Our Accomplishments



Highlights of USCEF's work through the years

2003: Coordinates Investment and Construction for Integrated Master Plan at Wolong. Expands TEA programs to Tianjin. Grand opening Sept. 28, 2003 of the Badaling International Friendship Forest. Establishes framework for USCEF International Advisory Council and Parks Working Group. Initiates programs with Beijing Parks Association to support 2008 Olympics.

2002: Finalizes Cooperative Agreement with Beijing Parks Bureau to prepare for 2008 Olympics. Supports Conservation Education program of Zoo Atlanta. Refines TEA program and holds first TEA summer camp in cooperation with Beijing Youth League. Completes Interpretive Master Plan and Integrated Master Plan for Wolong. Obtains State Forestry Administration approval of Wolong Interpretive and Integrated Master Plans.

2001: Initiates GEF biodiversity project in Yunnan Project; Initiates the Theater for Environmental Awareness (TEA) program. Holds two workshops for Interpretive Master Plan at Wolong. Begins construction of the trails and entry plaza at Badaling International Friendship Forest (BIFF).

2000: Secures full funding for first NGO-led medium-sized GEF biodiversity conservation project in China. Initiates cooperative programs with Wolong Nature Reserve (Wolong). Initiates strategic partnership with NAI. Secures corporate sponsorship from ConocoPhillips for the construction and long-term maintenance funding for the Badaling International Friendship Forest.

1999: Hosts U.S. Dept. of Interior Delegation in Sichuan Province regarding conservation planning for World Heritage Sites. Publishes first “Environmental Handbooks” (Municipal State of Environment Reports in China).

1998: Launches the environmental education program “Search for Solutions” – an environmental education initiative with Phillips Petroleum. Initiates strategic partnership with University of Wisconsin for biodiversity conservation in Yunnan Province.

1997: IFF Interpretation Workshop with U.S. National Park Service National Association for Interpretation. Hosts The Humane Society of the U.S. President Paul Irwin in China.

1996: Sister City Environmental Education Exchange between 15 U.S. and Chinese cities. “China Environmental Fund” changes name to U.S. China Environmental Fund. Initiates Strategic partnership with The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and EarthVoice, and Coordinates first U.S. National Park delegation to China since late 1980s.

1995: Receives formal Chinese registration and opens an office in Beijing. Hosts 25th Anniversary Earth Day Celebration in Beijing. Contracted by U.S. Dept. of Commerce, USCEF designed and coordinated the largest U.S. environmental conference (financing environmental infrastructure) in China to that date. Hosts first China National Park delegation in U.S. since late 1980s.

1994: Initial planning and design efforts commence for the Badaling International Friendship Forest (BIFF) at the Badaling. Great Wall. International design team evaluates Badaling for potential environmental model projects. Continued design and planning workshops for The Great Wall project are ongoing until its opening in 2003. Letters of Intent with National Environmental Protection Administration for environmental education and the Office of National Scenic Areas for national park management. Complete Environmental Assessment for the Municipality of Shenyang.

1993: Founding of China Environmental Fund. Initiation of Environmental Assessment for Municipality of Shengyang, the industrial center for northeast China. Needs assessment of various Chinese ministries to green Beijing’s bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics.

A Record of Accomplishments

China’s environment is transformed from that of a generation ago. Urban renewal and rural development provide new benefits for Chinese citizens, while new patterns of transportation, housing, and industrial production provide new environmental challenges.

The US-China Environmental Fund (USCEF) meets these challenges by helping China find a balance by integrating environmental planning with economic development, by building a stewardship ethic to create a sustainable future.

USCEF is a pioneer in the China NGO field. In January 1995, USCEF was the first international environmental NGO to open a representative office in China.

USCEF is honored and uniquely positioned to provide partnership opportunities to help China build on its environmental and cultural legacy. By linking targeted Chinese educators and resource managers with the U.S. environmental community, USCEF has a demonstrated track record of leveraging the experience and passion of U.S. and Chinese environmental professionals.