Shenzhen’s green mission: protecting mangroves as a haven for biodiversity

The Purpose
Mangroves are an important species in wetlands and a cultural symbol of Shenzhen’s spirit. The purpose is to protect and restore mangrove wetlands as part of Shenzhen’s ecological protection policy and to promote global mangrove protection, restoration, and rational utilisation through the establishment of the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen.

The Solution
To protect and restore mangrove wetlands, Shenzhen has implemented a characteristic protection system – the ‘forest chief system’, built a mangrove museum, and conducted mangrove science popularisation education activities. In September 2023, China established the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, aiming to create an international cooperation mechanism for mangrove and coastal blue carbon ecosystems.

Over 300 hectares of mangrove nature reserves along Shenzhen Bay host more than 100,000 migratory birds during the winter, including over 20 rare and endangered species.

The Impact
Shenzhen has approximately 213.62 hectares of mangrove forests, and the restoration of mangrove wetlands is a vital component of the city’s ecological protection policy. Over 300 hectares of mangrove nature reserves along Shenzhen Bay host more than 100,000 migratory birds during the winter, including over 20 rare and endangered species. The establishment of the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen will promote global cooperation in mangrove protection, restoration and utilisation, ultimately contributing to the healthy development of ecosystems and the preservation of these vital wetland areas.

Images Courtesy © Getty/Canva

Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022