A Model for Ecological Conservation and Public Well-being

China's Wetland Restoration Efforts Show Significant Progress

China has made remarkable strides in restoring and protecting its wetlands, adding over 1 million hectares since 2012. This achievement is equivalent to restoring an area the size of London every two years, bringing the country's total wetland area to over 56 million hectares.

These efforts are part of China's broader commitment to ecological restoration and protection. The country has established over 2,200 wetland nature reserves nationwide, significantly improving the ecological conditions of these vital ecosystems.

Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing critical services such as water purification, flood control, and carbon storage. They are home to 40% of all species, including countless plants, fish, and migratory birds.

China's mangrove restoration efforts have been particularly noteworthy. Over the past five years, the country has planted over 8,800 hectares of mangroves and restored an additional 8,200 hectares, making it one of the few nations globally to achieve a net increase in mangrove coverage. China's mangrove area now exceeds 30,000 hectares, a nearly 40% increase since the early 2000s.

In December 2023, China further solidified its commitment to mangrove conservation by establishing the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen. This center aims to promote global collaboration in mangrove conservation efforts.

China's wetland conservation efforts also include controlling the invasive species Spartina alterniflora, which disrupts coastal ecosystems. Since the launch of the Spartina alterniflora Control Action Plan (2022-2025), nearly 90% of the targeted areas have been treated, effectively curbing the species' spread.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's national wetland park system. Over the past two decades, 903 national wetland parks have been established, protecting 2.4 million hectares of wetlands and generating over 50 billion yuan ($6.9 billion) in regional economic growth. Approximately 90% of these parks are free to the public.

China's wetland parks are a model for integrating ecological conservation with public well-being. As the country continues to implement its Wetland Protection Law and expand conservation initiatives, the focus is shifting towards innovative models like "wetland culture-tourism" and cross-border collaboration.