Recently, Hu Xiao and Wu Xiaochuan from the Hu Jinchu Academic Data Collection Project Team, along with the summer social practice service team from China West Normal University visited the Baixiongping Reserve of the Giant Panda National Park. They had a conversation with Shen Limin, Director of Sichuan Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve Administration. Shen mentioned that he was inspired by Mr. Hu Jinchu, known as the "Father of the Giant Panda", to enter the field of giant panda research. In the interview, he reviewed the history of the reserve's establishment and highlighted the significant contributions of Mr. Hu.

In 1974, Hu Jinchu conducted a survey in Tangjiahe, promoted the establishment of the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve with the approval of the the State Council of the People's Republic of China in 1978. The reserve was later upgraded to national level and selected for the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

Shen Limin in the interview (middle) [Photo by Wang Lu]

Since the cooperation between Hu Jinchu and Dr. George Beals Schaller began in 1980, China West Normal University has maintained a long-term partnership with Tangjiahe Nature Reserve. This collaboration continued the research work of the previous generation of experts and enhanced the quality of talent training for wildlife conservation, nature reserve management and ecology majors. In 2016, they jointly established an off-campus practice and education base for university students.

Shen Limin speaks highly of the establishment of the first Giant Panda College in China, believing that it not only provides an ideal platform for young people, but also fills the gap of high-level talent training laying a foundation for talent development in the Giant Panda National Park. It is reported that the college, jointly established by the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Forestry and Grassland and China West Normal University, began its first enrollment in 2024. It aims to cultivate more professionals for the conservation, research and national natural ecological protection in the future.(By Wang Lu and Fan Yiling)