China has made significant strides in wetland conservation and restoration, ensuring that the country's total wetland area remains above 56.35 million hectares. This success is the result of over 3,700 protection and restoration projects, which have added or restored more than 1 million hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
With the establishment of more than 2,200 wetland nature reserves, China has significantly improved the ecological conditions of key wetland areas. The nation's commitment extends beyond projects, as recent years have seen a strengthening of the legal framework for wetland protection and comprehensive monitoring of forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
A standout effort is the special mangrove conservation and restoration initiative, which has added 8,800 hectares and restored 8,200 hectares of mangroves over the past five years. China's total mangrove area now stands at 30,300 hectares, marking a net gain of 8,300 hectares since the early 2000s. This achievement places China among the few countries globally to realize a net increase in mangrove forests.
Additionally, China has effectively managed invasive species, controlling Spartina alterniflora across 73,300 hectares by the end of 2024, achieving 89.4 percent of its target and successfully curbing its spread.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of China's national wetland park system. With 903 national wetland parks protecting 2.4 million hectares of wetlands, the system has contributed over 50 billion yuan (approximately $7.0 billion) to regional economic growth. Impressively, around 90 percent of these parks are open to the public free of charge, promoting environmental education and community engagement.
As the world observes the 29th World Wetlands Day, themed \"Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,\" China's ongoing efforts underscore the vital role of wetland conservation in fostering a sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
