China Establishes 903 National Wetland Parks Over Past Two Decades to Promote Ecological Preservation

China has marked a significant milestone in environmental conservation by establishing 903 national wetland parks over the past two decades, delegates revealed at an international seminar in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Wednesday. These expansive wetland parks have played a crucial role in safeguarding 2.4 million hectares of wetlands, offering vital sanctuary for countless national wildlife species, including some classified as key protected species.

Speaking at the event, Yan Zhen, vice head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA), emphasized that wetland conservation has long been a national priority. "Continuous and determined efforts" have been made to protect these fragile ecosystems, Yan noted, highlighting the multifaceted benefits wetlands provide—not only for biodiversity but also for climate mitigation and local livelihoods.

According to recent data, China's total wetland area now stands at 56.35 million hectares. The nation has also seen 82 of its wetlands recognized as being of international importance, placing China among the global leaders in wetland preservation. These advances reflect not only the scale of conservation work but also its growing sophistication, with active monitoring and management in place across the country.

Ecological restoration efforts have gained momentum, Yan added, underscoring that more than 300,000 hectares of degraded wetlands have been brought back to life through coordinated projects under the national wetland conservation plan. Such measures help ensure the resilience and health of wetland ecosystems in the face of challenges ranging from urban development to climate change.

On the global stage, China is also taking steps to share its expertise and bolster worldwide conservation actions. Notably, the establishment of the International Mangrove Center signifies China's contribution to international collaboration in wetland research and protection. This initiative is expected to foster new partnerships and knowledge exchange with other countries committed to ecological sustainability.

Looking ahead, the NFGA has outlined plans to deepen the integrated protection and sustainable management of wetland ecosystems. Major new projects are in the pipeline, particularly targeting ecologically critical areas such as the Yangtze and Yellow river basins. In tandem, there will be continued emphasis on strengthening international cooperation and participating in global ecological governance, ensuring that China remains a proactive player in worldwide efforts to conserve wetlands for future generations.