Imagine a once murky lake in the heart of China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, now blooming into a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds. 🌍✨ Shahu Lake, nestled in the desert outskirts of Shizuishan City, has undergone a stunning transformation over the past eight years, turning into a true bird paradise.
Last autumn marked the arrival of the first batch of migratory birds at Shahu, positioning the lake as a key stop on the southern migration route. With the recent planting of a 200-hectare rice field, these feathered travelers have a stable food source to thrive on. 🥀🍚
But the journey to this paradise wasn't easy. Just eight years ago, the marshlands were plagued by stagnant water, leading to widespread fish deaths and the extinction of aquatic plants. In 2017, local authorities launched a comprehensive ecological management initiative, building a 400-hectare wetland adjacent to the core water area. This allowed water to flow freely, undergoing internal recycling and purification.
The hard work paid off: after three years, water quality improved significantly, paving the way for biodiversity to flourish. Today, Shahu Lake boasts over 210 bird species, up from fewer than 180. Notably, 32 new species, including the majestic black stork, have been spotted. 🦢🌿 Migratory birds like grey geese and cormorants have even chosen to make the wetland their long-term home.
Ningxia's commitment to environmental restoration doesn't stop there. Nearly 40,000 hectares of wetlands have been protected and restored, alongside the establishment of 26 wetland parks and four nature reserves. These efforts have revitalized ecosystems across diverse terrains, from deserts to grasslands.
The results speak for themselves: air quality in Ningxia's cities has remained excellent for over nine years, and the Yellow River's water quality is consistently grade II, safe for direct contact. Forest coverage has surpassed 11%, grassland vegetation stands at 56.8%, and sandified areas have drastically decreased from 85% to just over 19%. 🌳🌾
Wildlife populations are on the rise, with blue sheep and red deer thriving, and even snow leopards making a comeback after years of absence. 🐏🐆 Shahu Lake is not just a success story for migratory birds but a testament to Ningxia's dedication to preserving and enhancing its natural heritage.
