Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve was included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas at the certification ceremony of the eighth IUCN World Conservation Congress, which was held on Oct 12 in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.
This makes it the only nature reserve in Shaanxi province to receive dual international certification after joining the World Biosphere Reserve network.
The Zhouzhi Nature Reserve is located in the middle section of the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. As an important water conservation area in Xi'an and a key ecological barrier in China, this region preserves a complete vertical vegetation belt spectrum on the northern slope of the Qinling Mountains and is a key area for global biodiversity conservation.
Rare species such as Sichuan snub nosed monkeys, giant pandas, and Qinling takins inhabit the protected area. To date, 1,823 species of wild plants, 376 species of wild vertebrates, and 1,435 species of insects have been recorded in the area, including three species of national first-class protected plants, 23 species of second-class protected plants, 12 species of first-class protected animals, and 36 species of second-class protected animals.
The Green List is a global initiative established by the IUCN to promote biodiversity conservation with nature reserves at its core. The inclusion in the list is a full affirmation of Zhouzhi Nature Reserve's long-term commitment to green development and scientific governance, and a high recognition of Xi'an's ecological governance achievements reaching international standards, further demonstrating Xi'an's exemplary and leading position in regional ecological governance.
Zhouzhi Nature Reserve will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with both domestic and international organizations, strengthen its protection efforts and management, and contribute to the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.