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WULONG, July 18, 2008 - Preservation work at the South China Karst saw steady improvements following Mercedes-Benz Green Legacy Program's RMB 4 million contributions made earlier in April. The program progress and successes are presented to Mercedes-Benz and its partners - UNESCO and local officials - as well as national media, who convene today at this magnificent site.
Comprising three distinct karst landforms in Yunnan Shilin, Guizhou Libo and Chongqing Wulong, the South China Karst became the second site to be supported by the Green Legacy Program. Mercedes-Benz is also the first company to support its preservation efforts after it was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List a year ago.
The South China Karst is one of the seven natural heritage sites in China to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and also one of the world's most distinguished examples of karst formations. Its formation traces all the way back to between 500,000 to 300 million years ago and the site offers outstanding universal research reference and value for studying geological evolution.
As Prof Chen Weihai from Institute of Karst Geology at the Chinese Academy of Geological Science, explained, "These spectacular karst features are of world-class quality and unique from other karst forms in the world. The South China Karst landscapes provide important research evidence for studying the development of modern-day hydrographic net and issues challenging Yangtze and Three Gorges today. However, preservation of this treasured natural heritage faces difficulties in financing, technical assistance and trained manpower."
Recognizing these critical needs, Mercedes-Benz has been working in close partnership with UNESCO and local officials to address these challenges and to boost both preservation and management capabilities here.
Besides infrastructure building and site management plan formulation, other vital preservation work carried out under the Green Legacy Program include: setting up digital database, organizing training sessions to equip staff with proper knowledge and skills and educating the community about heritage site protection. One of the early program successes is the environment monitoring system at Furong Cave in Wulong. The system automatically monitors key environmental elements in the cave and provides precise data for comparing the air quality in and outside the cave so as to ensure its sustainable development.
Mr Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. said, "I am delighted to see that preservation work at the South China Karst is progressing smoothly and pleased with the project achievements so far. From Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries to the South China Karst, Mercedes-Benz continuously seeks to deepen and broaden conservation work, demonstrating the importance that our Green Legacy Program places on preservation of natural resources. It is also encouraging to see more individuals, corporations and media paying greater attention to the protection of nature and natural heritage sites. Hence we hope to be a positive driving force to raise further awareness towards this meaningful cause."
Ms Beatrice Kaldun, Program Specialist of UNESCO Office Beijing said at the press conference, "I would like to express our gratitude to Mercedes-Benz for its contribution and long-term commitment to South China Karst. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz's support for restoring quake-damaged heritage sites in Sichuan also set a good example of a responsible corporate citizen for others. With this, we would like to call for more public attention and concern towards post-disaster heritage site restoration and protection work." |
| At the press conference, a stone monument bearing engraved characters of 'Let Nature Take Its Course' (自然之道 奔驰之道) was presented to Mr Maier by officials from Wulong County, Chongqing. This monument will be placed at the entrance to Tiansheng Bridge site, home to the world's largest natural bridges, signifying commitment from these partners towards protecting our natural treasures. |
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