The people in China’s southwestern Sichuan province are still feeling aftershocks from the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated the region on May 12. Over 69,000 people have died as a result, and millions have been left homeless. Massive damage to roads and infrastructure will make recovery in the hardest-hit regions long and difficult.
Among the places severely damaged by the quake are several World Heritage sites, including the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries and Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (located only 50 km from the epicenter). We’ve received a photo update from our colleagues on the ground. The photos show massive damage to roads, buildings and panda habitats.
The UN Foundation is the #1 private supporter of World Heritage conservation. We hope you’ll join us and our Friends of World Heritage Campaign to help the people of southwestern China rebuild. 100% of your donation will go directly to support those in need.
These are some of China’s, and the world’s, most cherished World Heritage sites. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are home to one-third of the world’s remaining panda population. These sites are also crucial sources of employment and income for the families living in Sichuan and Wenchuan provinces. Their ability to recover will depend on how quickly they can rebuild their livelihoods.
In the short-term, access to these sites is the primary concern in order to provide humanitarian aid and to assess the full extent of the damage. The reserve staff and their families require tents, replacement equipment, and materials to rebuild roads and protection stations.
