deprived of economic benefits.

　　Thus, we propose the establishment of a compensation fund for forest ecological system, collecting fees from the beneficiaries of such forests. Only with the existence of a normal compensation mechanism can there be a guarantee of enough funds for the development of a continually improving forest ecosystem, which will then be able to function more effectively in enhancing China's environmental quality and promoting national economic development.

　　4.3.5 Alpine Grasslands

　　The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is both a major and a unique ecosystem in the world. These grasslands provide habitat for numerous and diverse wild flora and fauna, many of which are endangered and endemic to the Plateau, These lands also support pastoralists and their livestock, who for centuries have successfully existed on these grazing lands, even though they are among the world's highest and most environmentally harsh. Finally, several of the world's major river systems origin ate on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and the water retention and erosion prevention of healthy grasslands perform an important ecological service in the prevention of flooding downstream.

　　Direct and indirect economic benefits, as well as the preservation of its unique biodiversity, are at risk on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau due to a variety of threats:

　　First, overstocking and overgrazing of livestock has been well documented in several areas. A recent study by Chinese scientists cautioned that the rangeland de gradation they found will 'lead to the collapse of the pasture ecosystem" if unchecked.

　　Second, the encroachment of agriculture, which also contributes to a loss of soil fertility and wind erosion, is unsustainable at these high elevations. Such lands, once plowed, are difficult to restore.

　　Third, wide-scale poisoning of pikas (Ochotona), viewed as a pest by some, is shortsighted. Pikas recycle meadow nutrients and their burrows constitute the only habitat for many commensal vertebrates. Pikas also serve as the primary food source for many large birds and carnivorous mammals. Pikas should be considered a keystone species on the Plateau.

　　Finally, heavy hunting pressure has greatly reduced populations of nearly all-large mammals on the Plateau - populations that were formerly dense and widespread.

　　The Biodiversity Working Group proposes to coordinate with the Ministry of Forestry (whose brief is to protect and manage terrestrial wildlife), along with other relevant agencies, in the development of a regional development plan for restoration and sustainable use of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. "Restoration" entails ensuring that a full component of native flora and fauna is maintained, and "Sustainable Use" recognises the economic importance of pastoral activities in the region. This activity will help ensure that direct and indirect benefits from healthy grassland are maintained and further China's goals in biodiversity conservation and development.

　　In addition, BWG encourages the MOF to manage existing protected areas on the plateau, in particular the Chang Tang, with the objective of preventing the degradation of rangeland and loss of biodiversity that has occurred elsewhere on the plateau.

　　4.3.6 Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

　　These are a very close relationship between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Building dams and water conservation works have direct impact on the content of nutrients in seas. Poorly managed water catchments result in reduced riverflow, greater seasonality of flow and much greater silt load passing into the sea. Damage to marine ecosystems must be considered and factored into the evaluation of functions of forests, and the State Oceanic Administration should be consulted in the planning of water catchment protection and construction of water conservancy project.

　　Marine ecosystems are also damaged by overfishing, pollution, conversion of mangroves, and over-harvesting of coral. Many fisheries now show drastic decline and many marine species are considered endangered. There is a need for the following actions:

　　● Complete re-evaluation of biodiversity in the marine ecosystem.

　　● Improving awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.

　　● Producing regulations on marine ecosystem management.

　　● Establishing a coordinating agency for marine ecosystem conservation.

　　● Improving management of important marine areas.

　　● Increasing scientific research on marine ecosystems.

　　● Increasing international cooperation and scientific communication.

　　● Establishing environmental ecology monitoring stations.

　　● Establishing information systems for marine bio-resources, marine environment and marine biodiversity.

　　4.3.7 Wetlands

　　Wetlands include rivers, lakes, marshes, mangroves and tidal waters. There habitats are of enormous importance to wildlife and provide the raw genetic resources and harvest of a wide range of products used for food, medicine and other purposes (fish, frogs, crabs, shrimp, turtles, algae, waterfowl etc.). They also provide important environmental functions of water purification flood control and water table regulation.

