baima snow mountain
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Development and Sustainability
Jorge Celorio
Montse Romero Polanco/ A01223355
Gilberto Garcia Ascencio/ A01223341
Karen Morales Clouthier/A01223818
Mariana Arias de la Torre/ A01223242
Michelle Gonzalez Santa Ana/A01223161
Final Project
Baima Snow Mountain Azalea Forest
Week 1
Description:
The road from Zhongdian to Deqin passes through the Baima
Snow Mountain. Going further west, you will enter Tibet.
The Baima Snow Mountain is located in southeastern Deqin
County, is in the eastern part of the northern section of the
Yunling Mountains.
Most of the peaks are 5,000 meters high, with the highest one-
Mount Zhalaqueni-standing at 5,640 meters
above sea level.
The Baima Snow Mountain is now days a
natural reserve that consists of a large group of mountains. It is located5000 meters above the ground. There is a very large of quantity of
species. It is the largest natural reserve in Yunnan Province. This area is
also the main habitat of Yunnan golden monkeys, a species only found in
this region.
Most forests are being destroyed to create tourist areas. There are high seasons of
tourists, mainly in summer and autumn when the climate is more calid and the flowers are
blooming.
China has a great variety of ecosystems in its surface area, from
the desserts, to rivers and lakes, from grass lands, to the coast
line; we decided to study one of the ten most beautiful forests
in China. The Bima Snow Mountain Azalea Forest was selected
as the 4th
most beautiful forest by China National Geographic
magazine. This ecosystem is home to numerous creatures and plants that coexist by
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interacting positively with each other. The Baima Mountain is the watershed of two rivers,
the Lancang River and the Jinshan River. As a national park, the administration is held by
the Deqen County in the Tibetan Autonomous prefecture of Diqing, Yunnan Providence.
The place is known for its beautiful colors and azaleas blooming every year.
Related Biome: Alpine
Type of Ecosystem: Forest Area and Mountains
Biotic and Abiotic Factors
The main plants of this nature reserve are:
Highland oak birch Yunnuan pine Georges fir snow-white rododendro Vitchleaf sophora Snow white Alpine coniferous trees Bamboo trees
Fauna: There are around 47 species in this ecosystem, some of them are:
Yunnan golden monkey Clouded leopard Red panda Horse musk deer Lesser panda Green tailed monal White-eared pheasant
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Climate:
The Baima mountain forest has a temperature of 4.7 to 16.5 Celsius in average. This
mountainous place has little precipitation due to the fact that its the watershed of two
important rivers. During the months of December and April, there is heavy snow, and the
temperature drops. Under the mountains, there is a very populated forest area known for
its Azalea flowers that are abundant in the summer months of the year. Spring and
summer mainly May and June are the best months to visit, because of the decent weather.
Natural Resources:
The three main rivers that are connected to Baima forest are the Nujiang, Lantsang, and
Yangtse rivers. These are natural resources that provide the biotic factors water and food.
These rivers are considered other ecosystems within the one we are studying; however in
this document we do not research the rivers in depth. Other natural resources are
minerals, barite and arsenic, reserves of gypsum and materials to fabric pottery clay.
Biochemical cycle:
In Baimas forest, like any other the oxygen cycle is present. With the amount of trees that
there are, they, along with other plants use up C02, water and
sunlight and through the process of photosynthesis they
transform it into oxygen, natural waste. Oxygen in inhaled by
the animals and other humans in the reserve. When they exhale
after internal combustion, and after they die they release
carbon dioxide which is needed for the process of
photosynthesis.
Symbiosis:There were not enough places to research, and no information found about a
certain species to specify a certain type of symbiosis.
