The 2006 International Conference on Giant Panda Conservation and Research
The 2006 International Conference on Giant Panda Conservation and Research
November 13th 2006 was a day of warm sunshine and gentle breezes in Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand. Giant banners for the “International Conference on Giant Pandas” and photos of “Chuang Chuang” and “Lin Hui” could be seen all along the streets. The “ 2006 Thailand Giant Panda Conservation Research Workshop and the 17th Annual Meeting of the Committee on Giant Panda Breeding Techniques held in the Lotus Hotel in Chiang Mai, and jointly hosted by the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens and the Zoological Parks Organization of the Kingdom of Thailand were officially opened.
Mr. Tongchai, Deputy-Director of Chiang Mai Province in Thailand; Mr. Peng Rendong, Chinese Consul-General in Chiang Mai; Mr. Liu Shanghua, Director-General of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens; Mr. Zhang Zhihe, Director of the Chinese Committee on Giant Panda Breeding Techniques; Mr. Sophon, Director-General of the Zoological Parks Organization Committee in Thailand and Mr. Natian, Director-General of the Zoological Parks Organization of the Kingdom of Thailand addressed the conference.
The directors of the Chinese and Thai Zoo Associations strike the gong to wish the Conference in Thailand every success!
International delegates visit “Chuang Chuang” and “Lin Hui”
During the coming week, 150 specialists from over ten countries and regions, including China (and the regions of Taiwan and Hong Kong) and Thailand, USA, Austria, Japan, France, Spain, Malaysia and Canada will give presentations, reviewing giant panda breeding worldwide in 2006 and making suggestions for all aspects of breeding in the coming year. They will also communicate and discuss the latest reports on conservation medicine, genetic population management, behavioral management and conservation education etc.
Professor Zhang Zhihe, Director of the Chinese Committee on Giant Panda Breeding Techniques expressed his appreciation to the Zoological Parks Organization of the Kingdom of Thailand for successfully organizing and hosting this conference. Professor Zhang remarked that, since the Chinese Committee on Giant Panda Breeding Techniques was first established in 1989, this giant panda meeting has been held annually in Chengdu, China for 16 years and this is the first time it has been held abroad. This indicates that countries all around the world are currently focusing more and more attention on giant panda conservation. The giant panda is becoming an international brand, driving economic, tourism and conservation development.
Director Zhang Zhihe stated in his annual work report that 2006 had been a fruitful year in the history of giant panda conservation. This year 31 giant panda cubs were born in captivity, with 28 survivors so far. Several historical records in giant panda breeding history were set, such as the highest numbers in giant panda breeding ever; the lightest captive-bred cub ever born, at only 51 grams and still surviving and the first successful birth of a cub at Zoo Atlanta (USA) etc.
Delegates from various countries and honored guests unanimously commended the Chinese Committee of Giant Panda Breeding Techniques annual meeting for the important role it has played over many years in striving to promote cooperation and communication between organizations in numerous countries. They also hope that, in the light of good relations between all organizations involved in giant panda conservation so far, this cooperation will continue to deepen, eventually leading to facilitating the long-term conservation of giant pandas and also contribute to enhancing friendship between numerous world countries and promoting ecologically, economically and culturally sustainable development.
Source: http://www.pandaphoto.com.cn/English/XXLR1.ASP?ID=972
