Q: What is your experience of working with the Chinese government?
Lu Zhi: There’s a lot of cooperation. Years ago, while doing research in an area the logging companies worked in, my professor worked with the government to turn the area into a reserve, and showed people things could change. I was really encouraged. Four years after that, the government actually stopped all commercial logging in western China and this bene ted the panda a great deal. The logging companies, subsidised by the government, became tree planters. They became our ally.
Q: Is logging still a threat to the panda?
Lu Zhi: No. But habitat destruction continues in other ways because they’re building roads and more tourists are
coming. But tourism can be managed in a non-invasive, low-impact way. That’s the challenge for that industry.
Q: You seem so positive. Do you ever get discouraged?
Lu Zhi: Sure. But I get strength from the people I work with, my friends. What we’re doing is part of human nature so
I can always nd allies.
Q: What do you hope will be your life’s greatest accomplishment? Lu Zhi: That’s easy! I hope one day my work won’t be needed any more.