　　Wetlands in China are heavily threatened and damaged by hasty development of impoundment's, dams, pollution from industrial and domestic discharge, siltation from deforested lands etc. Many component species are endangered and some already extinct. Ministry of Forestry manages some important wetland reserves but in all cases wetlands are affected by factors from far beyond the wetland boundaries, making control very difficult.

　　Protecting the biodiversity and maintaining the ecological health of China's wetlands requires an urgent and concerted programme involving cooperation between several ministries and other agencies. A first step must be to complete the feasibility studies under the national wetlands action plan. Both the Ministry of Forestry and the Biodiversity Working Group are fully committed to participate in developing and implementing such plans. There should be time schedule for wetland management implementation, strictly forbidding the change of features of natural wetlands.

　　4.3.8 Problems with Taxonomy and Data Collection, Exchange and Management

　　All parties involved in biodiversity conservation, all coordinating and management agencies, and all scientific authorities, need more data. Constraints on collecting, analyzing and distributing these data need to be addressed.

　　a) NEPA should coordinate the responsibility of the scientific community to provide guidance on taxonomy (e.g. classification) and various technical issues, such as producing comprehensive checklists of species for China (starting with mammals and birds), and ensuring inter-agency cooperation in conducting special surveys for specific species groups.

　　b) Management agencies should adopt and enforce the use of standardized vegetation/habitat and taxonomic classification systems produced by the scientific authorities.

　　c) Due to budgetary constraints, services by scientific institutes to nature reserves should be provided on a barter basis, such as free access and accommodations in exchange for training and raw data sharing.

　　d) Scientific authorities and nature reserve staff will continue to improve coordination and joint implementation of regular surveys in these reserves. Funding for these will be found from external sources.

　　e) There is an immediate need for Information Systems catering to different levels of complexity and practical purposes. Development of existing systems must be continued, but compatibility between systems much be ensured. Key components like species and vegetation/habitats must have common fields to enable networking and data sharing.

　　f) This database network must provide coordinating agencies like NEPA and top level staff of management authorities with direct access to critical data to enable biodiversity conservation policy formulation and implementation of improved management practices.

　　g) Data managers must recognize their responsibility to disseminate critical data from their information systems and findings generated through the systems' analytical capabilities. This applies with particular emphasis to biodiversity conservation topics, where timely warnings are of the utmost importance.

　　4.3.9 Coordination Role of NEPA

　　As the leading agency in the coordinating group for the implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity, NEPA has the responsibility and obligation to make China's implementation of the Convention a success. At resent, there are 20 ministries and commissions in the coordinating group and sever meetings have already be en held. All major activities and policies concerning the implementation of the Convention have to undergone discussions and review of the coordinating group.

　　There are three sub-groups under the coordinating group, dealing with science, publicity and information. Relevant ministries and commissions take the lead in carrying out their work. This coordinating group will go on exerting its function in China's undertaking of biodiversity conservation. The BWG has been stressing the need for greater coordination of the biodiversity sector in China for several years and is happy to see that the problem has been initially solved. Even stronger measures should be adopted to improve coordination.

　　4.4. Biodiversity Databases

　　The office of the BWG also serves as China's Endangered Species Scientific Commission (Scientific authority of CITES in China) under CAS, and IUCN's Northeast Asian focal point as well. The office is engaged in developing two database system s - one in Chinese which deals with records and details of endangered species (CESIS), and one which runs in either English or Chinese and which can handle entire taxa and produces GIS output and species population estimates (BIMS). The BWG has given a lot of assistance in the development of both databases. Moreover, t he two databases are now being merged so that they read and write into largely t he same database files and can each draw from the total data pool of both system s.

　　The BWG wish to urge other agencies in China in the process of developing or man aging biodiversity databases to collaborate more closely in sharing biodiversity information in China. No single agency has access to the whole picture, so no agency can currently make effective biodiversity planning such as PA development, until different initiatives are brought together through some protocols of data exchange. BWG are currently working very closely with the BIMS database being developed by Ministry of Forestry. It is planned to make BIMS databases available to other species, specialist experts and agencies to allow for additional taxa to be evaluated. MOF are placing databases in specific nature reserves to encourage the collection and entry of fresh ground-truthed data. One factor that reduces the precision of BIMS databases at the current time is the fact that the GIS vegetation ma, on which species habitats are estimated and species status calculate d, is both outdated and at a scale of only 1:4000,000. Estimates would be more realistic when recent GIS covers of vegetation are made available at a scale of 1: 1,000,000 for the whole country, which is expected next year. Data entry of historical and literature records will continue for several years.

