The number exceeds 5 million plants, with ecological, humanistic and scientific research value

Build three cornerstones so that ancient and famous trees can continue to flourish

　　◎Intern reporter Pei Chenwei

　　A 24-meter-high tree that can only be hugged by six or seven people stands in the Tanzhe Temple in the west of Beijing.

Its branches are vigorous and powerful, and the canopy covers the sky and the sun.

　　This is the Emperor Tree of Tanzhe Temple, which is said to have a history of more than 1,300 years.

　　In China, there are many ancient and famous trees with a long history like the imperial tree.

According to the results of the second national census of ancient and famous tree resources released recently, there are a total of 5.0819 million ancient and famous trees within the scope of the national census, including 1.2213 million scattered trees and 3.8606 million trees in clusters.

There are 987,500 scattered old trees in the country with an age of 100-299 years, 160,300 trees with an age of 300-499 years, and 68,200 trees with an age of more than 500 years.

　　Why conduct a census of ancient and famous tree resources?

In the future, how should the protection of ancient and famous trees be further promoted?

In this regard, a reporter from Science and Technology Daily interviewed relevant experts.

Spread the concept of ecological civilization

　　Our country has a vast territory, and the climate and topography of different regions vary greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate detailed protection measures for ancient and famous trees according to the specific local conditions.

"This census has found out the 'family background' of ancient and famous trees in our country, which is conducive to relevant agencies to understand the growth status of ancient trees and their surrounding environment, and then formulate corresponding protection measures. It can be said that this is a basic Work." Luo Huixin, vice chairman and secretary general of Beijing Green Foundation, said.

　　At the same time, the census of ancient and famous tree resources is also a vivid science popularization practice for the masses.

Cong Richen, a professor-level senior engineer at the Beijing Academy of Landscaping Science, said that the census of ancient and famous tree resources is not only an act in forestry, but also has a deeper social value.

"This census has received a lot of social attention and has strong educational significance for the public. Through this census, we know that there are more than 5 million ancient trees over 100 years old in the country. The census has aroused people's desire to protect the ecological environment. awareness, and spread the concept of ecological civilization to all walks of life.”

Demonstrate the multiple values ​​of ancient trees

　　The ancient and famous trees have gone through the years and are the witnesses of history.

Cong Richen told reporters that among the more than 5 million ancient trees found in this census, there are more than 200 ancient and famous trees named after ancient, modern or modern celebrities.

"There is a historical story behind each of these more than 200 ancient trees. For example, the Yellow Emperor planted cypresses, Xiang Yu planted locust trees, Zhu Di planted cypresses, and trees planted by great men in modern times. The value of these ancient and famous trees has long surpassed their own. As the value of the tree itself, it carries more historical and cultural values, and some of them have become the memory of the nation." Cong Richen said.

　　Ancient and famous trees not only carry the memory of the nation, but also record the mysteries of nature and have scientific research value.

Luo Huixin told reporters that ancient and famous trees carry many excellent genes, which provides the possibility for scientists to breed excellent forest tree varieties with strong stress resistance.

At the same time, through the growth of the annual rings of ancient trees, scientists can infer the ancient climate conditions, which plays an important role in understanding climate change and the evolution of the natural geographical environment.

　　One flower, one world, one tree, one floating life.

Ancient and famous trees not only provide human beings with the possibility to uncover the mysteries of nature, but also enrich the biodiversity of nature.

Due to their huge root system and luxuriant branches, ancient trees form a small ecosystem by themselves, regulating the local "microclimate" and providing habitats for nearby animals.

For example, the "Bird Paradise" water banyan tree, located in the river of Tianma Village, 10 kilometers south of Xinhui City, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, is a forest of single trees. 359 species of vascular plants and more than 200 species of wild vertebrates have been recorded.

Promote scientific protection of ancient trees

　　At present, the protection of ancient and famous trees in my country has achieved certain results, and the information management system for ancient and famous trees has also been established, achieving "one map of ancient and famous trees across the country".

The intervention of information technology has improved the efficiency of the protection of ancient and famous trees.

However, to further promote the protection of ancient and famous trees, three cornerstones need to be firmly established.

　　First of all, we must build a solid foundation for the masses.

Luo Huixin told reporters that illegal and criminal activities targeting ancient and famous trees are often very concealed, which requires the public to raise their awareness of the protection of ancient and famous trees and work together to protect ancient trees.

In addition, we should also pay attention to hidden dangers such as fires that may cause great damage to ancient trees in daily life.

　　Second, we must build a solid foundation for the law.

"Now, almost every province and city has its own regulations and measures for the protection of ancient and famous trees. These regulations cover a wide range and there are almost no blind spots." Targeted and systematic higher-level laws will further enhance the standardization of the protection of ancient and famous trees, and enhance the deterrent effect on illegal and criminal activities of ancient and famous trees.”

　　Finally, we must build a solid foundation for science.

Cong Richen believes that the protection of ancient and famous trees should be guided by scientific theories and methods. Before the protection of ancient and famous trees, all localities should fully demonstrate, systematically investigate the characteristics and growth conditions of ancient trees, and carefully consider protection measures. Avoid protective damage to old trees.

(Science and Technology Daily)