[One Thousand Characters a Day] Our Future Learned from Pandas＜5＞

Editor's NoteIn the process of protecting pandas, the advancement of biological and chemical technologies for studying pandas played a significant role. The development of science and technology always informs us about what nature to protect and how to do so, providing methods and directions. Additionally, as China's economy developed, increased investment and broader public support for panda conservation were important changes. Dr. Jane Goodall, who devoted her life to chimpanzee conservation, also emphasized that a key factor in wildlife protection is the economic development of local communities living near wildlife, gaining their cooperation. Protecting nature can increase the chances of success when efforts to develop the economy and protect the environment are connected. Word count: 1020 characters.

Those advocating for bear protection to preserve biodiversity emphasize that bears can serve as umbrella species. An umbrella species is recognized as playing an important role in biological conservation. Protecting an umbrella species is like providing an umbrella that shelters various plants and animals beneath it. It can be understood as meaning that efforts to protect an umbrella species naturally help many other species to thrive as well.

Usually, animals that live over wide areas and under complex conditions can serve as umbrella species. There are differing opinions on how effectively bears can fulfill the role of an umbrella species. However, it is reasonable to think that to ensure the well-being of bears, which live over large areas and consume diverse food sources, the ecosystem must be diligently protected.

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The Chinese government has been making various investments to protect pandas since the 1960s, and these investments continue today. There have been two main directions for these investments. First, in preparation for the possibility of pandas disappearing completely, there is a plan to breed pandas in zoos, ensuring that baby pandas are born and the panda population increases. China has a history of maintaining and significantly increasing the numbers of animals like the Saibuxiang, which have completely disappeared from the wild, by breeding them in captivity over long periods. Therefore, the method of securing a certain number of pandas by human intervention before their population reaches zero seemed to easily gain support.

The other direction of panda conservation efforts is investing in helping wild pandas live well in their natural habitats. As early as the 1960s, four panda reserves were established, and the government managed these areas to minimize harm to pandas. This effort has continued to develop, and by the mid-2010s, the number of panda reserves had increased to more than 60. The total area of panda reserves reaches 14,000 square kilometers. This is an enormous area, more than 20 times the size of Seoul. Cases where such a vast area is invested for the sake of a single animal species are rare worldwide.

－ Kwak Jae-sik, The Spirit of the Panda, Saenggakjeongwon, 18,000 KRW

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