How do the Chinese deal with forest land management and how does it compare to B.C.?
A group of College of New College students will find that out next month during a three-week field school where they'll compare the Chinese approach to forest land management with that of B.C.'s.
The nine students, in the natural resources and environmental technology (NRET) and biology programs, enrolled in Forestry 250, a three-credit course that allows them the opportunity to experience first-hand the range of natural forested ecosystems around Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University (ZAFU) near the city of Lin'an, China.
"It's a very educational trip," said NRET instructor David Stearns, one of the two CNC instructors accompanying the students on the excursion.
"Our students will find the Chinese have a different process of sampling timber and keeping their inventory data.
"For outdoor recreation use, the Chinese have to manage for much more intense use. CNC students will see those differences, how the resources are managed, and how they're provided for a much larger population."
The group, which also includes NRET instructor Shudao Ni, who hails from China, leave Tuesday, May 3 and arrive in Beijing. Once there, they'll spend two days experiencing some of China's cultural and history by touring the Great Wall of China, Ming's Tomb, a Jade Factory, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and various 2008 Olympic venues.
They'll then travel three hours south to the Lin'an and Hangzhou area May 7 and team up with Chinese students at ZAFU, staying in the university's residence. They'll attend lectures at ZAFU that focus on Chinese forestry practices, wildlife management, economics, watershed management, and natural outdoor recreation.
They'll also participate in Chinese language, cooking and music classes.
"They'll return to Prince George with a sense of what student life is like in China," said Stearns. "There is a growing middle class in China and most of those who live in the industrial cities drive cars and scooters. The students will come home with friendships and e-mail connections as most Chinese students are friendly and eager to develop a connection with Canadians."
On May 20, a day before returning home, they'll visit the Canada's Dream Home demonstration centre in Shanghai which showcases B.C. wood products.
"They'll learn about the inroads the B.C. forest industry has made and how the lumber industry is developing in China," said Stearns. "It's usually a very informative visit to see how the Chinese adapt to use our lumber."
CNC's NRET faculty first went to ZAFU in 2005. They returned in 2006 and 2008 with CNC students in tow.
"The partnership has grown because of the relationships we've built," said Stearns. "ZAFU has been very accommodating with our requested itinerary. At the end, we'll have a formal farewell dinner and exchange gifts as part of the protocol."