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Food Web:
PRODUCERS-Fruits on
trees
-Plants
-Flowers
-Nuts from
trees
Rabbit
Caterpillars,
or worms
Birds
Primary
consumers
Red Panda
Hawks
Yunnuan
Golden
Monkey
Deers
Clouded
leopard
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Week 2Society and Development
Baima Snow Mountain is one of the most beautiful national parks in Chinait is the largest
primeval forest and its natural environment is still intact. It is situated on the central part
of the Hengduan Mountains, on the slope of the section between the Baima Snow
Mountain & Renzhi Snow Mountain. As a national park, it is under the protection of the
government, however with the increasing growth of population in china theres an
opportunity market regarding construction sites, real state, architecture, etc. Families are
looking for an escape, an escape from pollution, the stress in the city, the lights,
contamination, etc. One problem we face today is the proximity between people and the
few natural spaces left in china, with the gorgeous view of Baimas snow mountain,
companies dedicated to constructing apartments and housing will see the perimeter of
the national park as a great marketing proposition.
Another massive action will soon become a great problem. Bamboo forests near Baima
Snow Mountain are cut down each year to supply the society; deforestation will destroy
the ecosystem if there is no solution implemented.
Human & Ecosystem Interactions:
In China, the Yunnan Province is the second most forested region. Sadly theirforests are the largest and principal targets for deforestation. In the early 1950s forest
cover in the region declined from 55%, in the 1970s approximately 30%, and down to 23%
today.
Only 8% of Yunnans forest is still in the original conditions, in the state the whole forest
should be. The regeneration initiatives came out with single species, including some that
are not even from the region, like the Japanese Black Pine.
It is considered as one of the Medicinal plants and animals reserve, very important
for the production of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For this reason, Yunnan Province faces
constantly dangerous threats that could highly damage the region permanently.Finally, the construction of hydroelectric dams is damaging, and even completing
destroying the natural cycles of the rivers and their dependant ecosystems. A
hydroelectric dam works with a water turbine and a generator, they extract the power
from the potential energy of dammed water driving.
During our research we came upon a study done by a meteorologist, Liu Jiaxun. He
made some observations based on his study of global warming and its impact on scenic
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resorts. Liu said that the effects of ice melting and drying water sources combined would
have devastating effects.
Glaciers are sensitive to changes in global climate. The worlds climate warming is rapidly
coming up; almost all low altitude glaciers are melting. This would result in floods,
farmland damage and mud-rock slides. While the drying water would lead to river shrink
and severe droughts.
Obviously it would bring social consequences as well; the disappearance of glacier
landscape would destroy natural resources for scientific research and tourism.
Demography:
278,329 people live in the boundaries of Yunnan 36,512 live in the core areas of Yunnan Due to climate changes, a program of relocation was initiated by the Chinese
government
In 2003, 36,000 people were relocated from the 7 main areas of the nominatedareas (9,000 households)
1,500 were in main core areas They were relocated from high altitude lands, with a poor ecosystem into Dali and
Simao Prefectures ( more farmland and higher population carrying capacity
The 5 year plan is to relocate 19,500 people, 60% of them living in core zones(eoearth.org)
Changes in Temperature:
The Baima Snow Mountain maintains a somewhat low temperature average, because of
its high altitude and snowy top. However, due to the climate changes and the increase of
pollution created by humans, the world is changing rapidly and in ways we never imagined
possible. Green house gases not only affect the ozone layer, but the ultra violet rays are
melting the polar caps, increasing the level of heat that is absorbed by the earth, and the
water levels of the oceans are increasing. It might seem insignificant, but these changes in
temperature are affecting weather and climate, now seasons are late or early, messing
crops, animal activity, plant production, etc. Baima is experiencing hotter temperatures
that melt the snowy tops; this affects the ecosystems, or to the point of death. Species
that cannot adapt fast to the changes die, and in Baimas snow mountain there are a few
rare species that will soon reach extinction. Temperature is an abiotic factor easily
changeable but risky and harmful. Extreme measures must be met to retrieve the balance,
and past temperature to the ecosystem.
