The intertidal area of Rudong extends more than 69,300 hectares and is rich in food for migrant birds. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

In recent years, Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province has placed a lot of importance on environmental protection and is working to become an ideal home for endangered birds, including the spoon-billed sandpiper.

According to statistics, in 2016 there were only about 700 spoon-billed sandpipers left in the world. The birds inhabit the Arctic region and Siberia and spend their winters in Southeast Asia. They stop in Rudong to rest every spring and autumn.

"Rudong boasts a vast intertidal zone, which has been well preserved by the local government, attracting a huge number of migrant birds every year," said Cai Kangyuan, a veteran birdwatcher.

The latest report on biological diversity in Rudong showed that the county was home to 118 types of birds at the end of 2019. 

The report was a result of comprehensive research carried out by the local environmental department aimed at providing scientific evidence as a basis for long-term environmental protection.

The county has also taken a series of measures to protect the wetland, including drafting protection and restoration plans, eliminating invasive alien species, holding academic exchange activities, and building reserve areas.

Local primary schools and kindergartens have also formed bird clubs and are working to raise students' awareness of the importance of environmental protection through science education, painting, bird-related handicrafts, and field research.