In order to target and resolve the problems, habitat restoration was carried out.
For example, as indicated in the WWF website11, the government in China has stepped in to address the issue of loss of habitats by building more panda reserves. The number of panda reserves has increased from three in Sichuan province in 1963 to 34 in 2001. As of 2012, there are more than 50 panda reserves in China. In addition, in 1998, the government placed a national logging ban of natural forests. This greatly prevented further destruction of the giant pandas’ habitats. In addition to these habitat-focused programs, much has also been done to train personnel in monitoring the wildlife. From 1996 to 2000, the WWF has trained more than 300 panda reserves staff and local government officials in managing the nature reserves and monitoring logging and poaching activities12. All the above initiatives were put into place to minimise the harmful human effects on the environment.
Credit WWF
In addition, in order to match solutions to problems, a partnership has been struck between the Chinese government and the WWF with the aim of reducing habitat fragmentation by linking different fragments with corridors13. These corridors of bamboo forest can restore ‘natural’ connections, thereby allowing giant pandas easy access to other food sources and mates, thereby increasing their survival numbers and genetic diversity. The organisation, “Conservational International”(CI), also has plans to develop at least 12 conservation corridors under “The Giant Panda Survival Plan”14.
Not only that solution is matched to the problem, the participation of the China government also makes the policies and activities more credible.