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Pollution:
Green house gases Trash coming from tourists Air pollution from nearby factories Water pollution from the inhabited towns Carbon released when they cut down trees or forest fires
Baima Snow Mountain National park is a government facility protected from polluting
threats. There are services that clean the park, control the tourists and visitors, maintain
balance in the ecosystem and make sure that no other factors affect the natural peace.
With such a beautiful attraction, keeping control is difficult; visitors might leave trash, ordisrupt the cycle. Outside pollutants, such as in air and water might infect the ecosystem,
animals or plants. The three rivers can carry harmful chemicals, residual waste from
nearby towns or cities, etc.
In consequence, the snowy tops will melt creating floods in the terrains under the peak of
the mountain destroying the forest, villages, ecosystems, etc. Trees with an excess of
water can become rotten, animals will die without a home, villages will be destroyed,
tourist attractions and hotels deeply affected, etc. With no trees, there will be no oxygen
cycle, and no way to purify the polluted air. A vicious cycle only we have the power of
stopping. (China Tour)
Depredation:
Baima Snow Mountain National Park is a main tourist attraction in china. It provides a
profitable market for hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, shops, etc. The people who live
here base the living on tourism; however, the toll of trees is abusive. They cut trees to
create more hotels, to build various structures, to clean the view of the mountain, etc.
Trees, including bamboo are a huge part of Baimas ecosystem, every time they cut down
one, they are killing the forest and the creatures in it, like the Yunnan golden monkey, a
species that is only found in that region. Instead of thinking about the sustainability and
the future, they are destroying it. With no trees and no nature to admire, tourist will not
want to visit, ending any commerce in the area. We see nature as a never ending resource
that will stay beautiful forever; this wrong thought will ruin us all.
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Week 3Sustainability
Baima Snow Mountain National Park is not facing an environmental, social or economical
problem right now, however, the potential is closer than we imagine, with one wrong
decision, one change in climate, a chemical spill, acid rain, and everything could go wrong.
Sustainability is maintaining the harmony of environmental, social and economical health,
consuming in balance natural resources and assure a future to future generations.
In the studied ecosystem there is failure when referring to sustainability. The problems we
face are the construction of houses or apartments near the mountain, giving human life a
more natural appeal. With the movement of people to the new housing, pollution will
increase:
House Hold Resource Needs
Water
Around eight liters are wasted in only one toilet flush. (6 L with an eco-friendlytoilet).
Economic
Tourism
Trees (raw materials) Jobs inside the park
Stores/ restaurants/hotels
Environmental
Water and air pollution
Deforestation
Erosion
Climate Change
etc
Social Tourists
Villages near by
Job
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A washing machine can use up to 70 L if the whole cycle is completed. A 5-minute water can get to use around 7 to 8 gallons, considering a normal
shower of around 20 minutes we would e talking of up to 28 gallons.
According to the web page science for a changing world, an average house can getto waste around:
Bath: 50 gallons
Shower: 2.5 gallons per minute Teeth brushing: 1 gallon Hands/face washing: 1 gallon Face/leg shaving: 1 gallon Dishwasher: 20 gallons/load Dishwashing by hand: 5 gallons/load Clothes washing (machine): : 10 gallons/load Toilet flush: 3 gallons Glasses of water drunk: 8 oz. per glass (1/16th of a gallon)
ELECTRICITY
In a normal day, an average family uses around: Coffee maker= 900-1200 Watts. Washing machine= 350-500 Watts. Dryer (Clothes) = 1800-5000 Watts. Dishwasher= 1200-2400 Watts. Hair dryer= 1200-1870 Watts. Microwave= 750-1500 Watts. Laptop= around 70 Watts. Fridge= around 780 Watts. Television (depending the type) = can get from 65 to 120 Watts.*Note: The energy used to recycle 1 can of cola is the same energy a TV needs to
run for 3 hours.*
PROPANE GAS
LP LP or propane gas is widely used at home mostly to heat the stove and the boiler.
