Speech by General Lv Zhengcao, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and President of the China Milu Foundation in Feb. 1987

The China Milu Foundation was established as a grassroots organization under the initiative of individuals and groups both domestically and abroad who are passionate about nature conservation. Its mission is to raise funds to assist in the reintroduction of deer into China and mobilize societal efforts to promote wildlife conservation.

Above picture: Lv Zhengcao, the then President of China Milu Foundation addressing Milu Deer Reintroduction in Feb 1987. Source: China Biodiversity and Green Museum（CBGM）

The Milu deer was once an indigenous species of China. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Milu began to disappear from the wild and were preserved only in imperial hunting grounds. By the year 1900, the Milu had vanished from China as the imperial hunting parks were destroyed during wartime. It was thanks to the dedication of the 11th Duke of Bedford, who established a herd in Woburn Abbey Park in the UK, that nearly 700 Milu were saved from extinction. This preservation effort holds immense significance in safeguarding this rare element of China's natural heritage.

In 1985, an agreement was signed between the Marquess of Tavistock, the owner of Woburn Abbey Park, and the Milu Reintroduction Group of the People's Republic of China. Under this agreement, the Marquess of Tavistock donated 20 Milu to Nan Haizi Park and 2 to the Shanghai Zoo for the reintroduction project. The primary objective of this project is to re-establish the natural population of Milu in China. According to the agreement, China will introduce another 15 animals in 1987. This step will lay a solid foundation for reestablishing the natural population of Milu.

Many sicientific investigations have proved that many species become extinct worldwide every year and there are also many which are at thebrinkof extinction. It may take millions of years to breed a single species, yet once it becomes extinct, it will never naturally re-establish itself. As you know, the rich and colorful life of human beings depends entirely on the richness of natural species. If the current rate of extinction continues, the world will become wild and monotonous. Our natural world will lose its vibrant brilliance. If this scenario unfolds, we will be cursed by our descendants.

Since this century, people are paying more attention to natural conservation. Governments of various countries, as well as some international organizations, have taken active measures. In China, more than 370 protected areas have been established. Although the burden is heavy and the road is long for the China Milu Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere hope that all of us go forward hand in hand to leave our descendants a dynamic and colorful world.

Lv Zhengcao

Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of the China Milu Foundation

February 20, 1987

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