Nestled at the northern edge of the Yellow Sea Ecoregion in Dandong, Liaoning Province, the Yalu River estuary stands as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds journeying along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This expansive route spans over 20 countries and regions, stretching from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Every spring from March to May, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds embark on their annual migration from Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia to breed in the Russian Far East and Alaska. The Yalu River Estuary Wetland serves as the final stop, providing essential refuge and nourishment, ensuring these birds can complete their long and arduous journeys.
Recent surveys highlight the estuary's rich biodiversity, documenting 324 bird species, including 148 waterbirds and 176 forest birds. Notably, 26 of these species are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and 32 are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices.
Recognizing its global importance, the Yalu River estuary is part of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II), which was proudly inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List on July 26. This follows the Phase I sanctuaries' inclusion in 2019, underscoring the region's commitment to preserving these critical habitats for future generations.
The protection of the Yalu River estuary not only safeguards the survival of numerous bird species but also highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems across continents. As global citizens, understanding and supporting such conservation efforts is key to maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's biodiversity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
