Shandong releases wetland protection regulations

Shandong province officially implemented its new wetland protection regulations on Dec 1, marking a significant milestone in the province's efforts to protect and restore wetlands and promote the construction of a beautiful Shandong.

The regulations outline specific guidelines for the utilization of both important and general wetlands, encouraging and guiding individuals and organizations to engage in eco-friendly activities such as ecotourism, ecological agriculture, ecological education, and nature experiences within wetland areas.

To ensure the longevity of important wetlands, the regulations require local governments at or above the county level to optimize the industrial layout in surrounding areas. This can be achieved through targeted support, industrial relocation, social investment, and community co-construction. These will promote green development in wetland areas and balance economic growth with wetland conservation.

Moreover, the regulations strictly prohibit activities within important and general wetlands that could harm the wetland ecosystem's basic functions, exceed the regenerative capacity of wetland resources, or damage wildlife habitats.

As of now, Shandong province boasts 200 provincial-level wetland parks, two national important wetlands, two international important wetlands, and 53 provincial key protected wetlands.

Still within the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the province has been actively involved in wetland protection and restoration projects in key areas such as the Yellow River Delta and the Nansi Lake, with a cumulative restoration area of over 700,000 mu (46,700 hectares).

Given Shandong's rich wetland resources and unique wetland landscapes, the province has immense potential for eco-tourism and sustainable utilization. In the future, Shandong will adhere to the principle of classified guidance, which will strengthen protection and promote a prudent use of wetland resources to enhance their overall ecological value.