A botanical research institution from the Chinese mainland has conducted the first major survey on Macao’s wild plants this month, as part of an investigation into biodiversity in the broader Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Four researchers from the Guangzhou-based South China Botanical Garden (SCBG) spent five days surveying Seac Pai Van Park, Ká Hó Reservoir Natural Park, Hac Sá Reservoir Natural Park and the Taipa Grande Natural Park to compile their report, according to China Daily.
Their findings will offer an in-depth understanding of biodiversity in Macao at present, and an assessment of the local government’s conservation efforts.
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The research will also be used to enrich the National Wild Plant Germplasm Resource Centre, which safeguards the genetic diversity of plants in China.
Protecting the GBA’s biodiversity can be challenging, China Daily reported, due to the region’s rapid economic growth and the difficulties it presents to conservation.
China launched a special programme in March 2023, led by the SCBG, to assess the impact of urbanisation’s impact on biodiversity in the GBA in order to serve as a benchmark for environmentally sustainable development.
