UNDP biodiversity conservation, sustainable use project launched in east China

(ECNS) -- A plaque unveiling ceremony was held to launch the project of biodiversity conservation and sustainable initiative at Datong Village near the Jiulong Peak social public welfare natural reserve of Huangshan Mountain, in Huangshan City, East China's Anhui Province on Wednesday.

The initiative is supported by the Small Grants Programme (SGP), funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, aspiring to develop a model biodiversity conservation area with significant demonstrative value in the future.

Lu Meijia, acting national coordinator for SGP, explained that the project focuses on empowering the local community to reduce human impact on forest reserves while fostering greater awareness among Datong Village residents about biodiversity, especially the protection of wildlife.

According to Lu, by promoting sustainable ecological farming, community-based eco-tourism, and nature education, the initiative aims to improve local livelihoods and support community-driven sustainable development, ultimately fostering harmony between humans and nature.

The project has advanced biodiversity preservation efforts in the protected area, thanks to the active involvement of local residents, said Lu.

Covering 1,330 hectares, the community conservation area of Datong Village, situated at the southern entrance of the Jiulong Peak reserve, is home to vast evergreen broad-leaved forests and natural secondary woodlands.

Infrared camera monitoring conducted between 2021 and 2022 revealed a thriving biodiversity within the area. Notable discoveries included several nationally protected species, such as first-class protected animals like the black muntjac, Chinese pangolins, and sika deer. These findings underscore the conservation area's achievements in protecting biodiversity.