China's National Parks See Wildlife Population Booms and Ecosystem Improvements

China has witnessed a consistent rise in the wild populations of several key species since initiating its national park system over a decade ago. This progress was highlighted by an official from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Concurrently, the stability and diversity of the country's ecosystems have also seen steady improvements.

The national park system was initially proposed in 2013. Ten pilot parks were launched in 2015, with five officially designated as national parks in October 2021. A plan to establish the world's largest national park system by 2035 was released in December 2022.

Sun Hongyan, deputy director of the administration's nature reserve department, provided details on the advancements within the five established parks. At Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, an advanced monitoring system allows for continuous tracking and precise location of the big cats. This system also provides early warnings of potential human-tiger conflicts.

Conservation efforts have led to a rise in the wild Northeast China tiger population from 27 in 2015 to 70. The leopard population has also increased, from 42 to approximately 80. Furthermore, tiger tracks were discovered on Changbai Mountain in Jilin province late last year, indicating a habitat expansion of over 200 kilometers from the national park's core area.

In Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, the population of Hainan gibbons, one of the rarest primates, has grown from 35 individuals in five groups to 42 in seven groups. This is the only gibbon population worldwide to show continuous growth. This increase is attributed to efforts to restore damaged forest ecosystems, helping to restore the rainforest's ecological balance.

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Sichuan provincial government will jointly host the third National Park Forum in Chengdu on August 18 and 19. The forum will focus on promoting high-level conservation and sustainable development of national parks. Delegates will discuss key issues and future strategies for park development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

The Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Administration aims to make the forum a national benchmark for green and low-carbon events. A carbon neutrality evaluation system will be used to assess emissions, which will be offset by purchasing carbon credits. The event will also prioritize eco-friendly products, including those from Giant Panda National Park. Nameplates will be made of bamboo, and badges will be produced from biodegradable bamboo fiber.