By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 9, 2023, the China News Service reported on the remarkable transformation of the Nandagang Wetland in Hebei, which has emerged as a world-class stopover for migratory birds. During my recent visit to the wetland, I was captivated by the stunning autumn landscape: lush vegetation stretched endlessly, while birds danced and foraged across the vast wetland.
Located in northeastern Cangzhou City along the western coast of Bohai Bay, the Nandagang Wetland spans 7,500 hectares and plays a crucial role as a migratory bird stopover. This past July, the wetland proudly earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the nomination for the China Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat—marking a significant milestone for Hebei as it celebrates its first natural world heritage site.
Achieving this prestigious designation was no easy task; it required strict adherence to environmental standards for migratory bird habitats. In conversations with local officials, I learned about the past challenges faced by the northern area of the Nandagang Wetland, which was previously converted into fish ponds. This disruption severely affected the wetlands’ hydrological connectivity and ecological balance, leading to a decline in aquatic life and detrimental effects on the habitat and breeding conditions for bird populations.
The stunning ecological revival of the Nandagang Wetland can be credited to ongoing conservation and restoration efforts spearheaded by the local government. Meng Zhaolei, director of the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Administration, shared that recent initiatives—including returning wetlands to their natural state, making micro-topographical adjustments, and transforming slopes ecologically—have successfully reestablished the wetland’s natural structure. This includes the creation of water bodies, shallow areas, and habitat islands, significantly enhancing the ecological environment.
Recent reports indicate that various projects have restored approximately 108.8 hectares of wetlands, with an additional 200 hectares converted back to wetland, 28 kilometers of interconnected waterways, and improvements to 225.4 hectares of bird habitats. Currently, the wetland’s water quality is significantly better, soil conditions are improving, and overall biodiversity is on the rise, as evidenced by the rapid increase in bird populations.
Statistics from the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Administration reveal a remarkable jump in migratory bird numbers—from 20,000 in 2019 to over 100,000 in 2023—a stunning fourfold increase in just four years. Zhang Zhengwang, a professor at Beijing Normal University and head of the heritage application technical team, emphasized that this surge is crucial for the site’s successful heritage listing. He noted that the growth not only indicates improved ecological quality but also showcases the region’s dedication to scientific ecological preservation.
Visual proof of this transformation can be seen through newly installed display boards featuring before-and-after photos of the wetland’s construction progress. The first image, taken in June 2023, shows a smaller water surface, while the second, captured in August 2024, reveals a significantly expanded and clearer body of water. Wang Lijun, deputy director of the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Administration, underscored that the advancements in ecological restoration over the past year have been pivotal in these improvements.
In addition to restoration efforts, precise monitoring and research are crucial for protecting the migratory bird habitat. Wang highlighted the establishment of a new integrated scientific monitoring platform that conducts round-the-clock surveys of wildlife. Utilizing sonar systems and high-definition cameras throughout the reserve, researchers can effectively track bird species, thereby enhancing both efficiency and data accuracy.
Moreover, the wetland’s infrastructure is continuously being upgraded, with the addition of new patrol stations, maintenance of water gates, and the construction of fire lookout towers and birdwatching shelters. Wang expressed that these enhancements in scientific monitoring facilities will bolster ongoing conservation and restoration efforts, creating a more welcoming environment for migratory birds.
As Hebei’s first natural world heritage site, this prestigious designation carries significant implications. Meng Zhaolei remarked that it presents an opportunity for Cangzhou to integrate various tourism resources and collaborate with the Grand Canal cultural belt to develop a world heritage area, establishing a unique cultural and ecological tourism destination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Looking forward, Meng revealed that local authorities plan to expand ecotourism initiatives focusing on birdwatching, wetland exploration, and wellness retreats, all while emphasizing the importance of preserving world heritage. This initiative aims to not only enhance the region’s tourism profile but also stimulate growth in the local tourism and service industries.