Imagine a place where rusty mining equipment gives way to fluttering wings, and toxic wastelands transform into lush wetlands. In Huaibei City, Anhui, this isn’t a fantasy—it’s reality. 🌱
Nature’s Comeback Story
Once a crumbling coal mine subsidence zone, Nanhu Wetland Park has become a biodiversity hotspot. Over 120 bird species, including endangered mandarin ducks and black storks, now call this 14.5-sq-km oasis home. 🦆✨
How Did They Do It?
Local efforts focused on soil restoration, water purification, and native plant reintroduction. ‘It’s like the land remembered how to breathe,’ says resident Li Mei, 24. The park now supports eco-tourism and serves as a ‘green classroom’ for students.
Why It Matters
This transformation shows how industrial cities can reinvent themselves sustainably. With 70% of the population under 35 participating in conservation programs, Huaibei offers a blueprint for balancing ecology and urban growth. 🌏🏙️
Reference(s):
Between the city and the forest: living in harmony with Anhui's birds
cgtn.com