Guangzhou hosts wetland forum

Experts from across the country gathered in Guangzhou on Nov 15 to give their insights on the latest developments in the city's wetland ecology.

At the forum, hosted by the Guangzhou municipal government, it was announced that an extra 200-kilomter belt of forest and 300,000 flowering trees would be planted over the coming years.

Shen Guofang, former chancellor of Beijing Forestry University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attended the forum and remarked on the development of Guangzhou's ecology.

"Guangzhou is such an incredible city with its vast tracts of forests and wetlands downtown. We can hardly find a similar city in the world," Shen said. 

At present, Guangzhou has established 19 wetland parks, which cover more than10 percent of the city's total area. Seven were just built this year.

The Haizhu National-Level Wetland Park is located only 3 kilometers from the Canton Tower, the park has 602 types of vascular plants and 311 different species of animals. Its species of birds and fish have both doubled in the past five years.  [Photo/xinhuanet.com]