Summer at Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, is a vibrant tapestry of life. Birds feed and nurture their young, herders drive yaks to alpine pastures, and an army of naked carp begins their annual migration.
The naked carp, unique to Qinghai Lake, swims in waters with high saline and alkaline content, averaging 18 meters in depth. Each year from May to August, mature carp migrate to the Buha River and Shaliu River to spawn, creating one of Qinghai Lake’s natural wonders.
The 'Lost and Found' Naked Carp
Once a lifeline for locals during the food shortages of the 1950s and 1960s, the naked carp population faced near extinction by the early 21st century due to overfishing and habitat loss. The local government responded with fishing bans, crackdowns on illegal activities, and initiatives like artificial breeding and ecological improvements. By 2023, the naked carp population had surged to about 120,300, a 44-fold increase since 2002, downgrading their protection status from \"endangered\" to \"vulnerable.\"
This success story is just one example of China’s effective conservation efforts. From giant pandas to golden snub-nosed monkeys, the populations of various rare species have rebounded as China’s network of nature reserves has expanded.
China boasts some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, being the only country with nearly all ecosystem types. Its protected areas cover 18 percent of its land and 4.1 percent of its maritime regions, safeguarding 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystem types, 85 percent of wild animal populations, and 65 percent of higher plant communities.
Since 2012, ecological civilization has been a cornerstone of China's development plan under Xi Jinping’s leadership, emphasizing harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. By June 2024, over 6.7 million hectares of ecosystems have been restored, highlighting the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
China’s nature reserves are not only pivotal for national ecological security but also for global environmental governance. Through initiatives like the \"China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030),\" China has prioritized key areas and actions for preserving biodiversity, reinforcing its role as a leader in international conservation efforts.
(Cover via CFP, edited by CGTN's Li Yahui.)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
