Letters

Nature gets the short shrift

The report on development encroaching upon the important Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve is alarming. This nature reserve is a vital transition zone for migratory birds from their summer breeding grounds in Siberia to southern latitudes in winter, and also for their return flights.

As a frequent visitor to China, I am constantly puzzled by the central government's seeming inability to reign in regional development when ecosystems or priceless natural assets are at risk, or to demand environmental impact assessments, including public input, before approving development. Nothing on China's seaboard equals the extent of and importance of this delta. It is of international significance, too, as a unique geological feature.