More efforts have been made at the Qiangjiangyuan National Park in the eastern province of Zhejiang to protect environment and enhance biological diversity.
Qianjiangyuan is the source of the Qiantang River, the "mother river" of Zhejiang Province which flows through China's most populated and industrialized regions.
The Qianjiangyuan National Park, situated in Kaihua County, Quzhou City in the province, covers an area of about 252 square kilometers. It is home to a large area of native evergreen broad-leaved vegetation typical of lowland mid-subtropical zones that is increasingly rare in other parts of the world. It was one of the first 10 pilot national parks created in 2016 to protect China's environment.
Ren Haibao, a dedicated biologist, has spent nearly two decades working in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest of Kaihua County. He said the forest is a Chinese treasure.
"Every tree in this area has a unique ID, and we monitor their growth by measuring the growth ring every half year. Most primitive forests at low altitudes have already disappeared, but here at the Qianjinag Yuan National Park we still preserve this rare and continuous forest," said Ren, a scientist of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The fallen leaves and seeds of the forest are regularly collected and sent to the nearby observation and research station.
"The seeds help us understand why so many species in the forest coexist harmoniously. Biodiversity is the foundation of human existence and sustainable development. It is essential for food, materials, water and soil conservation, carbon storage and even medicine. If we want to live harmoniously with nature, we must preserve biodiversity," he said.
According to the latest research data, Qianjiangyuan is home to 2,234 species of higher plants, 449 species of large fungi, and 2,427 species of animals. It is a globally concentrated distribution area for the black muntjac and the Elliot's pheasant, two endangered species endemic in China that are under first-class state protection.
To protect the origin of the Qiantang River, the park established a monitoring center, utilizing satellites, drones, remote sensors, and other technologies to track climate changes, prevent disasters, and preserve biodiversity.
"Our remote cameras capture thousands of pictures of rare and wild animals every day. This is crucial for research and the protection of animals. We also provide residents with subsidies to discourage human intervention and protect the environment. And we have established a community to educate people about the importance of ecological protection," said Yu Shunhai, staff with the Qianjiangyuan National Park.
Ecological protection efforts continue at Qianjiangyuan National Park
