Bio-Cultural Diversity and Development of Western China

doi:10.7523/j.issn.2095-6134.2002.2.002

Abstract

Abstract:

China is one of the countries possessing the richest biodiversity resources in the world. As a mega-diversity country within global biodiversity, China has varied ecosystems, vegetation, species and rich genetic diversity. China's plant life is enormously rich, some 30,000 plant species are native to China, among them 7,500 are indigenous species of trees and shrubs, and China's fauna is also enormously rich. Statistics show that there are 6,347 species of vertebrates (including 1,244 species of birds and 3,862 species of fishe) found in China. The endemic plant species are as many as 17,300; endemic vertebrates are 667 species; Western China consists of six provincs being Gansu, Guizhou, Shanxi, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Yunnan, and five Autonomous Regions being Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Inner-Mongolian Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Ugur Autonomous Region and Xizang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, covers a land area of 6.98 million km~2, comprising approximately 70% of China's total landmass and more than 75% of the plant and animal species. The population of the area is approximately 405 million, many of which are ethnic minorities. The multicultural status of human population and cultural diversity make Western China a unique area of bio-cultural diversity in China. On theother hand, Western China faces rural poverty, degradation of natural resources and environment, and the marginalization of etnic minority people. This paper discusses bio-cultural diversity in Western China and its potential contribution to economic development and the urgent need for conservation of nature and culture in the area in order to sustain development and environment in the country.

Key words: Western China, biodiversity, cultural diversityeconomic, development, conservation

CLC Number:

PEI Sheng-Ji. Bio-Cultural Diversity and Development of Western China[J]. , 2002, 19(2): 107-115.

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