Amid the gentle sway of mangrove forests along Yundang Lake in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, a remarkable environmental transformation has taken place. Once a heavily polluted water body, Yundang Lake has been revitalized into a vibrant ecological haven, serving as a scenic spot for residents and tourists alike.
The Yundang Lake basin, covering an area of 37 square kilometers, was historically known for its abundant fishing culture. However, in the 1970s, land reclamation efforts turned the bay into an inland lake to boost grain production. As industrialization and urbanization accelerated, the lake suffered severe pollution. Over 100 factories discharged industrial wastewater directly into the lake, and untreated sewage from hundreds of thousands of residents compounded the environmental degradation. By the early 1980s, locals lamented the foul-smelling waters, which were filled with garbage and heavy pollutants.
Facing this environmental crisis, the mid-to-late 1980s marked the beginning of comprehensive restoration efforts. Authorities shut down and relocated industrial enterprises around the lake, constructed sewage treatment plants, and channeled seawater into the lake to rejuvenate its water quality. Local residents played a crucial role in this transformation. Retiree Chen Yajin found new purpose as a chief overseer of the waters, participating in lake inspections and reporting issues to authorities. “The government attaches great importance to people’s opinions and promptly solves the problems reported by citizens,” Chen remarked, noting that their experience serves as a valuable example for other districts in Xiamen.
After more than 30 years of dedicated efforts, Yundang Lake, now affectionately known as the “city’s drawing room,” boasts clear waters and abundant aquatic life. The successful restoration not only enhances the quality of life for local residents but also provides a blueprint for ecological rehabilitation in other Chinese cities.
The transformation of Yundang Lake comes at a pivotal time as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) prepares to host the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26 to March 1, 2024. A key focus of UNEA-6 will be leveraging multilateralism to address global environmental challenges, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment suggests that the drastic changes observed in Yundang Lake offer valuable lessons for environmental restoration efforts worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
