Tag: Our Mountains

Episode 11: A Community Rooted in Nature

Qinling National Botanical Garden is more than just a beautiful place; it’s a community!  Gardeners, like Peizhen Ye and Changjiang Liu, have shared their heartwarming stories about working here. From local farmers finding better opportunities to retired teachers sharing their talents, their garden is a place where people from all walks of life come together.

Transcript

阿姨，您在这边工作了多少年啦？
Aunty, how long have you been working here?

2-3年了~
About two or three years.

家在哪儿呀？
May I ask where you are from?

在陕西户县
I’m from Huxian County.

那你在这边工作开心吗？
Are you content with your work here?

开心！
Yeah, it’s great!

你家里有田地吗？
Do you own any farmland at your residence?

有的，我在家里自己种的猕猴桃
Yes, I cultivate kiwi fruits on my farmland.

在这边的收入和在家里种地相比如何？
How’s the pay working here compared to farming at home?

在这边赚得更多
Here I earned more.

从您家的县城到这里多少路程呢？
How far is your county to here?

50多里路，我坐车过来，半小时就到了
Over 25 kilometers. I travel by bus, which takes only about half an hour.

那还挺方便的！
That’s quite convenient!

Changjiang Liu
Gardener
Qinling National Botanical Garden

Transcript

老师，您在这儿工作多少年了
How many years have you been working here?
两年
Two years.

就是退休了，来这边。
You came here after retirement?

对对对，
Yes.
在这边工作开心吗？
Are you happy working here?
开心啊
Very happy.

退休之前您做啥的呢？
What did you do before you retired?
因为我是小学教师，我是教书音乐美术的
I was an elementary school teacher, I taught music and art.

哇，怪不得你来画这个
No wonder you come to draw the letter of the Qinling here.
这次对我来说很简单
It is simple for me.

退休之前您来过这边吗？
Did you come here before you retired?
退休之前来过, 这离我们这里不远嘛。我们星期天来哄孙子嘛，娃带上就过来了.
Yes, it’s not far from us, and we brought our grandson to here on Sundays to play.

您觉得有啥变化吗？这边跟之前。
Do you think anything has changed compared to before?
这不越来越好啊，现在游客来休息的地方很干净，环境很好。
It’s getting better and better, now the place for tourists to rest is very clean and the environment is very good.

Episode 10: From Mountain to Modern: A Village Transformed

Life has changed for the better in Dianzhen Village. Huang Minqun shares how his life has improved since the botanical garden was built nearby. The village has gone from inconvenient mountain living to a modern community with easy access to water, electricity, and transportation. Thanks to the garden’s development, villagers now enjoy a higher quality of life.

Transcript

大家好，我叫Huang Minqun，来自殿镇十队，一个村边。
Hi! I’m Huang Minqun,
a resident of Dianzhen Village.

之前在秦岭的山坡上居住，日常生活做什么都很不方便。
It’s very inconvenient while I lived on the hillside of the Qinling Mountains.

自从植物园来了以后，我们就搬迁到了这里。
We moved to the village since the Garden established.

用电、取水、附近的道路，都让我们生活便利。
Electricity, water, roads are all reachable.

所以我们心里都非常感谢植物园能来我们这边开发，
We heartfully thanks to the development brought by the Garden.

如果不是他们，我们也无法从山上移居到平原来，
Otherwise, we can’t move to the plains.生活也没法像现在这样便利。
life can’t be so convenient like now.

我结婚了以后，在山底下弯腰挑水。用两个水桶，往山上挑了好几年水以后，
Back when I was living in the mountains,
I need to go to the bottom of the mountains to fetch water.
山上才有自来水可以使用，（自来水）比起山里的泉水，自来水更干净实用。
Now we have tap water,
which is cleaner, and easy to get.

以前住在山中最害怕下雨，因为都是泥土路，每天都要穿雨鞋。
Previously, I’m most afraid of rainy days,
Because the roads get muddy,
I need to wear rain boots.

现在在新村，都是柏油路、水泥路，下雨都不会让鞋子沾满泥。
Now we have asphalt and cement roads,
our shoes are still clean even during rainy days.

自从搬到了新村，出门都能坐车，现在甚至每家每户都有私家车。有车以后，出门做什么都很方便，确实很感谢植物园带来的开发。

And every household has vehicle to commute,
it’s so easy to go out of the village.

We express our sincere gratitude once more
to the development brought by the Garden.

Episode 09: Up Close with Qinling Wildlife

Qinling Four Treasure Science Park is a must-visit!  As a local guide, Pingjun Jia shares how this unique park is more than just a zoo. It’s a dedicated conservation center focusing on the protection and research of rare animals, especially those native to the Qinling Mountains. Since its opening in May 2021, the park has not only provided jobs and boosted the local economy but also raised awareness about wildlife conservation.

Transcript

大家好，我叫Pingjun Jia，我的家就在秦岭四宝科学公园附近。
Hello, everyone! My name is Pingjun Jia,
and I live near the Qinling Four Treasure Science Park.

