Integration of “Biodiversity” into the Local Standard of “Guidelines for the Preparation of Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Plans in Industrial Parks” (Draft for Comments) in Beijing Suggested by CBCGDF-BCON

In late July, 2023, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment issued an announcement on soliciting comments on the Local Standard of “Guidelines for the Preparation of Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Plans in Industrial Parks” (Draft for Comments) in Beijing. China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation’s Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood Working Group (CBCGDF-BCON) responded to the call and put forward five suggestions for consideration after careful research and discussion. Among them, the third suggestion is as follows:

Picture source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment

Suggestion 3: In the section about collection of basic data in the park, “biodiversity” should be included in the “natural and social information”.

Reason: Biodiversity can be used as an indicator of environmental health. Monitoring the change of biodiversity can provide information about environmental quality and ecosystem health, and help to find potential problems at an early stage and take corresponding pollution prevention and control measures. For example:

(1) Effects of heavy metal pollution, new pollutants and plastic pollution on soil biodiversity. If the waste water in an industrial park contains high concentrations of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, these heavy metals will gradually accumulate in the soil and form heavy metal pollution. Heavy metals have a serious impact on biodiversity in soil.

(2) Species and quantity of fish in aquatic ecosystem. In an aquatic ecosystem, if the number of some fish decreases significantly, or certain fish species disappear, it may indicate that the water quality has been affected by pollution. By monitoring the changes of fish species and quantity, we can find the water pollution problem early and take corresponding control measures to protect the health of aquatic ecosystem.

Picture source: OceanWetlands

(3) Population changes of butterflies and bees. Pollination insects such as butterflies and bees play an important role in the ecosystem and support the reproduction of plants. If the population of these insects decreases, it may imply that chemical pollution in the environment or excessive use of chemical drugs has led to the death of insects.

(4) Plant species diversity in the forest. Plant species diversity in the forest reflects the health status of the ecosystem. If a specific plant species in the forest decreases in population or disappears, it may be due to air pollution, soil pollution or the influence of invasive species. Monitoring the change of plant species diversity can help identify problems and take measures to protect the integrity of forest ecosystem.

Original Chinese Article:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/H_Dd99NkHlfX_aaBM2qUMg

Translator: Irene

Checked by Richard

Editor: Irene

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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