Significant achievements in wetland conservation have been made in the county-level city of Jingjiang – administered by Taizhou in East China's Jiangsu province – thanks to local efforts made in environmental protection to achieve sustainable development.
Around 1,200 mu (800 hectares) of degraded wetlands have been restored since 2019, while more than 2,500 hectares of natural wetlands have been added onto the list of protected areas.
An impressive view of the Jingjiang section of the Yangtze River. [Photo by Sheng Yi]
With the cool autumn weather, the Yuyi Yangtze River Wetland Ecological Park in the Xinqiao township of Jingjiang often witnesses egrets flying in groups after years of ecological restoration.
They are a poignant example of the fruitful results of wetland conservation work in Jingjiang.
This year, the city plans to build eight new wetland conservation areas.
In the riverbank area, the focus of wetland protection is now on the "undeveloped zone".
Utilizing the provincial forest park, efforts are being made to integrate ecological restoration, systematic management and comprehensive development. The aim is to establish a solid ecological barrier for wetlands along the Yangtze River.
In the urban areas, existing land resources will be fully utilized to create 19 wetland conservation areas.
What's more, Jingjiang will enhance its wetland governance capabilities, increase its inspection and supervision efforts and strictly prohibit any activities that may damage the wetlands, officials said.