China successfully accomplished 175 major marine eco-environmental conservation and restoration projects from 2016 to 2023, utilizing a combination of natural and artificial restoration methods, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office on Thursday.
During a press conference on the white paper titled "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China," Sun Shuxian, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Director of the State Oceanic Administration, highlighted various projects, including the Blue Bay environmental improvement initiative, the ecological restoration campaign in the comprehensive management of the Bohai Sea region, the coastal zone protection and restoration project, as well as a special action for mangrove conservation and restoration.
To address the issue of "hard seawalls" damaging the ecological functions of coastlines, China has implemented eco-friendly seawall retrofitting measures to fully utilize the disaster mitigation capabilities of ecosystems and enhance the resilience of coastal areas, said Sun.
To tackle the problem of coastal wetland degradation caused by artificial structures and invasive alien species, China has taken steps to retreat from reclaimed land, remove artificial constructions, and after clearing out the invasive species, promptly replant mangrove forests, salt marsh vegetation, and seagrass in the affected areas to restore the ecological functions of the coastal wetlands, said Sun.
"The ecological restoration measures also include the rehabilitation of mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, as well as the protection and rescue of rare and endangered species. Additionally, structural measures such as opening up seawalls and dredging bays are implemented in a targeted and tailored manner based on local conditions and needs," said Sun.
China's marine ecological protection and restoration projects have delivered significant ecological, social, and economic benefits, according to the white paper.
Statistics show that during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), a total of 1,680 kilometers of coastline and over 50,000 hectares of coastal wetlands were restored and improved, which has enhanced the structure and function of typical marine ecosystems, effectively restored the habitats of endangered animals such as the Chinese white dolphin and the Chinese horseshoe crab, and reduced the impact on the bird migration route between East Asia and Australasia, said the white paper.
China accomplishes 175 major marine eco-environmental conservation, restoration projects: white paper
