ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Return of Mythical Bird • Reborn of Wetland - Conservation and Restoration Planning & World Heritage Application Preparation for Fujian Minjiang River Estuary

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Poster Track 05 | ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Speaker

Dr Chenxi Wang (Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning and Design Institute)

Description

The Fujian Minjiang River Estuary, situated along the eastern coast of Fuzhou City, is a mudflat wetland formed through centuries of sedimentation from the Min River Basin. This area serves as a critical node on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) for migratory birds and provides refuge for numerous endangered species. Twenty-four years ago, the reappearance of a mythical species added an element of mystery to this wetland. The Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN) was once believed extinct due to habitat degradation, typhoons, human interference, and low reproduction rates until its rediscovery in this area in 2000.

Today, from April to September each year, this 'Mythical Bird' returns as expected, infusing the wetland with renewed vigor and vitality. While numerous restoration efforts have been implemented in recent years, challenges such as marine aquaculture, invasive species, and human disturbance persist. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish graded protection zones, restore habitats for endangered waterfowl, and safeguard the ecosystem's integrity and authenticity.

This paper aims to elucidate the restoration process, detailing how we created a welcoming environment for returning wild birds and explored the potential for promoting harmonious coexistence between nature and humans. Our work encompasses three primary aspects:

1. Delineating the reservation area's boundaries and establishing graded control measures.
2. Optimizing the hydrological network, mitigating the impact of invasive species, and creating suitable habitats.
3. Fostering close cooperation with local communities to showcase the uniqueness and allure of a potential World Heritage Site.

As a significant milestone, the Fujian Minjiang River Estuary was successfully included in the World Natural Heritage Tentative List in August 2022, marking a crucial step towards its recognition and protection on a global scale.