Tianjin's Qilihai Wetland Experiences Ecological Revival and Wildlife Surge

During the summer months, Qilihai Wetland in Tianjin becomes a stunning ecological highlight. This ancient coastal wetland, one of only three globally, has achieved a significant ecological revival over the last eight years, earning its role as a vital "green lung" for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.

Bai Fengxiang, secretary of the CPC Ninghe District Committee, noted that Qilihai is one of the world's key migratory bird corridors, with wildlife witnessing a notable resurgence. Bird species in the area have increased from 182 to 258, and the annual migratory population has skyrocketed from 200,000 to 500,000. Currently, during migration seasons, over 4,000 Oriental white storks visit the wetland, representing nearly half of the global population of the species.

The successful conservation of this wetland has earned Ninghe district the titles of UN Biodiversity Charming City and Nature City last year, according to Bai. The advancements in technology have played a crucial role in this success; for instance, five patrol drones operate along predetermined routes, providing comprehensive, 20-minute surveillance cycles of the area.

Tian Xiujing, the director of the reserve's management committee, highlighted the establishment of a full-monitoring system for all-weather coverage during a demonstration. Moreover, the wetland's revival also extends to species that had vanished from the area, such as the Milu deer. Once declared Extinct in the Wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these deer are regaining their previous habitat. Following the introduction of 58 Milu deer from Jiangsu last year, the population has now approached 100.