The province of Shandong has continued to make progress in the preservation of its wetlands in recent years, according to local authorities.  

Wetlands, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and coasts, are important ecosystems and vital feeding and breeding grounds for migratory birds.

Wild birds inhabit the estuary wetland of Mohe River in Chengyang district, Qingdao. [Photo/IC]

Shandong has many wetlands totaling 1.74 million hectares in area. In recent years, the province launched a slew of measures to protect wetlands, improve water quality, and promote environmental protection.

By the end of 2020, the province had 66 national wetland parks, ranking second in the country. It is also home to 134 provincial-level wetland parks and 155 wetland protection communities.

Migratory birds spend winter in the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve in Dongying, Shandong province. [Photo/IC]

According to official statistics, Shandong has two wetlands on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar List), namely the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve in Dongying and the Nansi Lake Wetland in Jining, while the Qingzhou Mihe River Wetland is on the list of wetlands of national importance.

The province is also home to 53 wetlands of provincial importance and 107 wetlands of municipal importance.