China’s efforts to safeguard wetlands are yielding encouraging results, with improving water quality and thriving biodiversity across several key regions.   In central China’s Hubei Province, the Qingjiang National Wetland Park spans more than 3,600 hectares, with wetlands covering just over half of the area. The park supports rich biodiversity, home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, including 33 species under national protection. The return of Chinese mergansers, which have wintered there for three consecutive years, highlights the area’s healthy ecological conditions.   Further west on the Pamir Plateau in northwest China’s Xinjiang, authorities have strengthened environmental protection by strictly observing ecological conservation red lines. Measures such as wetland rehabilitation, water conservation and the restoration of grazing land to grassland have been promoted, while efforts to curb unsustainable development have also been stepped up.   Meanwhile, the Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve in central China’s Henan Province plays a crucial role in protecting the water source for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Ongoing conservation work has helped maintain surface-water quality at Class II or above year-round, supporting habitats for rare birds including black storks and crested ibis.   Source: China Central Television