Anhui Province's Chaohu Lake Basin just scored major eco-bragging rights! The Eighteen Polder Wetland Restoration Project has been selected as a flagship case for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration – think of it as the Olympics for environmental comebacks .
From 'Oh No' to 'Let's Grow'
Once strained by population growth and land reclamation since the 1960s, this critical wetland near China's fifth-largest freshwater lake is now thriving. Phase III of the restoration (completed in 2022) transformed 4.3 sq km of fishponds into a biodiversity superhero:
Bird species doubled from 63 to 117
15 new aquatic plant types identified
263 hectares of forests/grasslands revived
Why This Matters Globally
The UN Environment Programme-backed initiative proves communities can reverse environmental damage through smart planning. Hefei's phased approach since 2017 created wetlands that now filter water, prevent floods, and support sustainable practices – a blueprint other regions could copy-paste .
\"This recognition shows ecological recovery and economic development can coexist,\" said a local official, as migratory birds flock back to the 410-hectare restored habitat. Talk about a glow-up!
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Bird species doubled from 63 to 117
15 new aquatic plant types identified
263 hectares of forests/grasslands revived
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