City powers ahead with green transformation

As birds descend on the picturesque wetland, they bear witness to Yancheng's ecological conservation efforts. The wetland not only serves as a sanctuary for the birds, but also stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to a green and low-carbon future.

Wang Weiguo, deputy director of Yancheng's Dongtai Coastal Economic Zone management committee, said he is deeply impressed by the rising numbers of Nordmann's greenshank, an endangered species that views the wetland as home.

"International researchers estimated that only 600 of these endangered birds remained in existence in 2012," Wang said.

"However, the number we have discovered exceeds expectations, with 1,560 of the birds observed at the wetland this year. The numbers reach new heights every year — the best proof of the thriving environment at the wetland."

The Yancheng authorities' remarkable achievements in environmental protection and their commitment to a green and low-carbon transformation have played critical roles in the resurgence of avian species.

Yancheng is the only prefecture-level city in China to boast two national wetland nature reserves, two wetlands of international importance and a world natural heritage site.

Yancheng has two national wetland parks — Jiulongkou and Dazonghu — and has allocated an area of 416,000 hectares for wetland protection.