Sichuan's bid to the UNESCO for listing the giant panda reserve into the World Natural Heritage has been kicked off recently. The bid book will be submitted to the State Council by July 1 for the application to the UN Committee of the World Heritage Bureau and will receive its inspection by experts in March 2002.

Giant Panda, national treasure of China and the world, has been known as the "living fossil" of all animals. The habitat of giant pandas is mainly located in the area of Wolong-Siguniang Mountains. Covering a total area of 15,000 sq. km., the habitat in Sichuan includes four nature reserves and six scenic spots of Wenchuan, Baoxing, Chongzhou, Dujiangyan etc. Living here are more than 300 giant pandas, other rare animals in wilderness and some 4000 higher plant species, and so the area has an outstanding value for a piece of world heritage.

According to the local Administration Office of World Heritage, the listing in World Heritage and shaping of an "ecological corridor for Giant Pandas" will be propitious for providing an effective protection to the animal, thereby building up a brand-name for pandas in the world. And this will also help promote a balanced development in local economy and social life.

Sichuan's bid work is considered to have three advantages: first of all, Chinese giant panda is the unique and only animal in the world; Secondly, Wolong-Siguniang Mountains are featured with biological diversities. What's more, it has roused international concern and the International Federation of Natural Protection has, of its own accord, offered to support the application for the World Heritage.

(People’s Daily 01/21/2001)