CCTV News (News Network): February 2 is the 29th World Wetland Day. The theme of this year's World Wetland Day is "Protecting wetlands and building 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 has implemented more than 3,700 wetland protection and restoration projects in total, and has added and restored more than 1 million hectares of wetlands.
At the same time, my country effectively prevents and controls the invasion of alien species and maintains 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 is also 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.