　　4.5 Pingwu Studies of Energy

　　During the recent working group meeting in Beijing, Mr. Yan Maochao of CISNR gave the BWG a stimulating presentation of the power of the energy calculation method of analyzing ecological/economic systems. Energy is a relatively new concept in ecology combining the energy memory required to produce a renewableitem with its actual potential energy. By constructing system analysis models of ecosystems, social systems or even whole regions, and analyzing the gains and losses in energy, it is possible to identify many actions that appear to show an economic profit but which in actual fact generate an ecological and energy loss. The concept is not widely known in China but would clearly have very practical application in many planning processes.

　　The project "Energy Evaluation of Wanglang Nature Reserve and Its Adjacent Areas in Pingwu County" will use Prof. R.T. Odum's energy evaluation theory and method to evaluate the ecological and economic value of the biodiversity and other resources in Wanglang Reserve and the adjacent areas in Pingwu County of Sichuan Province, compare these results with the existing management model, and then provide the recommendation for a more reasonable model, mainly characterized by minimizing the loss of biodiverstiy, maximizing the energy value and improving the living standards of the human population in the study area. The results will provide a solid scientific basis for the management of the study area, and a demonstration for the application of energy theory and methods in reserve planning and management of China. It has been decided to invite CISNR/CAS staff to undertake a study of this type in Pingwu County, Sichuan, and the principal investigators of this project are Prof. Zhao Shidong and Mr. Yan Maochao.

　　4.6 Illustrated Guidelines for Biodiversity Conservation in Economic Development

　　It has been decided that the BWG will develop an illustrated booklet of biodiversity guidelines for development. The booklet will contain many of the recommendations developed over the four years work of the group. Each recommendation will be presented with a simple explanatory illustration.

　　4.6.1 Target Readers

　　Decision makers for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and other are concerned individuals.

　　4.6.2 Outline

　　(1) Introduction

　　·Concept of biodiversity

　　·Value of biodiversity

　　·Threats to biodiversity

　　·Status and problems of biodiversity in China

　　·Biodiversity and sustainable development

　　(2) Forest

　　(3) Grasslands

　　(4) Marshes

　　(5) Inland waters

　　(6) Marine and coastal area

　　(7) Agro-ecosystems

　　(8) On-site conservation

　　(9) Off-site conservation

　　(10) Trade and biodiversity conservation

　　(11) Biosafety

　　4.6.3 Notes

　　(1) Recommendations proposed by BWG should be addressed vivid sketches and simple explanations in this booklet;

　　(2) For each recommendation two sketches will be juxtaposed to show improper and proper approaches way respectively;

　　(3) The explanation for each pair of sketches should not be over 100 words;

　　(4) The whole booklet will include 100 pairs of sketches and explanatory paragraphs.

　　4.6.4 Schedule

　　The booklet will be published in the year 1997, and distributed in the first half of 1998.

　　4.7 Alpine Grassland Regional Development Plan

　　Some of the world's most extensive grassland ecosystems occur in China, including the unique high elevation Quinghai--Xizang Plateau. These grasslands provide b habitat for a diverse assemblage of wild flora and fauna, many of which are not only endangered, but also are endemic to China. These lands also support pastoralists, who for centuries have utilized these grazing lands in a sustainable fashion. In addition, the grasslands yield important indirect economic benefits, such as water retention and erosion prevention.

　　Direct and indirect economic benefits of grasslands, as well as preservation of their unique biodiversity, are at risk due to a variety of threats: rangeland de gradation due to overstocking and overgrazing; encroaching agriculture; ill-advised small mammal control (poisoning) programs; and overhunting of native wildlife.

