Shennongjia World Biosphere Reserve Completes On-Site Evaluation for Its Second 10-year Periodic Review

From November 19 to 22, 2024, Academician Zhang Yaping, Chairman of the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme and former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led an evaluation team to conduct the on-site evaluation for the second 10-year periodic review of Shennongjia World Biosphere Reserve.

The evaluation team conducted on-site inspections of various locations, including the Natural Ecology Museum, Information Management Center, Nature Museums, Ecological Tea Industry Base, Shennongding Agency of the Administration of Shennongjia National Park, Dajiuhu Wetland, and Banqiao Management & Conservation Center. These visits provided a comprehensive understanding of ecological conservation, scientific research, and tourism development efforts. During the on-site evaluation, the team also held a community forum, engaging in discussions with local residents to assess the progress of community co-construction initiatives.

On the morning of November 22, Wang Ding, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme, presided over an evaluation meeting. Academician Zhang Yaping attended and delivered a speech. During the meeting, Zhou Jun, Deputy Secretary of the Shennongjia Forestry District Party Committee, District Mayor, and Deputy Secretary and Director of the Administration of Shennongjia National Park, delivered a welcome address. Wang Runzhang, Second-level Inspector from Hubei Provincial Forestry Administration, also spoke. Xiang Yi, Member of the Standing Committee of the District Party Committee and Executive Deputy District Mayor, presented a work report, while Dai Guangming, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Administration of Shennongjia National Park, made a formal statement.

Zhou Jun stated that the second 10-year periodic reciew of the Shennongjia World Biosphere Reserve represents not only a concrete response to the call of implementing Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization but also a vivid practice of advancing global biosphere conservation in alignment with international efforts. Moreover, it serves as a targeted review of Shennongjia’s ecological “assets” and a systematic integration to enhance high-level protection. Leveraging this review as an opportunity, Shennongjia will adopt an “immersive” approach to reflection, guided by experts, and implement “refined” measures. The aim is to systematically consolidate the achievements that can be highlighted, concretize areas needing improvement, and itemize corrective actions for the next steps. Through proactive and progressive efforts, Shennongjia seeks to continuously uphold the world’s best natural ecological environment and contribute to building a modern civilization where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

Wang Runzhang emphasized that Hubei Provincial Forestry Administration will work closely with the Shennongjia Forestry District Government to thoroughly address issues identified during the evaluation. A detailed report will be submitted to the People’s Government of Hubei Province to facilitate targeted rectification efforts.

Zhang Yaping highlighted that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, the promotion of modernization where humans and nature coexist harmoniously has consistently been a priority. As one of the countries most successful in implementing the Man and the Biosphere Programme, China not only bears the responsibility of advancing Xi Jinping’s ecological civilization philosophy and establishing exemplary sites for harmonious coexistence but also holds the mission of showcasing China’s experience in environmental governance and sustainable development to the world. Shennongjia World Biosphere Reserve, the only world biosphere reserve in Hubei Province, holds a unique position as China’s first “Triple Crown” flagship conserved area, recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark, and Natural World Heritage Site. As a globally significant ecological hub, it must lead by example in integrating high-level protection, high-quality development, and high-standard living conditions to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Efforts must focus on strengthening mechanisms that integrate natural and cultural conservation, using the biosphere reserve concept to drive the systemic protection of the greater Shennongjia region. The ecological industry development model should be further standardized to effectively balance ecological benefits, social benefits, and the rights of local communities. Innovation in science, technology, and nature education systems should be continuously advanced to enhance the reserve’s logistic function. It is essential to optimize the coordination of management systems across the reserve and the Forestry District to improve conservation and management effectiveness. Diversified funding mechanisms must be actively explored to promote a modern governance framework that encourages broad participation from communities and social entities. Leveraging the global prestige of Shennongjia’s “Triple Crown” status, efforts should be made to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of domestic and international models for ecological and cultural conservation and development. In doing so, Shennongjia can contribute to the implementation of the new Man and the Biosphere Strategy and Action Plan and support global sustainable development initiatives.

On behalf of the expert panel, Wang Ding highlighted that over the past decade, Shennongjia World Biosphere Reserve has adhered to its three core functions of “conservation, logistic, and development”, while practicing the concept of “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature”. Significant achievements have been made in various areas: effective conservation of wildlife resources, steady improvements in scientific research and monitoring, strong implementation of public education and outreach, notable progress in community co-construction, co-management, and benefit-sharing, as well as pioneering new pathways for applying the “Two Mountains” theory. Looking ahead to the next decade, the expert panel made the following recommendations. First, leverage the opportunity of national park construction to establish and improve a comprehensive ecological compensation mechanism. Second, formally designate the Shennongjia National Park as soon as possible to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of conservation efforts through the streamlined management system and mechanism. Third, actively explore mechanisms for realizing the value of ecological products. Fourth, enhance understanding and communication of the interests and concerns of local community residents, using these insights to improve all aspects of the reserve’s operations. Fifth, strengthen baseline investigations and use comprehensive data to support highlighted initiatives. Sixth, develop and refine contingency plans for geological disasters, weather-related events, and invasive species to address the increasing frequency of extreme events under global change. Seventh, conduct ecological zoning based on natural resources within the reserve and its surrounding areas, and make research on associated stressors and corresponding mitigation measures to implement tailored strategies for each zone.

Attendees to the evaluation include responsible persons and representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, evaluation experts from affiliated institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Secretariat of the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme, as well as responsible persons and representatives from Shaanxi Foping National Nature Reserve Administration, Inner Mongolia Daxing’anling Hanma National Nature Reserve Administration, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Hubei Province, the Department of Natural Resources of Hubei Province, Chongqing Wulipo National Nature Reserve Administration Center, Hubei Badong Golden Snub-nosed Monkey National Nature Reserve Administration, Hubei Three Gorges Wanchaoshan National Nature Reserve Administration, departments of Shennongjia Forestry District Government, and the Administration of Shennongjia National Park. (By Du Hua)