The success in wetland conservation has not only benefited China's biodiversity, but also contributed to the health of cross-border ecosystems by integrating wetland protection with other environmental goals, such as migratory bird conservation.

by Xinhua writers Xu Zheng, Tafara Mugwara

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Amid growing global attention to wetland conservation, China's efforts and achievements in this field are particularly eye-catching at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), due to conclude here on Thursday.

From building the world's largest number of international wetland cities to achieving legislative breakthroughs and forging capacity-building partnerships with other countries, China has embraced a comprehensive approach to wetland protection, deeply rooted in ecological civilization and its unwavering support for global efforts.

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

At the height of summer, deep within the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve in central China's Yueyang city, Hunan province, schools of fish swim freely in the lake, deer bound through the forests, and birds sing joyfully among the trees.

"We are proud to say that the wetlands are now the ecological calling cards of Yueyang," said Yu Ge, a representative of the city who attended COP15 in the resort city of Victoria Falls in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe.

The COP15, themed "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," brought together government representatives to strengthen international commitments to wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Yu actively promoted Yueyang at every event during his short stay in Zimbabwe, warmly inviting participants from different countries to explore the city. With approximately 285,200 hectares of wetlands, Yueyang has stepped up its conservation efforts in recent years and was officially recognized as an international wetland city at this year's COP15.

A total of nine Chinese cities won the prestigious title during the meeting, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world, showcasing the country's significant achievements in wetland conservation.

According to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, China currently boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, ranking fourth in the world. It is also home to 82 Wetlands of International Importance and five national parks.

Yan Zhen, deputy head of China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said during the meeting that in recent years, China has continuously improved its legal and institutional framework for wetland conservation, comprehensively protected wetland ecosystems, and actively engaged in international cooperation, continuously contributing to global wetland protection efforts.

"Over the last 20 years, China has made significant progress in wetland conservation, marking a turning point that has led to a more balanced and sustainable relationship between humans and nature," Yan said.

SHINING EXAMPLE

China became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1992 and hosted COP14 in 2022, during which it was elected as chair of the standing committee to lead the convention process for the following three years.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua during COP15, Musonda Mumba, secretary general of the Convention on Wetlands, said she assumed the role six weeks before the opening of COP14 and felt "very fortunate" to start the journey with China. "China has provided leadership in making sure that all the draft resolutions made at COP14 were dealt with and delivered in a timely manner."

China's Wetland Protection Law, effective since June 2022, is the country's first dedicated legislation on wetlands, providing a comprehensive legal framework for wetland conservation, restoration, management and sustainable use.

Hailing the law as a "shining example" to the world, Mumba said, "China is one of the very few countries that actually have a wetland law. And that for me is also incredibly impressive, because not only does the law talk about having inventory, having the right data, managing these wetland systems, it also talks about the role of cities and why these cities matter."

The success in wetland conservation has not only benefited China's biodiversity, but also contributed to the health of cross-border ecosystems by integrating wetland protection with other environmental goals, such as migratory bird conservation, she noted.

Moreover, China's efforts to raise awareness have sparked a significant increase in global interest in wetland conservation over the past years, she added.

"Indeed, if you look across the world, China has taken a leadership position in doing the right thing for wetlands," Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, a global not-for-profit organisation, told Xinhua on the sidelines of COP15.

He applauded China for its leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, noting that China's status as a major investment partner in the world makes it a key player in safeguarding the health of wetland ecosystems.

"Through the trade relations that China has, and the investments that China has all over the world, (China) is also connected to (other) very important wetlands worldwide," Krijger said.

While development is welcome, there is a need to maintain a balance between development and the health of wetlands, he said, adding that he is eager to visit Chinese wetland cities in the future to learn how they achieve urban development while reaping the benefits of preserving the wetlands.

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT

In many rapidly developing regions of Africa, urban expansion has taken a toll on wetlands, a growing issue that communities and policymakers are striving to address.

According to Wetlands International's Director for East Africa Julie Mulonga, many African countries have policies in place to protect wetlands, but there is a lack of investment in implementation measures.

Local communities and indigenous knowledge play a crucial role in effectively driving wetland conservation efforts, she said, adding that China's wetland management experience could provide a valuable reference and its advanced technology could go a long way in helping the continent achieve green development.

Over the years, China has been actively supporting many African countries in wetland governance through legislative exchanges, technical training and talent development, helping enhance their ability to restore and preserve wetlands.

Wetlands are crucial for ecological resilience, and their future hinges on unwavering international cooperation, said Xia Jun, director general of the International Cooperation Department at China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. "This profound understanding underpins China's unwavering commitment to its conservation."

In 2024, China launched the International Mangrove Center (IMC) in the southern city of Shenzhen to promote global mangrove conservation, sustainable use and international cooperation.

Xia described the IMC as a landmark initiative that reflects the spirit of global cooperation.

With the support of the IMC, the Mangrove Conservation Foundation, a private foundation based in China, has been carrying out programs in African countries such as Madagascar and Kenya to help preserve mangroves, which are vital coastal ecosystems along the continent's shorelines, Sun Lili, co-founder and executive board chair of the foundation, told Xinhua.

Christine Colvin, Freshwater Policy Lead, WWF International, said: "This COP is really important in terms of setting goals for the next period, for the next decade, and the strategic plan for the contracting parties to Ramsar, and it prioritises international cooperation."

Colvin said that China is demonstrating to municipalities and local governments around the world how to bring nature back into cities and design new urban areas that are more permeable, allowing the natural water cycle to function.

Commending China for leading the way in this field, the WWF official said they are looking forward to continuing cooperation with China to boost global efforts to preserve wetlands and build more permeable sponge cities. (Video reporter: Xu Zheng; Video editors: Wu You, Zhao Xiaoqing.)■