　　The BWG is initiating a demonstration project to address how high altitude grass lands on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau can be used sustainably for the benefit of the pastoralist economy and preservation of native biodiversity. Operating at the county level, the study will look comprehensively at all factors that may support or detect from sustainability in this ecosystem. We are evaluating the relative contribution of direct and indirect ecosystem services, as well as how each of these may be compromised by current threats to the ecosystem. A variety of interventions (such as fencing, application of fertilizer, use of solar power) have been proposed for management of the grasslands and their direct economic benefits. These proposals will be evaluated for their long-term sustainability, as well as to their impact on indirect ecological benefits of grasslands. A regional development plan will be proposed that can be adapted to other regions on the Qing hai-Xizang Plateau and other grassland ecosystems in China.

　　4.8 China Species Survival Action Plan

　　The BWG proposes to coordinate with China members of INCN -- The World Conservation Union -- and their Species Survival Commission (SSC) to produce a China Species Survival Action Plan. Such a list is needed because most listings of threatened species in China are taxonomically biased toward large charismatic vertebrates. Proper consideration of biodiversity requires all taxa to be assessed uniformly, to determine which species may be at risk of extinction.

　　In the summer of 1996, a highly successful China SSC members' meeting was held t hat brought together species experts from throughout China. This network of members is ideally positioned to develop, in an impartial and scientific way, a current list of China's threatened species. Concurrently, the BWG has been overseeing the development of two interactive biodiversity databases (the BIMS -Biodiversity Information Management System - coordinated by BWG Co-chair Dr. John MacKinnon; and the CESIS - China Endangered Species Information System - coordinated by BWG Co-chair Professor Wang Song). In addition, the SSC has pioneered the quantitative (scientific) criteria for listing threatened species. SSC has also developed global criteria for species' listings, and is currently engaged in the development of similar criteria for use at the country level.

　　A workshop will be held for BWG and China's SSC members to review and adopt SSC quantitative criteria for listing threatened species in China, as listed in the BIMS and CESIS databases. Country-level quantitative criteria will be applied to data on taxa throughout China to generate a current thorough list of threatened taxa.

　　The next step will be to use this threatened species list as a platform to construct a China Species Survival Action Plan. The strategy will be to determine from the threatened species list which geographic area include the greatest number of species, thus which are most in need of immediate conservation action, in order to preserve as effectively as possible China's wealth of biodiversity.

　　This activity will enhance the capacity of the SSC network within China, call attention to those species in China that are at risk of extinction, and provide a blueprint for conservation action in specific areas to enhance the preservation of China's biodiversity.

　　4.9 Field Guide to Chinese Mammals

　　Continued progress in developing biodiversity database systems, such as the China Endangered Species Information System (CESIS) and the Biodiversity Information Management System (BIMS), have revealed the necessity of creating a single up to date, authoritative checklist of Chinese mammals. Systematic mammalogy in China and in the West tended to be somewhat isolated from each other in their historical development, leading to the existence of several potentially conflicting lists presently used by the databases. Additionally, as nature reserve management staffs begin to use the databases, it has also become apparent that they badly need ways to identify the species of organisms that make up the components of biodiversity in the reserves.

　　We propose to write field guides to Chinese mammals as a first step, to provide biodiversity professionals (scientists, managers) with basic information on the identification and distribution of all mammals. In addition, the book will be accessible to interested citizens, and can be used to promote ecotourism. The text will include common names; scientific names of recognized Chinese species and subspecies; synonyms; range maps depicting both current and historic distributions; brief information on ecology (preferred habitats, etc.); aids to identification (illustrations, keys); and conservation status. About 550 species are anticipate d for inclusion. Active work will begin in the last quarter of 1997, and completion of a draft text is anticipated by the year 2000.

　　5. FIVE YEAR WORKPLAN OF BWG

　　The following plan of action covers the five years of the Second Phase of CCICED. Funding for many of these items remains to be found (see budget below).

　　It is decided to hold periodic workshops on specific themes such as problems of conserving coral and mangrove ecosystems, problems of wetlands, and the problems of grassland. These meetings can be held in suitable locations around China to see at first hand the field situation. Agencies responsible for the issues under discussion would be invited to participate.

