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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
China's natural wetlands: past problems, current status, and future challenges
Shuqing An1, Harbin Li, Baohua Guan
1Institute of Wetland Ecology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, China. anshq@nju.edu.cn
Ambio
|July 14, 2007
Summary
China
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- China's natural wetlands, vital for ecosystem services, face significant degradation.
- Historical reclamation and recent pressures have led to substantial wetland loss.
Observation:
- Wetlands cover 3.8% of China, providing 54.9% of ecosystem services.
- Significant losses include 23.0% of freshwater swamps and 51.2% of coastal wetlands.
Findings:
- China is implementing major wetland conservation efforts.
- Initiatives include returning croplands to wetlands and a national plan for 90% protection by 2030.
Implications:
- These conservation efforts are crucial for China's sustainable economic development.
- Addressing past issues and future challenges is key to effective wetland protection.
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