China's achievements in wetland conservation gained international attention on July 27 at the 15th Meeting of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Guangdong Neilingding-Futian National Nature Reserve was awarded "WLI Star Wetland Centre for People," while the Shenzhen Bay Park Nature Education Centre received the "WLI Star Wetland Centres 2024."
Presented by Wetland Link International (WLI), these are the world's only awards specifically recognizing excellence in wetland education and public engagement. This dual honor underscores international recognition for Shenzhen’s innovative approaches to conservation and environmental awareness.
This recognition coincides with significant progress in China's broader coastal ecosystem protection, highlighted during the recent International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (July 26). China has announced that it has already surpassed its national 2021-2025 target for mangrove restoration, creating 9,200 hectares of new mangrove areas by June 2025. The country's total mangrove coverage now stands at 30,300 hectares, marking a 38% increase since 2000. More and more protection measures, which place nearly all mangroves within strict ecological conservation boundaries, have significantly reduced damage and led to measurable improvements in ecosystem health, stability, and biodiversity.
Shenzhen, a major coastal hub bordering the South China Sea, exemplifies this progress. Its diverse wetlands cover 348 square kilometers, with coastal ecosystems like mangroves, mudflats, and estuaries comprising 77% of this area. Sites such as Shenzhen Bay Park have become cherished public spaces, benefiting from extensive restoration efforts.
China's commitment is gaining global traction. The International Mangrove Centre, established in Shenzhen last year, has already attracted interest from 19 potential member nations. Chinese authorities are now drafting further policies and a dedicated 2026-2030 action plan to strengthen mangrove protection and restoration, aiming to share scientific expertise and solutions for safeguarding these vital "coastal guardians" worldwide.
Reporter: Cai Minling
Photo: MCF
Editor: Wei Shen, James, Shen He
