Foreign Diplomats Praise China's Giant Panda Conservation Efforts and Seek Expanded Collaboration

Foreign diplomats have lauded China's progress in conserving the giant panda, expressing optimism for enhanced collaboration in studying and protecting endangered species. Their remarks followed a visit to the Giant Panda National Park located in Ya'an, Sichuan province, where they toured before attending the Third National Park Forum in Chengdu.

A delegation composed of diplomats from seven nations, including New Zealand, Belgium, and Malaysia, alongside representatives from the World Wide Fund for Nature, explored various significant conservation sites. These included the Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Base, which is part of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, as well as the Panda International Forest Camp and the Daxiangling Giant Panda Reintroduction Research Base.

Karolus Henricus Martinus Van Bommel, an agricultural counsellor from the Netherlands Embassy, referred to the Bifengxia base as "impressive" and environmentally friendly, noting it accommodates over 70 pandas. He believed the facility provides ample space for the animals, thus contributing positively to breeding efforts. Additionally, he underscored the significance of global cooperation, stating that having pandas in other countries raises awareness of their endangered status and facilitates shared knowledge on breeding and conservation practices.

Siti Zurianah Binti Ismail, serving as the first secretary at the Malaysian Embassy, remarked on the natural atmosphere of the Bifengxia base, comparing it to a true habitat rather than a conventional zoo. She was particularly moved by the sight of panda families with twin cubs—an impressive feat in panda breeding. She highlighted the essential role of such facilities in the ongoing survival and sustainability of the species.

Reflecting on the longstanding collaboration between Malaysia and China regarding panda conservation, she acknowledged the benefits of the exchanges in expertise related to breeding techniques, habitat restoration, and disease management. Although two pandas returned to China in May after spending 11 years in Malaysia, she confirmed plans for sending another pair later this year, maintaining the public's excitement over the country's beloved zoo residents. Currently, China collaborates on panda conservation initiatives with 16 institutions across 15 countries, including the United States, Austria, Spain, Australia, and France, with 40 giant pandas residing abroad under these international programs.