Report: Progress in wetland protection, but challenges remain

China has made progress in wetland protection since the Wetland Protection Law took effect last year, but challenges remain in enforcing the law despite the positive results, according to a draft inspection report.

The Report on the Implementation of the Wetland Protection Law was released on Saturday during the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress convened from Oct 20 to 24 in Beijing. It was drafted by the NPC Standing Committee Law Enforcement Inspection Group.

The report said that various regions and departments have strictly enforced the law to safeguard the functions and biodiversity of wetlands, ensuring ecological security.

So far, 27 provinces, regions and municipalities have formulated local regulations for wetland protection, marking a new stage of legal governance for wetland protection.

Since the Wetland Protection Law took effect in June last year, China has added 18 internationally important wetlands, reaching a total of 82. More than 800,000 hectares of wetlands have been added or restored, the report said.

From June to September, the NPC Standing Committee organized an inspection of the enforcement of the law nationwide, as part of its supervision work plan for 2023.

The inspection group found that stricter environmental management of construction projects have been enforced.

Reclamation, drainage, and unauthorized burial of natural wetlands and permanent interception of natural wetland water sources have been banned, and compliance reviews for major projects has been strengthened, the report said.

It added that law enforcement and supervision has been enhanced. Actions such as Green Shield inspections for nature reserves and fisheries administration by the China Fishery Law Enforcement have been carried out, and illegal actions that destroy wetlands have been severely punished in accordance with the law.

Problems were also found in terms of law enforcement. One of the main challenges is the need for improved coordination between wetland protection and rational use, the report said. It added that in some places, wetlands were simply fenced off and protected and resources have not been rationally utilized, it added.

The report highlighted the urgent need to include key wetlands in the protected areas list. Some natural lakes with important ecological functions and key bird migratory areas are not included on the list.

Moreover, some cities and counties have financial difficulties and find it difficult to ensure investment funds for wetland protection. A diversified and market-oriented investment for wetland protection and restoration has not yet been set up, the report said.

Professional talent and scientific and technological support are insufficient, it added. Basic research on wetland protection lags, and restoration plans need to be improved, it said.