International Day of Wetlands: China leads asia in preserving climate treasure
The National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, as part of the celebration of the International Day of Wetlands.
The global event is themed “Wetlands and Human Well-being,” highlighting the close link between wetland conservation and enhancing diverse aspects of human welfare.
According to China Media Group, China boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, ranking first in Asia and fourth globally. Among these, 82 wetlands are classified as internationally significant, with 58 recognized as nationally important.
Since 2012, China has implemented over 3400 projects to protect wetlands, resulting in the creation and restoration of more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands. In 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the National Natural Resources Agency, launched a five-year strategic plan focused on preserving and rehabilitating mangrove forests, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability. China succeeded in planting over 4,656 hectares of mangrove trees and rehabilitating more than 4,752 hectares, achieving half of the planned targets halfway through the designated five-year plan.
In 2023, the National Forestry Administration introduced three new national standards and five new industry standards, aiming to provide necessary technical support for wetland conservation and rehabilitation, reaffirming China’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity enhancement.