OREANDA-NEWS. Jaguar Land Rover China has announced its partnership with the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS), which saw the British car manufacturer support the Giant Panda Research Symposium taking place at Edinburgh Zoo from September 10 to 12, alongside a China-UK education initiative. Jaguar Land Rover China is supporting both the Giant Panda Research Symposium and the education project through a GBP 100,000 sponsorship.

Placing great importance on nature and wildlife protection, Jaguar Land Rover China chose to support the symposium's efforts towards giant panda conservation and the protection of the creature's habitat in the wilds of China. Spearheaded by RZSS, the three-day symposium was officially opened by the Chinese Consul General Li Ruiyou, senior veterinary advisor to the Scottish Government Andrew Voas, the representative of the Lord Provost in Edinburgh Bailie Robert Aldridge, RZSS chairman Jeremy Peat, and Jaguar Land Rover China president Bob Grace.

The event gathered local officials and over 65 experts from around the world to help develop a five-year research plan for giant pandas, which will have global ramifications on how giant pandas are cared for in zoos around the world and in Chinese reserves. The five-year giant panda research plan will centre on five key areas: field ecology, genetic management, artificial breeding and infant panda care; veterinary management and research; then finally cognitive evolution and behavioural research. It is hoped that the results will enrich the global effort to see one of the world's most endangered species once again thrive in the wild.

“When I saw the two magnificent pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, it became clearer why people in the UK and all over the world are so fond of this creature and recognise the importance of its protection,” said Bob Grace, president of Jaguar Land Rover China. “I feel great pride that Jaguar Land Rover can lend a hand to the preservation of giant pandas, especially since they are a symbol of worldwide friendship and peace. By supporting this world-class symposium, we hope to deliver fruitful results that contribute to the survival of giant pandas and support the eventual release of these animals back into the wild where they belong.”

Following the symposium, Jaguar Land Rover China will continue to work closely with RZSS on an education programme that aims to enhance Sino-UK relations. Developed by the RZSS discovery and learning team, the education project will advocate cultural exchange by creating learning packs on Chinese culture and distributing them to students across the UK, setting up a unique Confucius China Classroom at Edinburgh Zoo, as well as funding a summer learning trip to China in 2014 for a select group of Scottish students.

Chris West, CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to cooperate with Jaguar Land Rover China to bring key scientists and researchers from around the globe to Scotland for the Jaguar Land Rover Giant Panda Research Symposium, and to develop an education programme for school children. With conservation, research and education being the founding goals of our society, we are delighted to announce these synergetic events and activities and look forward to working with Jaguar Land Rover to bring them to fruition.”