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cover of episode Reforming animal releases with respect

Reforming animal releases with respect

2025/6/25
logo of podcast Round Table China

Round Table China
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People
N
Niu Honglin
S
Steve Hatherly
作为《Round Table China》的主持人，深入探讨中国社会、文化和技术话题。
Y
Yunqi
Topics
Niu Honglin: 作为主持人，我认为有必要关注中国传统动物放生行为中出现的问题。虽然放生本意是出于慈悲，但如果不加以规范，可能会对本地物种、公共安全甚至动物本身造成威胁。因此，我们需要讨论中国政府出台新规的意义和具体内容，以确保放生行为能够真正地利益众生，而不是适得其反。 Steve Hatherly: 我认为中国出台新规加强对动物放生活动的监管是非常必要的，因为非法放生行为确实可能威胁到生物多样性和公众健康。地方政府需要彻底调查物种放生情况，评估非本地物种的生存状态及其生态影响，并采取措施移除外来物种，以降低生物入侵和疾病传播的风险。当然，我们不能一刀切地禁止所有放生行为，而应该在评估后决定是否可以继续进行，以尊重传统习俗。 Yunqi: 我认为放生一词本身就带有美好的含义，它起源于佛教，意味着对生命的尊重和怜悯。然而，现代商业化的放生行为已经偏离了其本意，导致大量非本地物种被释放到野外，威胁生态平衡。因此，我们需要重新审视放生行为的本质，并采取更加科学和负责任的方式来实践这一传统，以确保我们的慈悲之心不会对环境造成负面影响。

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New guidelines aim to regulate the traditional Buddhist practice of fangsheng (animal release) in China to prevent ecological damage and public health risks. The guidelines involve investigations into past releases, evaluations of non-native species' impact, and removal of invasive animals. While the practice is longstanding, future releases require assessments to determine eligible species and locations.
  • New guidelines strengthen oversight of animal release activities.
  • Three agencies (National Forestry and Grasslands Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and National Religious Affairs Administration) are involved.
  • Investigations will determine released species, frequency, and local customs.
  • Assessments are required to determine eligible species and locations for future releases.

Shownotes Transcript

Free the fish, save your soul—or so the saying goes. But well-meaning animal release rituals can devastate local ecosystems when non-native species are introduced. China is now enforcing strict guidelines on fangsheng (traditional Buddhist life-release practices) to balance compassion with conservation. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi