From Polluted Mud to Wildlife Haven: Mangrove Park's Triumph

Xiatanwei Mangrove Park, East China's largest restored intertidal wetland, is hosting marine biodiversity events for World Oceans Day. This initiative highlights its remarkable transition from a polluted aquaculture area to a significant ecological sanctuary, recognized as a global model for coastal rehabilitation.

Once degraded by commercial aquaculture in the 1970s and 80s, the site underwent extensive restoration starting in the early 2000s. A 5-hectare experimental forest led to an 85-hectare comprehensive remediation by the Xiamen city government. This has fundamentally altered the local food web, leading to a significant return of native wildlife.

Data from Xiamen University shows a 2.4-fold increase in total species richness. Fish biomass has risen by 2.99-fold, shellfish by 4.76-fold, and crustaceans by 1.19-fold. The park now attracts diverse bird species, unlike before its restoration.

Beyond biodiversity, the park plays a crucial role in climate diplomacy. It was designated the 'BRICS Carbon Neutral Forest' for fully offsetting emissions from the 2017 BRICS Xiamen Summit. The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean praised it as an excellent example of mangrove restoration.

Since January 2023, the park has welcomed over 3 million tourists. It also serves as an outdoor science classroom, hosting over 500 educational workshops for more than 150,000 students, fostering a hands-on understanding of marine conservation.