David Blank
In October 2005, I had the first opportunity to work in China because I participated in the project of “Wetland biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in China”. In Ruoergai Wetland Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, I saw many rare species, most of which can only be seen in China: black-necked crane, Chinese grouse, Tibetan gazelles …
My working experience in Ruoergai Wetland Nature Reserve is unforgettable. Therefore, when the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences offered me a work opportunity, I did not hesitate to take the invitation. My research mainly focuses on the protection of ungulates such as goitered gazelles, kulan, argali and Siberian ibexes. China is the very important part of the habitats of these elegant and unusual creatures.
From 2010 to 2015, I worked with the zoological team of the Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Biological Resources in Arid Land of Chinese Academy of Sciences to study the behaviors and habits of houbara bustard, ibexes and other animals, as well as the impact of human activities on local wildlife. Our research has greatly improved China’s research level in the relevant fields.
Over the years, China has made many achievements in environmental protection. For example, in Urumqi of Xinjiang, natural gas has gradually replaced coal as heating energy, and the air quality has also been improved significantly. In order to combat desertification, people plant trees around cities and along roads, forming a barrier to protect the city. This is the epitome of China’s continuous achievements in sustainable development. President Xi Jinping said that people should “protect the ecological environment like protecting the eye”, which I very much agree with. Protecting the natural environment means protecting our life and health.
I once entered into the magical world of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and saw that local people are living a happy life. They love nature and enjoy the pure pleasure brought by blue sky, bright sunshine, flowers and clear lakes.
Now I work in the Center for Ecological and Environmental Research in Central Asia which was established by Kyrgyz and Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is an important platform for strengthening scientific research and exchanges and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). The main work of the research center is to help Kyrgyzstan formulate animal protection policies and give guidance to local governments for the establishment of effective way for nature conservation in Kyrgyzstan. The BRI has not only promoted the economic and social development of the countries along the route, but also linked many countries with the concept of equal cooperation and enhanced the development of science and technology as well as people’s livelihood. For example, under the initiative, large research centers have been set up, many talents are cultivated, and the level of local scientific research has been enhanced, providing a guarantee for the future development. In August 2018, with the help of the Bishkek Center of Central Asia Ecology and Environment Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the first demonstration site of safety ensuring techniques for drinking water has been built up.
Since the founding of People’s Republic of China, people’s living standard has been improved significantly. Young people generally have the opportunity to receive higher education, which forms a huge contingent of talents. China’s younger generation is so creative and diligent that I believe they can increase technological level of China and make new and great achievements for the country and the world.
(David Blank is Israeli zoologist, former biodiversity conservation expert of UNDP and the awardee of 2016 Chinese Government Friendship Award)
Source: People’s Daily
