In March, I visited China’s second-largest freshwater lake—Dongting Lake, in Yueyang, Hunan Province. Recently I saw another—Beijing Yeya Lake within the Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands.
Wind turbines overlook Beijing Yeya Lake within the Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands. Photo: SLCT
On 5 May, our group visited the National Forestry and Grassland/National Park Administration to learn about conserving and rehabilitating China’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and desert and wildlife resources.
Lake lookout at the Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands. Photo: SLCT
We learned that the Wetlands Conservation Law, effective since June 2022, provides a legal guarantee for strengthening wetlands conservation and restoration. China has the most International Wetland Cities around the globe, with 13 cities accredited. The wetlands system includes 82 of International Importance, 29 of National Importance, 1,027 of Provincial Importance, 5 National Parks and over 2,200 Nature Reserves. In 10 years, China will host the world’s most extensive national park system. Knowledge gained from the National Wetlands Conservation Plan (2022-2030) will be expanded to assist developing countries in overcoming similar challenges. The forestry ministry was among the first ministries established in 1949. China has hundreds of millions of hectares of forests, grasslands and wetlands, and the system’s comprehensive database manages all the parks, which is the backbone of Xi Jinping’s “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” concept coined in 2017.
Plant advisories at the Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands. Photo: SLCT
Beijing Yeyahu Wetland—Beijing’s first wetland of International Importance—was added to the list of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance on World Wetlands Day in February 2023. It was overcast and rainy when we toured via electric shuttle; however, we paused several times to admire the expansive views augmented by wind turbines on the horizon, and the touring facilities offered, including raised walkways into the wetlands.
Visitor transport within Beijing Yeyahu Wetlands. Photo: SLCT
China loans Giant Pandas to different countries as a sign of friendship. They are working citizen ambassadors who return home after their assignment to retire. The most recent returnee was YaYa, following 20 years of residence at the Memphis Zoo in the United States. During the visit, we learned that Guyana, officially The Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is sending (unclear if on loan or as a gift) 2 jaguars—its national animals—to China to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Grenada resumed in 2005. The next anniversary of note would be in 2025, the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Perhaps Grenada could gift China a pair of its national bird, the Grenada Dove.