之前我也是从事景区工作，后来秦岭四宝公园开园后(我就来到了这里上班）。
Having previously been employed at various tourist spots,
I seized the opportunity to join this Park upon its inauguration.

来到这边之后，发现原来陕西西安也有大熊猫。
Then I realized that there’s also giant pandas in Xi’an, Shaanxi.

个人感觉，我们这个秦岭四宝科学公园虽然看上去就是一个动物园，其实我们这个园区的宗旨服务，更偏向于对珍惜野生动物的救护和科研的发展方向。
To me, Qinling Four Treasure Science Park,
while functioning like a zoo,
primarily focuses on the conservation, research,
and rehabilitation of endemic plant and animal species.

它比起其他的动物园有本质上的不同，更有意义也更具代表性。
Therefore,
this Park distinguishes itself from average zoos
by its informative and versatile approach.

秦岭四宝公园是2021年5月28日开园的，开园之后，它为附近的居民带来了许多就业岗位；带动了附近村民的经济收入；更好地提升了了楼观这个区域的经济发展。
Since the park opened its doors on May 28, 2021,
Louguan County has experienced a tremendous economic boom,
manifesting through heightened employment prospects and
augmented income for the local populace.

Episode 08: From Resident to Host

Discover the charm of Dianzhen Village!  Yangmin Zhou, a local resident, shares his incredible journey. Thanks to the Qinling national botanical garden, he transformed his life by opening a cozy homestay. With stunning views and a warm welcome, his business is thriving.

Transcript

嗨！大家好！我是殿镇村的Zhou Yamin
Hello, everyone! I am Yangmin Zhou ,
a resident of Dianzhen Village.

我以前没有个正当职业，年收入也只能解决温饱问题。
Previously, I engaged in various temporary jobs,
earning just enough for subsistence.

自从植物园在这儿建立以后，我感到商机来了。到这儿开了个民宿，共有五个客房。这是棋牌茶室，那边儿是书房。
However, the inception of the Botanical Garden
presented an opportunity.
I established a quaint home hotel,
complete with five guest rooms.
This is entertainment area, that’s kitchen.

年收入二三十万人民币。我想植物园的游客会越来越多，会带动我的生意变得越来越好！
My annual income increased to around CNY 200,000 to 300,000.
I think there will be more and more guests visiting the garden,
which will lead my business become better and better.

Episode 07: A Model for Sustainability

Yaohua Liu, Director at Qinling National Botanical Garden, explains how ADB’s investment in the Qinling region has yielded significant results. By providing critical financial support, the project has facilitated ecological conservation efforts and enhanced the livelihoods of local communities. This initiative has attracted national attention and serves as a model for sustainable development. 

Transcript

亚行项目的实施，对整个秦岭区域的生态保护与示范起到了巨大的推动作用。
This project has significantly contributed to the ecological preservation
and sustainable development across the Qinling region.

主要作用体现在以下几个方面：
The project’s impact is multifaceted:

第一， 有利地解决了秦岭国家植物园前期建设经费不足的问题。亚行项目的实施，贷款利率低，周期长。
Firstly, it resolved the funding shortage for the early construction period.
ADB’s loan provided low interest rates and long cycles.

第二，有利地改善了周边群众的生活水平。流转当地群众集体土地6600余亩，建成移民新村160户4.16万平方米。无偿为当地群众提供山货交易场所4800平方米。每年直接为当地群众提供就业岗位200个以上，直接或间接为当地群众每年增收2000万元以上。

Secondly, it has notably elevated the locals’ living standards.
Over 6,600 mu of land was reallocated,
leading to the establishment of a new resettlement village
for 160 households spanning 41,600 m2.
Additionally, a 4,800 m2 trading area for mountain goods
has been provided to the locals at no cost,
it created over 200 jobs annually,
and increased local incomes by over CNY 20 million yearly.

第三，引起了国家、省市以及全国植物园界的关注。
Thirdly, the project has attracted attention broadly,

尤其是在创建国家植物园体系方面、公众教育方面，起到了巨大的推动作用。
It played a crucial role
in the formation of the national botanical garden system
and in bolstering public education efforts.

每年中小学生入园的研学人数将近达10w人次，走在了全国植物园的前列。
It ranks top of the PRC’s botanical gardens
with annually visit of 100,000 students.

第四，有利地提升了植物园的管理水平。

Lastly, it strengthened our capacity.

同时通过国际国内的考察。
Throughout international and domestic study tours,使我们充分认识到了与国际一流植物园的差距，
we recognized the gap with world-class botanical gardens,

确定了我园的发展方向与目标。
developed our aims and goals.

Episode 06: A Commitment to Biodiversity

Shaanxi Forestry Bureau Director Rui Wang shares their commitment to protecting the Qinling Mountains. By establishing national parks and botanical gardens, and focusing on habitat conservation, they aim to safeguard iconic species like the giant panda and crested ibis. This initiative will not only enhance the region’s biodiversity but also promote a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. 

Transcript

我们将加快推进，秦岭国家公园，秦岭国家植物园创建。
We are committed to accelerating
the development of the Qinling National Park
and the Qinling National Botanical Garden.

