Nine Chinese Cities Take Flight as International Wetland Cities

Nine Chinese Cities Designated as International Wetland Cities

Nine Chinese cities have been designated as international wetland cities, marking a significant step in the country's commitment to wetland conservation. These cities include Dali in Yunnan province, Lhasa in the Xizang autonomous region, Fuzhou in Fujian province, and Yueyang in Hunan province. This designation is the third of its kind, following similar announcements in 2018 and 2022.

The announcement was made at the 64th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention, held in Gland, Switzerland, in late January. This addition brings the total number of accredited wetland cities worldwide to 74, with 22 of them located in China.

Wetlands play a crucial role in the environment, acting as "the kidneys of the Earth" by purifying water, regulating climate, and maintaining biodiversity. In Fuzhou, the Fujian Minjiang River Estuary Wetlands have seen a significant ecological recovery after aquaculture was prohibited, allowing the ecosystem to flourish. This has made the area an important habitat for the endangered black-faced spoonbill.

Yueyang in Hunan has been actively involved in wetland conservation since the 1980s, establishing the East Dongting Lake Nature Reserve. The city boasts a 67% wetland conservation rate and is home to over 300 bird species, including 18 first-class nationally protected birds. Bird-watching activities have also become a popular cultural and tourism attraction, contributing to the area's economic development.

China's commitment to wetland protection has been praised by Musonda Mumba, secretary-general of the Ramsar Convention. He highlighted how China has integrated wetland protection with urban development through scientific planning, offering valuable experiences for the world. Professor Lei Guangchun of Beijing Forestry University also acknowledged the progress made, stating that China's wetland protection has entered a "new stage of high-quality development."

China's efforts extend beyond its borders, as the country collaborates with African nations on a mangrove project that aims to sequester 500,000 metric tons of carbon annually. This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

At the upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention in Zimbabwe, China will share its technological advancements in wetland monitoring and restoration. This demonstrates the country's leadership in wetland conservation and its commitment to sharing its expertise with the global community.