China has become a pivotal force in advancing global wetland preservation, according to Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands. Speaking on Wednesday, Mumba highlighted the country's proactive measures to protect these critical ecosystems, which serve as biodiversity hubs and carbon sinks.
China's commitment includes hosting the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP14) in 2022 and establishing the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen. These initiatives align with its pledge to designate 82 Wetland Cities by 2030, a program already underway with 43 cities certified since 2018.
Wetlands cover over 56 million hectares in China, accounting for 4% of the world's total. The country's 2021-2025 ecological protection plan prioritizes wetland restoration, benefiting migratory bird populations and coastal communities. Analysts note these efforts also create opportunities for green technology partnerships and sustainable tourism development.
"China's model demonstrates how environmental stewardship can coexist with economic growth," said Dr. Lin Wei, an environmental researcher at Beijing University. As climate challenges intensify, global observers increasingly view China's wetland strategies as a blueprint for balancing ecological and developmental priorities.
