WASHINGTON, DC, May 28, 2010 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a new loan of $80 million to the People’s Republic of China to help 600 medium-size livestock farms in Henan Province adopt environmental health management practices.
The Henan Ecological Livestock Project, at a total cost of US$ 160 million, aims to encourage sustainable development of the livestock industry by providing training, technical and farm management support as well as infrastructure (civil works and equipment) to minimize, manage and treat animal waste.
5000 - 10,000 farmer households are expected to benefit, contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution from livestock production.
Henan Province in eastern central China is one of the major producers of pork, beef, and dairy in the country. Livestock production is an important generator of rural income and employment, but its expansion is increasing pollution in the form of nutrient loads in soil and water, particularly in the Yellow River Basin.
The enforcement of national standards for nutrient discharge as well as manure handling and treatment is a challenge, especially at the local level. The project addresses the issue by strengthening the ability of governments at the province, prefecture, city and county levels to improve enforcement.
World Bank Environmental Economist Gayane Minasyan expressed hopes for a strong demonstration effect. Management methods and technologies introduced under the project will be spread to surrounding farms through structured outreach programs.
“In turn, we hope that Henan will attract other provinces of China to learn from its experience, particularly with spatial planning of livestock development in relation to other land use,” said Minasyan, who is in charge of the project.
