Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Brews Trouble: Wake-Up Call Unveiling Coffee-Infused Deforestation Dilemma

On December 8, 2023, the China Central Ecological and Environmental Inspection unveiled a series of ecological issues within the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, sparking widespread concern in society. Spanning 4,269 square kilometers, this park stands as one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots, boasting China's largest tropical rainforest and serving as the last refuge for the critically endangered Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus).

I read the recently exposed problems pinpointing "illegal occupation and encroachment of forest land" within the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Specifically, the disclosure revealed that Wuzhishan Huawu World Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. had unlawfully cleared 258.6 acres of public forest land since 2021, posing a severe threat to the integrity of this unique rainforest. The regulations outlined in the October 2020 "Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Regulations (Trial)" explicitly prohibit activities such as logging and land clearing within the park's boundaries. However, the inspection team found that Wuzhishan Huawu World Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. had been illegally cultivating economic crops, including coffee, on this public land since 2021.

In response to the violation, the Hainan National Park Management Bureau, Wuzhishan Branch, officially reported the issue to the Wuzhishan Municipal Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau on June 30, 2021. Despite an on-site investigation, the enforcement bureau issued a contradictory response on July 22, simultaneously issuing a "Notice to Cease Illegal Actions" to the company while stating that their activities were not in violation of the law. Regrettably, the unlawful actions persisted, and the enforcement bureau failed to take mandatory measures to halt the activities. In May 2022, the Hainan Provincial Ecological and Environmental Protection Inspection once again highlighted this issue, yet the illegal actions persist to this day.

The Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park represents China's inaugural "tropical rainforest" national park, a treasure trove of tropical biodiversity and genetic resources. According to previous reports from China Daily, 95.85% of the park's total area comprises pristine forests, making it one of China's most intact rainforests and a crucial ecosystem for preserving regional biological resources.

Concerning the enterprise implicated in this environmental degradation, Wuzhishan Huawu World Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., established on September 2, 2011, in Wuzhishan City, demonstrates a diversified scope of operations, including flower and horticultural crop cultivation, timber cultivation, general fish farming, water management, tourist area management, entertainment services, tourism product and flower retail, and real estate development, among others.

Unveiling and exposing such issues undoubtedly entail significant challenges and pressures. The efforts of the Central Ecological and Environmental Inspection deserve commendation for shedding light on environmental violations.

As this incident comes to the forefront, the real implementation of biodiversity conservation in national parks becomes a crucial societal issue. The value of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park lies not only in its rich biodiversity but also in the stability, connectivity, authenticity, and integrity of its ecosystem. Balancing economic growth with ecological preservation remains a key challenge for local governments and businesses. How can they uphold the ecological red line and ensure the effective protection of biodiversity in China's first "tropical rainforest"? This question stands as a pivotal challenge for sustainable development.
Credit: Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China


(Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author only. Comments, critiques, criticisms, and discussions are welcomed.)

Author: Yihang Shen
Editor: Richard

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776



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