VISITORS will see birds such as herons, grey cranes and swans skimming through the golden reeds while walking into Wild Duck Lake Wetland in suburban Beijing as spring approaches. However, this scene could not be seen a few years ago.

On the occasion of the 27th World Wetlands Day early this year, Beijing Wild Duck Lake Wetland became one of the 18 new sites in China designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Following this expansion, the number of Wetlands of International Importance hit 82 in China, covering a surface area of 7.647 million hectares, the fourth-largest in the world, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

“Wetland parks prioritize the harmonious co-existence between humans and nature, in which a favorable water environment plays a vital role in enhancing the biodiversity,” said Wang Xiaoxu, director of the natural reserve administration in Yanqing District in Beijing.

At the Wenyu River park, known as the “lung of the capital city,” more than 80 mandarin ducks and other water birds including smew, ruddy shelduck and mallard were spotted last winter. “Waterfowls require a high-standard habitat,” introduced Wu Lan, an ecological inspector. “The park is located at the intersection of two rivers with abundant water resources. Its water system has been further improved, thereby turning the park into a popular destination for water birds.”

“The proportion of healthy waters in Beijing reached 87.2% in 2022. About 105 species of birds were seen in the rivers, lakes and reservoirs of the capital, including some under national first-class protection,” said a official from the Beijing Water Authority. (Xinhua)