Changes in Jiangdong 1: Let business and nature co-exist

Jiangdong New Area is located on the east coast of Haikou, the capital of South China's Hainan province, and has a planned land area of 298 square kilometers.

The region is rich in ecological resources. It currently boasts a 31-kilometer coastline and about 90 sq km in wetland area, which is crisscrossed by a dense river network.

Dongzhai Port Mangrove Ecological Restoration Project

One of the first ecological restoration projects in Jiangdong New Area started in March 2019 at the Dongzhai Port mangroves.

The project aims to effectively restore the coastline and coastal mangrove ecosystem of Dongzhai Port to ensure the ecological safety of Jiangdong New Area and to provide a good habitat for migratory birds in China.

Chinese egrets rest on the mudflats while a local fisherman places his nets. [Photo/hicn.cn]

Mangroves are known as nature's coast guards. They prevent the erosion of coasts by waves and weather.  Mangrove forests have also been listed as important tropical marine ecosystems alongside coral reefs, salt marshes, and seagrass.

During the project, more than one million mangrove tree saplings were planted on 321 acres.

Maiya River Restoration Project

Near the Jiangdong New Area Central Business District lies the Maiya River Ecological Restoration Project.

The Maiya River Wetland Restoration Project area was once covered by hundreds of artificial fish ponds.

What was once wasteland and acres of artificial fish ponds has been transformed into an environmentally friendly wetland park. In the very near future, several world-leading Fortune 500 companies and headquarters will be located adjacent to the park, making it a place where business and nature can co-exist.

Prior to the redevelopment, the area was home to hundreds of aquaculture ponds, which emitted unpleasant smells and discharged most of their wastewater into nearby rivers, which had a negative effect on the environment.

The area now covers more than 362 acres, which in the future will be expanded to 1,403 acres of coastal wetlands.

Since the project began, many birds and other wildlife have returned to the area. The small ponds and trees offer a source of food and safe haven for these creatures.

Award-winning wetlands

The Maiya River Restoration Project is a good example of how Haikou has promoted the ecological restoration of wetlands across the city. Other notable examples are the Wuyuan and Meishe River National Wetland Parks.

In recent years, Haikou has had a good track record of implementing clean water development schemes and long term protection systems, as well as water conservation and restoration projects.

Previously, Haikou was included on the first list of the world's "International Wetland Cities" and was awarded the Paulson Prize for Sustainability in the "Nature Stewardship" category.