Nature reserves can be divided into ecosystem-type reserves, biological species reserves, and natural heritage reserves. Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve is a comprehensive one—both maintaining a subtropical forest ecosystem and protecting rare wild animals and plants are equally important. How to find a balance between the two? In this regard, Zhou Jinfeng said that nature reserves are set up to facilitate the conservation of species and various ecosystems, and their basic function is to protect natural environment and natural resources. Protecting nature includes protecting natural ecosystems and biodiversity. However, there is still room to improve regarding nature reserve management. We should protect the tropical rainforest and protect every other species coexisting with it in the ecosystem, thus protecting the biodiversity and habitat of elephants. It is not about how many species are there in reserve, but to protect the original species in the area, which is closely related to the ecosystem protection of the reserve.

Some experts pointed out that the elephants left the habitat because the trees are very well protected in reserve, which leads to less grassland. Thus, the lack of food and the loss of habitat caused the migration of the elephants. There are many similar problems. For example, the so-called wetland "protection" around Bohai Sea makes the birds unable to forage in the wetland, leading them to go outside the protection area for food. This also brings about some incidents such as birds get food poisoning and repelled by fish pond owners, which have occurred continuously for many years.

Then, how to evaluate a comprehensive protected area like Xishuangbanna? What are the evaluation criteria? Zhou Jinfeng pointed out that we should take the law of nature as the standard. CBCGDF has five biodiversity conservation standards: biodiversity investigation, assessment, adaptation (including adaptation caused by climate change), compensation and restoration, which can clearly and concisely evaluate the protected areas. This is also the only method to evaluate the nature reserve systematically.

Translator/Iris

Original Chinese article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QHolbZ_3lGcl-O3HeWzwbQ 

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