This gas generates less carbon emissions than other gases, which makes it a kind of eco-
friendly fossil fuel, however it is highly explosive, and this would cause a huge devastation
in the Baima reserve.
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Also, deforestation is becoming a problem, to find balance we will control the cutting of
trees by distributing the impact on the forest, and with it laws that will force the
companies to plant 3 new trees for one cut down.
Population grows daily, and it would be impossible to prohibit people from moving near
the mountain. The laws we propose are establishing a perimeter around the mountain
that cant be crossed by construction companies. Also we offer a service and make the
apartments or houses more eco friendly.
Eco Friendly Homes:
These houses have solar panels and heat pump
technology in order to produce energy; they also
count with rainwater collectors for external use like
washing cars or for watering the garden.
They are built with sustainable building timbers, low
volatile organic compounds and toxic free paints,
finishes and adhesives, this way they make a low
environmental impact.
The construction of these houses isnt that cheap, but
there is a pay-back period because of the savings this
implies.
To patent the ideas and products of this service will create more money when they reach
outer markets, like Mexico, India or the United States. This method is highly effective, and
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with popularity and the right marketing it will be a great market to inspire. Our company
or service will create more jobs, in the social factor of sustainability. Not only for workers,
but for researchers, engineers, lawyers, architects, etc. In the older villages, we will install
better systems of electricity, water, etc, always with renewable energy and resources. The
use of fossil fuels will be annulated or highly restricted. Solar panels will be used instead of
coal, and gardens will be planted on top of the houses to promote nature and gas
exchange.
Besides jobs in the company, we will open a program inside the national park, where
citizens will work as janitors, police, and watchmen inside the park. To mobilize the people,
bike roads will be installed, avoiding the use of vehicles, or busses that run only on electric
energy. Water energy is a great resource because of the great rivers near the mountain.
Tourism will be encouraged, inviting new cultures and languages. The economy will grow
with this tourist service. Schools will teach young ones languages, to facilitate
communication, etc.
With balance and positive factors, sustainability is possible. The only way to measure it is
evaluating the outcome, the only thing that can come out of the plan is positive; taking
initiative is the first and hardest step. When taken, the whole nation will follow, later the
world.
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In Mexico
Any solution can be implemented in Mexico, the
problem might be the willingness of the people and the barriers of government and
religion are still there. To move Mexico, we must first get to the people, and what moves
people is media.
1. Find a popular face to transmit the message and promote the service. Theimportance of eco friendly housing, and eco friendly transportation
2. Housing will be available to the middle or upper class in Mexico due to the cost ofthe process, we will make our product seem the highlight of the century and sell it
as a fashion statement as well as a status symbol.
3. When the trend sets in, and our researchers find cheaper ways to make the ecofriendly devices we will contact the government and introduce our service
4. Government facilities, hospitals, stores, schools, in time will be transformed intoeco friendly environments.
5. The laws of planting 3 trees for 1 that is cut down might be able to be adapted,along with the perimeter of national parks and natural areas. In Mexico there is a
high rate of unemployment, if they institute those laws, and with less money
inverted on electricity in the facilities, the government will be able to pay those
who take care of the natural parks and resorts.
6. If we ignore the tendency of corruption and dont get involved with thegovernment, we can get our eco friendly products into the market. With the right
campaigning, the real state agency of eco friendly houses will spread across the
world.
7. Busses, and some cars, will also be part of the service or product depending on theplace. Patent of the buses will be remitted for economical value.
8. Busses in Mexico are not efficient and highly polluted, they are in need of renewal,and what better than another bus that runs on electrical energy, does not affect
the environment and creates a healthier environment for the consumer.
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BibliografaChina Tour. 27 de 06 de 2011 .
eoearth.org. 27 de 06 de 2011
.
Amiwa-trek.com. 27 de 06 de 2011
Chem11.proboards.com. 27 de 06 de 2011
Redorbit.com. 26 de 06 de 2011
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