Home / Environment / China Expands Vital Bird Habitat Twice
China Expands Vital Bird Habitat Twice
28 Jul
Summary
- Dalian's Changshan Islands added to UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Habitat expansion aids Chinese egrets and spotted seals.
- Site protects world's largest intertidal mudflat system.
The Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along China's Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf have seen a significant expansion with the addition of the Changshan Islands in Dalian. This marks the second enlargement of the UNESCO World Heritage property, enhancing its ecological corridor. The newly inscribed area spans over 4,900 hectares and is crucial for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
This expansion underscores China's commitment to protecting coastal natural resources through an integrated land-sea strategy. The Changshan Islands provide essential habitat for vulnerable species, including the world's largest breeding population of Chinese egrets and year-round shelter for black-faced spoonbills and Western Pacific spotted seals.
The property, first inscribed in 2019, now encompasses a vital ecological corridor that includes the world's largest intertidal mudflat system. This productive ecosystem serves as critical nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans, and a vital stopover for numerous migratory bird species, including endangered ones.
China continues to bolster its protected area system, focusing on national parks and comprehensive World Heritage site management. The country now leads globally with 15 natural and four mixed natural and cultural World Heritage sites.
