As part of a consultancy project of CAS Academic Divisions (CASAD) on ecological reconstruction and sustainable development in China's west, a task force headed by CAS members Yuan Xiandao and Sun Honglie made a 6-day survey trip to Southwest China's Guizhou Province.
After listening to an introduction on the local economic and ecological development by high-ranking officials including Vice Governor Wu Jiafu, the scientists made on-the-spot investigation in Anshun City and Autonomous Prefecture of Bouyei and Miao Ethnic Minorities in Southwest Guizhou Province. The team, which is composed of 30 or so CAS members and experts from such fields as geology, geography, economics, water resources and Karst studies, also held a workshop to review the findings of its studies.
The investigation reveals the grim ecological situation and fragile Karst environment in the province. Under such a condition, the experts warn, it would be an onerous task for the province to achieve its goal of building into a well-off society in a comprehensive way by 2020.
The suggestions offered by the scientists to address the problems for local development include the initiation of a special project to carry out comprehensive studies into rock desertification in Southwest China's Karst region.
The experts urge that further efforts be made to get a clear picture of resources and ecology in the region by implementing surveys and multi-disciplinary fundamental studies on rock desertification with such technologies as remote sensing and geographic information system. To deal with the issue of rock desertification, the work should be implemented on the basis of science and technology in the light of local conditions under unified planning. Various approaches should be adopted according to different aspects of the issues and in different stages.
In addition, efforts should be stepped up to implement the project on water and soil conservation in South and North Panjiang valleys on upper reaches of the Zhujiang River, so as to facilitate the coordinated development of ecological reconstruction and economic development, experts suggested.
Greater efforts should be made to eliminate poverty to improve the living conditions and standards of the local people, such as ecological migration.
The development of geological parks for the sake of local tourism be strengthened, the experts recommend.
Mult-approaches should be adopted to solve the water shortage in central part of the province to promote the overall development of the region.
On the basis of the survey, the team will complete consultancy report and submit it to the State Council after further studies on such issues as comprehensive management of Karst regions, policy issues concerning turning farmland to grassland and forests and soil and water conservation, the radiation effects S&T demonstration projects, development of natural resources versus environment protection, development and protection of water resources, regional ecological and economic development.
