Clear Waters Flow, Myriad Birds Sing : Yantai Achieves Remarkable Results in Ecological Environment Restoration

Source: YMG Reporter: Jin Haishan Photographer: Sun Junjie

In the cold winter, across Yantai's wetlands, ponds, winding streams, urban marshes, and open riverbanks, flocks of wild ducks, mandarin ducks, and other wild birds forage leisurely and playfully chase one another, adding boundless vitality and charm to the city' winter scenery. This harmonious scene of "myriad birds soaring in unison" vividly reflects the significant achievements Yantai has made in recent years in advancing ecological environment restoration and biodiversity protection.

From an "Ecological Lowland" to a "Birds' Paradise"

A reporter recently observed at a riverbank in Gaotuan Town, Fushan District, that despite the low temperatures, the water surface was not completely frozen. Dozens of mallards and spot-billed ducks swam in groups on the shimmering water, while several pairs of colorful mandarin ducks preened their feathers near the reed beds, occasionally taking off in low, graceful arcs. Mr. Wang, a local resident observing the birds through binoculars, remarked emotionally, "A few years ago, the water here was scarce and polluted, and birds were rarely seen. Now, with the improved environment, different birds can be seen throughout the year, especially in winter when so many migratory birds stay. It's like a living painting."

In recent years, Yantai has implemented a series of ecological environment restoration projects, focusing on coastal zone remediation, river and lake system governance, and wetland protection and restoration. By restoring degraded wetlands, estuaries, and other areas through topographic rehabilitation, water system connectivity, vegetation recovery, and water purification, the city has effectively enhanced the integrity and stability of natural ecosystems, providing high-quality habitats and abundant food sources for various species, particularly migratory waterbirds.

Increasing Biodiversity

"Birds' choices are the most intuitive indicator of ecological environment quality," stated an expert in wildlife protection in Yantai. "Species like wild ducks and mandarin ducks have high requirements for water quality, food safety, and habitat tranquility. Their large-scale decision to winter or reside in Yantai fully demonstrates the improvement in local aquatic ecosystems and the overall ecological security level."

Yantai's ecological restoration is not a single project but a systematic effort to safeguard the "community of life." By strictly protecting natural coastlines, cleaning up illegal aquaculture and sewage discharge, building ecological seawalls, and strengthening pollution prevention and ecological water replenishment in inland rivers and reservoirs, the city has established a land-sea integrated, river-ocean coordinated ecological protection network.

Additionally, multiple departments across the city have collaborated to carry out special campaigns such as "Clearing Nets to Protect Birds," cracking down on illegal hunting and trading of wild animals, and enhancing public education through various channels. Protecting birds and preserving ecology have become widely embraced social values.

Ecological Dividends Continue to Grow

The improved ecological environment has not only led to the growth of bird populations but also attracted countless residents and tourists to engage with nature and appreciate its beauty.

Today, birdwatching, photography, and nature education have become popular leisure activities along Yantai's coastlines, parks, and wetlands, where harmonious scenes of humans and nature coexisting are commonplace. The favorable ecological environment is translating into tangible benefits for people's livelihoods and enhancing the city's appeal, laying a solid green foundation for Yantai's sustainable development.

The reporter noticed that relevant departments in Yantai will continue to prioritize ecology and green development, further consolidating and expanding the fruits of ecological restoration, improving the biodiversity protection system, and striving to create more ecological spaces favored by birds and loved by people. The goal is to make "blue skies, clear waters flow, myriad birds sing" a defining feature of beautiful Yantai.

From migratory birds being "passing guests" to "permanent residents," Yantai's persistent efforts have been generously rewarded by nature. Every meticulously restored wetland and every river restored to clarity represents a steadfast practice of the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." These graceful winter visitors are not only heralds of ecological improvement but also lovely reminders to persist in building and sharing a better homeland.