Saturday, October 19, 2024
In autumn, Dongying Yellow River Delta transforms right into a fascinating tapestry of vibrant colours and breathtaking surroundings. The huge mudflats are painted in putting shades of pink by the Suaeda salsa vegetation, whereas tall white reeds sway gracefully within the delicate breeze. Above, flocks of birds glide in elegant arcs towards the backdrop of clear blue skies and crystal-clear waters, making a scene of excellent concord with nature.
In opposition to this breathtaking backdrop, the 2024 Roundtable of Wetland Metropolis Mayors occurred from October 15 to 17 in Dongying, Shandong province. Located on the mouth of the Yellow River, Dongying welcomed over 200 representatives from nations together with France, Japan, South Korea, and Morocco to debate the way forward for wetland conservation and sustainable city development.
Wetlands kind the ecological spine of Dongying, with 4,567 sq. kilometers of wetlands overlaying 41.58 % of the town’s complete land space. The Yellow River Delta Nationwide Nature Reserve, spanning 153,000 hectares, serves as a crucial breeding floor for greater than six million birds yearly, incomes it a prestigious designation as a “Wetland of International Importance.”
Additional solidifying its environmental significance, the Migratory Chicken Sanctuaries alongside the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Part II) has been lately inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Checklist. The Yellow River Estuary Migratory Chicken Habitat was acknowledged as Shandong’s first World Pure Heritage web site, emphasizing its very important function in world chicken conservation.
Dongying’s dedication to wetland preservation has earned it recognition as one of many world’s first “International Wetland Cities.” Via revolutionary wetland restoration efforts on the Yellow River estuary, the town continues to guide by instance, fostering a balanced relationship between city growth and nature conservation.
“In recent years, we’ve focused on protecting key species like the Oriental white storks, black-headed gulls, and various crane species. We’ve also worked to preserve native plants and restore aquatic life dominated by shellfish. Biodiversity has notably increased, and this year, the number of Oriental white stork nests has reached 202, with 527 chicks born,” stated Zhao Yajie, deputy director and senior engineer on the ecological monitoring heart of the Yellow River Delta Nationwide Nature Reserve.
At present, the reserve stands as the most important coastal pure vegetation zone of newly fashioned wetlands in China. The world has witnessed a exceptional development in biodiversity, with plant species now totaling 1,145 and chicken species reaching 388.
Dongying is dedicated to creating a particular ecological metropolis by seamlessly mixing its wetlands with city growth. As the town pushes ahead with defending city wetlands, it is usually embracing high-quality development, specializing in modernizing established industries whereas fostering new, rising sectors. This balanced method has not solely enhanced the town’s environmental integrity but additionally considerably boosted its financial vitality, demonstrating the ability of sustainable growth.
“Through this roundtable conference, Dongying will pursue comprehensive and deep cooperation with other wetland cities, both domestic and international, to further advance global wetland conservation efforts,” stated Yang Guoqiang, Occasion secretary of Dongying.
