In a landmark achievement for ecological preservation, China has created 903 national wetland parks since 2003, safeguarding 2.4 million hectares of vital ecosystems, as announced at an international seminar in Hangzhou on Wednesday. The figures underscore Beijing's sustained commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
From Policy to Protected Habitats
Yan Zhen, Vice Director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, highlighted that wetland conservation has been 'a strategic priority' for two decades. 'These parks serve as refuges for endangered species while offering sustainable livelihoods for local communities,' Yan stated during the event.
Biodiversity and Economic Synergy
The protected wetlands now host over 50% of China's national key wildlife species, including the critically endangered Siberian crane. Analysts note the parks also support eco-tourism, with revenues exceeding $1.2 billion annually – a model attracting interest from Southeast Asian nations grappling with similar development challenges.
Global Implications
With wetlands covering 4% of Earth's surface but supporting 40% of species, China's restoration efforts offer insights for climate-vulnerable regions. The World Wide Fund for Nature recently recognized three Chinese wetland parks as 'international conservation exemplars.'
