February 2 this year is the 29th World Wetland Day. This year's World Wetland Day theme is "Protect wetlands and build the future together." The reporter learned from the State Forestry and Grassland Administration that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, my country has continued to promote wetland protection and restoration, and the ecological conditions of important wetlands have been effectively improved.
The latest data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration shows that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, more than 3,700 wetland protection and restoration projects have been implemented, more than 1 million hectares of new wetlands have been added and restored, and the national wetland area has remained stable at more than 56.35 million hectares. More than 2,200 wetland nature reserves have been established.
At the same time, we will vigorously promote the special action plan for the prevention and control of mutual flower rice and grass, effectively prevent and control the invasion of alien species, and maintain the health and safety of wetland ecosystems. As of the end of 2024, 1.1 million mu of Muhua rice and grass were removed nationwide, successfully curbing the unlimited diffusion of Muhua rice and grass. In addition, the special campaign for mangrove protection and restoration has also been accelerated. The area of mangroves has reached 454,500 mu, an increase of about 124,500 mu from the beginning of this century, making it one of the few countries in the world with a net increase in mangrove area.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the National Wetland Park. Over the past 20 years, the National Wetland Park has effectively protected 2.4 million hectares of wetlands across the country, driving regional economic growth of more than 50 billion yuan. About 90% of the National Wetland Parks are open to the public for free, exploring and establishing effective ways to realize the value of ecological products.
(CCTV reporter Wang Kaibo Chen Yewei)