　　6. PUBLICATIONS OF BWG

　　The following papers prepared over the past 5 years by BWG have been gathered, edited and sent for publication:

　　(1) Strategy and Policy Study of Biodiveristy Conservation and Sustainable Use - Wang Song

　　(2) Annual Report of the BWG 1992/3 - John MacKinnon, Wang Song

　　(3) Annual Report of the BWG 1993/4 - John MacKinnon, Wang Song

　　(4) Annual Report of the BWG 1994/5 - John MacKinnon, Wang Song

　　(5) Annual Report of the BWG 1995/6 - John MacKinnon, Wang Song

　　(6) Report On Investigation of the Status of Ex-situ Wildlife / Wild Animal Conservation in Zoos in China - Wang Zongyi

　　(7) The Status and Strategy for Ex-Sitz Conservation of Plant Diversity in Chinese Botanic Gardens - Principles and Methodologies of Ex-Situ Conservation for Plant Diversity in Additional Discussion - Xu Zaifu

　　(8) On the Restoration and Rehabilitation of Degraded Ecosystems in Tropics and Subtropics of China - Wang Xiangpu

　　(9) The Restoration of Forests in the Temperate Zone of China - Chen Lingzhi

　　(10) The Investigation of Live Wildlife Trade Across Guangxi Borders between China and Vietnam - Li Yiming & Li Dianmo

　　(11) Status and Control Strategies of Live Wildlife Trade Across Sino-Vietnam Border - Li Yiming & Li Dianmo

　　(12) Biodiversity Problems in Freshwater Ecosystems in China - Impact of Human Activities and Loss of Biodivesity - Xie Ping & Chen Yiyu

　　(13) The Status of the Endangered Freshwater Fishes in China and Analysis of the Causes of Their Endangerment - He Shunping & Chen Yiyu

　　(14) Wildlife Trade in Southern China including Hong Kong and Macao - Michael La u

　　(15) The Threatened Wild Plants Used for Medicine as Chines Medicinal Herbs - Peng Hua, Xu Zaifu

　　(16) Suatainability of Wildlife Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Guo Yinfeng, Zou Xueying, Chen Yan, Wang Di, and Wang Song.

　　7. FUNDING OF BWG ACTIVITIES

　　A grant from the European Community of the equivalent has been received and only partly spent in 1996. Most of the funds are still available for the 1997-98 period but can only cover listed project work on the economic evaluation of biodiversity, sectional meetings, general office support and biodiversity database. An extension is to be sough for extending these activities through the full 5 year phase of CCICED. New funds will also need to be found to cover the planned grassland studies in Qinghai, to cover studies of wildlife utilization in traditional Chinese medicine, and for studies or review of freshwater or marine problems and sustainable utilization.

　　Some small scale funding may be available from Netherlands to continue studies o f wildlife use in medicines. Some studies of economic values may be covered under funds available to the Environment Economics Working Group. WWF have approved two projects to cover part of the time and expenses of the international co-chair and to provide support to Chinese support production of the Guidelines Booklet and to cover follow up studies of wildlife trade.

　　8. MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF BWG

　　8.1 It is imperative to find a way of redirecting funds from agencies and sectors deriving huge benefits from good water conservation to the agencies responsible for protecting those catchments and the local people living in upper catchment whose development options are limited by the need to preserve dense vegetation c over. Unless the realistic costs of achieving good protection of forests, grasslands, plantations and nature reserves is met by the government, China will suffer huge indirect losses to the hydropower, agricultural and other sectors as well as face massive costs caused by floods and droughts.

　　8.2 In order to manage and monitor biodiversity resources of China effectively it is necessary to straighten out many shortcomings and inconsistencies of taxonomy. Production of identification guides will be help in this task. Scientists and taxonomists will have to collaborate with management agencies to assist in t he documentation of species occurrence. Data currently held jealously by single individuals or agencies will have to be pooled. China also needs to solve the sad collapse of taxonomy as a career.

　　9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

　　The BWG would lie to thank the European Union for their generous support for our work, and also to thank WWF and the CIDA for their additional financial support.

　　We would also like to thank the CCICED secretariat in Beijing, CCICED support office in Vancouver, WWF office in Beijing and IUCN in Gland, Switzerland, for their kindness and technical support.