Protection

12/04/02

As one of the oldest tree species in the world (as well as the only surviving species of its genus), the metasequoias of China's Metasequoia Valley must be protected at all costs. Since only 5000 of the ancient trees are left in the wild in a small area between the Sichuan and Hubei provinces, conservationists are trying their best to protect the trees from harm. Here are some of the problems that are currently facing the trees:

	Overpopulation: As the most populous country in the world, China has continuously experienced land use problems. Due to the need to supply food to the country's ever-expanding population, there is also an increased need for farmland. Some of the oldest metasequoia trees in the world are currently being threatened by the encroachment of farmland and human settlements.
	The Three Gorges Dam: The Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze river could also have an adverse effect on the habitat of the metasequoia trees. While the dam will fuel rapid economic development in southern China, it could dramatically alter the climate of the Metasequoia valley. The effects on the ancient trees, while not fully understood, could be disastrous.

Possible Solutions:

	Development Planning: Chinese officials need to find more effective means of farming that do not encroach on the habitat on the metasequoias.
	Community Analysis: Study the relationship between the local community and the trees in order to discover how human settlements affect the trees.
	Habitat Analysis: Gain a better understanding of the geographic area where the metasequoia trees are found. This could later be used when analyzing the aftereffects of the Three Gorges Dam.
	Regulations: Create stricter regulations on farming in and around the Metasequoia valley in order to reduce strain on the trees.
	Information: Increase the amount of information available about the plight of the metasequoia trees. The more people that are informed about the dire situation in China, the greater the chances that the Chinese government will take action.

This site was last updated 12/04/02