On May 12, 2008 an earthquake of catastrophic proportion struck the mountains of southwest China in the Sichuan and Wenchuan Provinces. The staggering number of lives lost and displaced – as well as the damage sustained by local infrastructure and World Heritage – has compelled Friends of World Heritage to take action.
| UPDATE FROM WOLONG NATURE RESERVE |
| While the recovery process is still in its initial stages, we are learning more from the ground. We now know that the quake caused substantial damage to the reserves within the Giant Panda Sanctuaries, including loss of conservation equipment and infrastructure, impaired accessibility, and damage to bamboo vegetation on which the giant pandas rely. In the weeks following the earthquake, aftershocks as strong as magnitude 5.3 continue to threaten recovery efforts.
As the latest photos from the ground show us, aid teams are working to restore the region and its precious ecosystems. The most urgent steps towards recovery are:
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- Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries (UNESCO World Heritage inscribed 2006) – The Sanctuaries are home to more than 1/3 of the world’s remaining pandas.
- Mount Qingcheng and The Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO World Heritage inscribed 2000) - Located just 50km from the epicenter, these two sites feature ancient architecture from as early as the 3rd century BC.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area (UNESCO World Heritage inscribed 1992) - Stretching over 280 square miles in the northern part of Sichuan Province, this site provides habitat for giant pandas and over 140 species of birds.
- Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (UNESCO World Heritage inscribed 1992) – Endangered giant pandas and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys are found in the diverse forest ecosystems in this site.
A number of nature reserves within Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries World Heritage site, were among the hardest hit. At Wolong, the best known of these reserves, the heroic efforts by reserve staff ensured that most of the the reserve’s 60 pandas are safe and accounted for; however, two pandas are still missing and, tragically, five field staff at the reserve were killed. Reports from the local forestry commission state that all of the Wolong Reserve’s 32 panda houses were destroyed or damaged. Other severely affected reserves in the area include, among others, Caopo, Longxi-Hongkou, Sanjiang and Xiaohegou. Much work is required to re-access and assess earthquake impact in these remote and invaluable areas of Giant Panda habitat.
Daily operations have basically come to a halt in these World Heritage sites due to substantial damage to management offices, ranger stations, staff housing, and other infrastructure. Some sites are completely cut off, as the roads that lead to them remain impassable.
The ability to care for the region’s heritage has been seriously compromised.
For now, restoring access to these World Heritage sites is a primary concern. This is essential in order to provide humanitarian aid – including tents and basic supplies for the reserves’ staff – and to assess the full extent of damage to the sites. Equipment such as GPS units, digital cameras, video cameras, sleeping bags, field cookers, emergency spotlights, communications equipment, and computers will help field staff do rapid assessments of impact on wildlife, and allow the World Heritage sites to begin the slow process of restoration and recovery.
Many local communities rely on the jobs provided by these sanctuaries and the tourism business generated. You can provide relief for some of the World’s most treasured natural sites and their local communities through a donation to the Friends of World Heritage Fund. 100% of your donation will go directly to support sites and their dependents most in need.
