Ecological Environment
degradation of tuff landscape
water eutrophication
seismically active
Global Warming
Research shows that climate warming and intensified sulfur and nitrogen deposition have led to the degradation of the current Jiuzhaigou tuff landscape. In addition, global warming may lead to higher temperatures in the region, and local ecosystems will be affected.
Swampification of Water Bodies
Water temperature is the main limiting factor for algae growth in Jiuzhaigou. Climate warming will be more conducive to the growth of algae, which will lead to an accelerated rate of marsh in Jiuzhaigou Haizi. The coverage of diatoms in Wuhuahai Lake, the core scenic spot of Jiuzhaigou, increased from 37% in 2008 to 86% in 2020, an increase of 132% in 12 years (Journal of Peking University 2022).
Travertine Degradation
Climate warming and intensified sulfur and nitrogen deposition lead to the degradation of Jiuzhaigou tuff landscape. Due to the reduction of CaCO3 deposition in the waterfall, the largest travertine waterfall in Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Scenic Area—Nuorilang Waterfall, the front part of the travertine waterfall collapsed in large numbers.
Landscape Fragmentation increasing
Due to human activities, the coniferous forest area and the entire forest area are shrinking, landscape fragmentation is intensified, and the forest line is constantly receding, resulting in a continuous decline in the forest quality of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. The projected warming has not yet shown a clear trend in tree growth rate, but with As the climate warms during the growing season, slower growth rates indicate a reduction in potential future forest growth.[2][3]
In a world affected by global warming, we need to make urgent and necessary changes.
Facing Challenges
Despite facing significant environmental threats, the locals in Jiuzhaigou are working hard to improve the situation.
Twelve years of forest logging and official restoration efforts
Jiuzhaigou has undergone 12 years of large-scale deforestation, as well as years of farming and animal husbandry by the local indigenous population. This has had a significant impact on the ecological environment and landscape of the area. In order to restore the vegetation and protect the ecology, the Jiuzhaigou Management Bureau has implemented a series of measures.
These measures include the restoration of logging sites, the return of farmland to forests and grasslands, the prohibition of forest logging, the strengthening of forest protection and fire prevention, and the prohibition of excessive mining and excavation. As a result, the forest coverage and vegetation coverage of Jiuzhaigou have stabilized and increased to 63.5% and 85.5%, respectively. The good vegetation not only conserves water sources, but its mottled colorful forest landscape has also become an important tourist resource in the scenic area.
Threats from overtourism and corresponding management measures taken
During the early years of tourism development in Jiuzhaigou, hotel construction was encouraged to solve the problem of insufficient accommodation for tourists. However, due to limited infrastructure and supporting facilities, this caused environmental disorder and problems such as sewage and waste discharge, which seriously threatened the sustainable development of the ecological environment within the scenic area.
To address these issues, the Jiuzhaigou Management Bureau stopped the commercial activities of hotels and restaurants in the scenic area, and acquired 120 acres of land in Zhangzha Town as an off-site relocation base. Meanwhile, the government invested significant funds and manpower for demolition compensation and resettlement of residents within the scenic area and Zhangzha Town. Additionally, the construction of sewage treatment plants and waste disposal facilities have been established to reduce pollution from sewage and garbage in the environment.
The policy of “touring the valley while staying outside of it” and demolition and rectification efforts have made Zhangzha Town the main hub for tourist accommodation, catering, shopping, and recreation. This has not only effectively curbed environmental pollution within the scenic area, but also promoted the tourism development of Zhangzha Town.
Scientific Research and Monitoring System: Protecting the Scenic Area’s Ecology and Safety
Since the 1980s, Jiuzhaigou has carried out scientific research and used data to support scientific monitoring. The scenic spot has established a routine ecological monitoring system, including monitoring sample points for temperate forest ecosystems, air quality, meteorology, water quality, hydrology, biodiversity, forest diseases and insect pests, and mountain disasters.
The monitoring system enabled Jiuzhaigou to implement early management of its debris flow system. Through the establishment of multiple debris flow and landslide engineering control points, landslide control, and the implementation of civil engineering measures such as flexible protective nets, light steel tunnels, and rock anchors, while the landscape is protected, the safety of residents and tourists in the scenic area is also ensured.
Global warming affects everyone!
Who Is Responsible For Climate Change?
Who Needs To Fix It?
One Earth
WE ONLY HAVE ONE EARTH
When The World Gets 1℃ Hotter
We’re just two degrees away from a climate catastrophe.
Everyone knows it, but what we need is everyone to act on it.
Everyone knows it, but what we need is everyone to act on it.
Everyone knows it, but what we need is everyone to act on it.
Future
Preserve Jiuzhaigou, Preserve Our Earth, Take Action Against Global Warming.
References
1. Behind the Beauty – Protection and Management of Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site
2. Are climate warming and enhanced atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen threatening tufa landscapes in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China?
3. The dynamics of land cover change pattern and landscape fragmentation in Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, China
4. SAVE PLANET | Global Warming – Climate Change
5. Who Is Responsible For Climate Change? – Who Needs To Fix It?
6. When The World Gets 1℃ Hotter | Climate Change: The Facts | BBC Earth
7. One Earth – Environmental Short Film
The images used in this website were either taken by the author or obtained under license from Adobe Stock.