Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Base nestled in the lush greenery of Sichuan Province stands as a global symbol of wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
Home to over 100 giant pandas and red pandas, the center has become a vital hub for preserving this iconic species. It also serves as a valuable learning model for other countries, including Bangladesh, which is home to various endangered species, such as the Royal Bengal tiger-an emblem of Bengal and a source of national pride.
Sources said that through decades of dedicated research, breeding programmes, and public education, the centre has not only helped increase the panda population but also highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity for the health of the entire planet.
During a recent visit, this correspondent found that visitors from different parts of China and other countries swarm the panda centre to have a look at the lovely giant pandas eating bamboos and sleeping on trees.
Old and young people including students from different educational institutions with curious eyes are looking at these animals and capturing their photos in their mobile phones to carry the sweet memories.
Sources said that the giant panda, a national treasure of China, plays a vital role in its ecosystem. As an umbrella species, protecting pandas means preserving the vast bamboo forests they inhabit, which in turn supports countless other species.
The Chengdu centre has successfully bred and released several pandas into the wild, contributing to the gradual recovery of their population. This achievement underscores the importance of concerted conservation efforts in reversing the decline of endangered species.
Chengdu’s deep affection for the giant panda is evident everywhere you look in Sichuan. From the moment visitors enter the city, they are greeted by panda statues, murals, and decorations adorning roadsides, buildings, and public spaces.
Vendors line the streets selling panda-themed toys and souvenirs, while local businesses proudly display panda motifs in their logos and designs. For the people of Chengdu, the panda is more than just an animal-it is a symbol of national pride and a testament to their commitment to conservation.
“Driving through Chengdu feels like entering the kingdom of pandas,” said Li Wei, a local resident who came to visit the centre with his family.
“You see them everywhere-on bridges, in parks, even on the sides of buildings. It’s a reminder of how much we cherish these animals and how important it is to protect them,” he shared his feelings.
For many visitors, the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre is more than just a tourist attraction-it’s an inspiring reminder of humanity’s ability to make a positive impact on the natural world.
“Seeing the pandas up close are a dream comes true,” said a tourist from Kunming. “But what really struck me was learning about the centre’s conservation work. It’s amazing to see how much effort goes into protecting these beautiful animals.”
While the success of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre offers hope, it also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect other endangered species worldwide.
Bangladesh can take lessons from and share experiences with China to protect its famous species the Royal Bengal Tiger, native to the Sundarbans mangrove forests.
Due to climate change and other natural disasters, wild animals including Royal Bengal Tigers are facing severe threats to their existence. As both countries have the national animals, both can work in collaboration in saving these valuable species.
According to sources at the Panda Breeding Centre, the Chinese government rents pandas to other countries under specific conditions. The host nations must create a suitable environment for the pandas, often with the assistance of Chinese experts who help design and implement the necessary facilities.
Additionally, the host countries bear the expenses associated with maintaining the pandas, including their care, habitat construction, and dietary needs.
Known as “panda diplomacy,” China’s practice of loaning pandas to foreign countries serves as a strategic tool of soft power, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding while delivering significant economic and cultural benefits.
The presence of pandas abroad not only strengthens bilateral relationships but also stimulates tourism, education, and commerce in host nations, generating a ripple effect of economic growth.
Through this initiative, pandas have become global ambassadors, symbolising the harmonious blend of conservation efforts and international cooperation, and underscoring the vital connection between environmental stewardship and global diplomacy.
As the world grapples with climate change and habitat destruction, the success of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre offers a blueprint for conservation.
