New wetlands help to transform tourist capital

"They have improved water quality and enhanced the regenerative abilities of the local ecological systems and played an important role in resisting floods, regulating runoffs and refining the climate," he added.

The professor said that at the same time, the wetlands were playing a key role in the protection of native species diversity, highlighting local landscape features, cultivating a beautiful recreational environment for local residents and upgrading the urban quality of Haikou as a city. To date, Haikou has cleared more than 7.2 million square meters of black and odorous water areas through ecological restoration. Water quality has improved significantly and beautiful wetlands have been created along the rivers, lakes and seashores.

A corner of a coastal wetland in western Haikou.[Photo by Jiang Yun/China Daily]

"Haikou has established a strong leadership headed by senior city officials, supported by professional associations and a growing number of volunteers who are actively involved in promoting public awareness and monitoring management of the wetlands," said Chen Song, director of the Haikou Wetland Protection Center.

He said the city has also issued a number of legal regulations and compiled a master list on wetland protection, to safeguard its ecological resources.

"A good ecological environment is the biggest asset, providing a core competitiveness for Haikou's sustainable development," said Zhang Qi, a member of Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and Party secretary of Haikou, adding that the city will strive to create more ecological facilities and services for its people.

Haikou in Hainan province has pioneered its efforts to preserve ecosystems.[Photo by Li Xinhuang/China Daily]

 

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