China Invests in Forest Reserve
11/22/99
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Title: CHINA Invests in Forest Reserve
Source: Environment News Network, http://www.ens.lycos.com/
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: November 22, 1999
UHAN, China, November 22, 1999 (ENS) - In the past ten years, Chinese
researchers have discovered 32 new plant species at the Shennongjia
State Nature Reserve, including five endangered species. Now China
plans to invest about 19 million yuan for the second phase of
enhancement and restoration of the reserve, the official news agency
Xinhua reports.
Located in the northwestern part of Hubei Province in central China,
Shennongjia State Nature Reserve is China's most important gene bank
of animal and plant species.
Scheduled for completion in 2003, the current phase of construction
will focus on open-air protection, monitoring facilities, road
improvements, and basic water and power supplies.
The work complements the nearby Three Gorges water control project.
When finished, Three Gorges Dam will be the world's largest dam.
Protection of the Shennongjia forest resources will help reduce the
amount of silt in the Three Gorges reservoir area, local officials
said.
The project may also improve tourism at the reserve, raising funds
for further protection efforts.
Covering an area of 70,000 hectares (270 square miles), Shennongjia
State Nature Reserve has more han 3,000 kinds of plants and about 500
kinds of animals. Thirty-four species of plants and 70 species of
animals are listed under state protection.