2019.7.5 – 2026.7.5 Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetlands World Natural Heritage celebrates its 7th anniversary.
Dear Yellow Sea Wetlands,
Seven years ago, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase I) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in Baku. It is China’s first coastal wetland World Heritage and the world’s first heritage site themed on migratory bird protection. We are grateful for the changes you brought to Yancheng.
First, you guided us to green development. We built the 720 High-Tide Roosting Habitat in 2020 for migratory birds, where over 3 million birds rest annually. We abandoned blind tidal flat reclamation to prioritize biodiversity.
Second, you gave Yancheng global standing. In 2024, five Phase II sites were added to the World Heritage List. The original wetland conference was upgraded to World Coastal Forum(WCF), permanently hosted in Yancheng. Two forums have been held, with the Yancheng Consensus released to share China’s coastal conservation experience globally.
Third, you helped us form Yancheng’s ecological solutions. Guided by NbS, we restored 2,140.13 hectares of wetlands, reclaimed 305 hectares of fish farms and repaired 23.34 km of shorelines. The 720 habitat and Chuanshuiwan Project have won global and national conservation honors, reviving habitats for spoon-billed sandpipers, elks and other wildlife.
Your seventh birthday is just a milestone. Going forward, we will continue wetland restoration, scientific monitoring and environmental publicity.
This brief letter records our seven years of efforts and lasting promises. Happy birthday to our World Heritage! We will always protect this homeland and realize the harmony between humans and nature.
Yancheng Wetland and Natural World Heritage Conservation and Management Center
July 5, 2026