加强野生动物栖息地和野生植物原生境保护。
Meanwhile, we will intensify our conservation efforts,
focusing on wildlife’s habitats and the native plant species.

重点加大秦岭区域珍稀濒危野生动植物种群的保护力度，特别是大熊猫、朱鹮、还有秦岭冷杉等一些旗舰物种的保护。
Our primary objective is to enhance the protective measures
for the Qinling Mountains’ unique and vulnerable wildlife,
particularly prioritizing iconic species
like the giant pandas, crested ibises, and Abies chensiensis.

通过建立科研基地、完善基础设施、落实相关的保护政策，切实守护好秦岭生物多样性保护，共建人与自然和谐相处的美丽陕西。
Through the establishment of advanced research facilities,
completion of infrastructure,
and enactment of relevant conservation policies,
we will protect Qinling Mountains’ vast and diverse wildlife.
Let us join forces to foster a symbiotic relationship
between humanity and nature
and realize our vision of a flourishing Shaanxi.

Episode 05: Young Minds Exploring Nature

Students from different schools had an unforgettable field trip to the Qinling Mountains. They learned about diverse plant species, made herbarium samples, and gained a deeper appreciation for the environment. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of environmental stewards in action! 

Yifan Wang
Student
The High School Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University

Transcript

Hello everyone, I’m a student from Jiaotong Middle School. Today I have a trip with my classmates to a park in Qinling. I’m very tired today but I had a great time. Because teachers taught me many new things about the plants here. I saw many different colors of flowers.

And I know many different plants that I have never seen before. In Xi’an city, there are many cars, I don’t feel relaxed. But here, the ground is very wide, and I see many green plants. I feel very relaxed and happy today. I learned many things and I really hope I can come here again.

Zixin Ma, Yinghan Kou, Zixin Ma
Year 4 and 5 Student
Xi’an High-Tech Zone No. 6 School

Transcript

We went for a walk, and we saw many plants. It was very nice. Making plants’ samples is very fun. Our teacher told us how to make it. I learned a lot and I think it is very useful.

Ruijie Wang
Year 8 Student
Xi’an High-Tech Zone No. 6 School

Transcript

In this activity, I learned more about the environment. I made some plants’ sample and picked them. It is useful and educational for me. Green mountains and clear water are important for us. So, let’s save the environment and our beautiful world.

Episode 04: Cultivating Conservation in the Qinling

Liying Fang, Director of the Qinling National Botanical Garden, shares her inspiring journey. After gaining valuable experience at the Chicago Botanic Garden, she returned to the People’s Republic of China to educate the public about the unique biodiversity of the Qinling Mountains. Through engaging activities and school outreach, she’s inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect this precious ecosystem. 

Transcript

In 2017, I got a chance to learn in Chicago Botanic Garden as an exchange staff.

I worked there for five months, learning from plant production to horticulture, from education to volunteers, also marketing department.

Now I work in the education department in Qinling National Botanical Garden.

After five years’ effort, we focused on the Qinling themes topic, public education, designed a lot of activities, attracted thousands of students to our garden from all over the country.

Also, we went to more than 200 schools to give students lectures, to let them know more about the Qinling Mountains, more about the plants and the biodiversity in Qinling Mountains.

Episode 03: A Beacon of Hope for Wildlife

Guanglan Xu, Veterinarian at the Shaanxi Animal Rescue & Conservation Center Guanglan Xu, highlights significant advancements in wildlife conservation. These includes breeding rare species, conducting scientific research, and educating the public through initiatives like the Qinling Four Treasure Science Park. The center’s efforts have contributed to the revival of the crested ibis’ population and the growth of the Qinling giant panda population. 

Transcript:

Due to the improvement of scientific research capacity, facilities, and equipment as well as personal management, remarkable achievements have been made, such as rare animal breeding, scientific research, recreating high-calibre researchers, as well as conservation education.

After years of efforts, the population of the Qinling giant pandas in the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center has reached 49.

Earlier this year, two high level scientific papers were published. One on the chromosomal study of the crested ibis, the other on the hair color of the brown panda, both involving researchers from the center.

For the conservation of the crested ibis, we contributed notably to the revival of the population in the northern range of the Qinling Mountains.

And the Qinling Four Treasure Science Park open to the public in 2021.

Since then, we’ve been committed to carry out science popularization activities and nature experience activities, so as to better establish a connection between humans and nature, and these are very popular with the public, especially teenagers.

Episode 02: Safeguarding the Qinling Biodiversity

Zhiming Niu, Senior Project Office (Environment) of the Asian Development Bank, outlines the multifaceted approach to conserving the Qinling Mountains. The project focuses on large-scale habitat restoration to safeguard endangered species, establishes a botanical garden and animal rescue center to educate the public and promote ecotourism, and strengthens policy and institutional frameworks to ensure long-term conservation efforts. 

Transcript

First, we supported institute conservation in very large areas through rehabilitated natural habitats for the conservation.

Second, we supported the establishment of a botanical garden and animal rescue and breeding center to support public education and ecotourism.

Third, we supported policy and institutional development, which created very important institutional policy, enabling environment for the long-term conservation activities.

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