In the picturesque汀江 National Wetland Park in Changting County, Longyan City, Fujian Province, the once-barren hills have been transformed into a lush landscape brimming with flowers and fruit, as shared by汤钦洪, the Secretary of the Party Committee of Sanzhou Town, Changting County, during a recent media interview on August 27th. This transformation is a testament to the region’s innovative approach to combining ecological and economic benefits in combating soil erosion.
Changting, historically known as Tingzhou, holds a significant place in China’s revolutionary history as a prominent old revolutionary base area, a key starting point for the Red Army’s Long March, and the site of the former Central Soviet Area. The area, affectionately dubbed Red Little Shanghai, has a storied past where revolutionary leaders carried out their revolutionary practices.
The汀江 National Wetland Park, located in the historic village of Sanzhou, is not only Fujian’s fourth national wetland park but also the first of its kind in the province focusing on riverine ecosystems. Established in November 2014, the park boasts a rich biodiversity, with 115 plant families, 304 genera, and 424 species, including 145 wetland plant species. It is also home to 180 species of wild vertebrates, including 50 fish, 7 amphibians, 1 reptile, and 124 bird species.
Changting’s journey to ecological recovery is a remarkable one. In 1985, the region was identified as one of the most severely eroded areas in southern China’s red soil region, with 146,200 acres, or 31.5% of its land area, affected by soil loss. The barren landscape, once likened to the fiery Flame Mountain, posed a significant challenge to local residents, as reflected in a popular local saying, 脚踩砂孤头，头顶大日头，三餐番薯头，生活没盼头 (Knee-deep in sand, blazing sun overhead, meals of sweet potatoes, and no hope for a better life).
The transformation of the Flame Mountain into a thriving wetland park is a testament to the perseverance and innovative spirit of the people of Changting. Over three decades of dedicated ecological restoration, the area has evolved from a desolate wasteland to a picturesque tourist destination, offering visitors a serene environment of verdant forests, rippling waters, and fruit-laden orchards. This transition, from Flame Mountain to Green Mountains, then to Mountains Filled with Flowers and Fruit, and finally to Golden and Silver Mountains, represents a significant economic and ecological achievement.
The revitalization of the local economy, driven by the growth of specialized agriculture and tourism, has significantly improved the lives of the residents. As汤钦洪 noted, the improvements have led to increased prosperity, more job opportunities, and a heightened sense of well-being and satisfaction among the local population. The successful integration of ecological conservation and economic development serves as a shining example of the upgraded Changting Experience in soil erosion control.
Further showcasing the region’s agricultural prowess is the Red Flag Over汀江·Two Mountains Practice Corridor Rural Revitalization Demonstration Zone in Hetian, where a 10,000-acre modern agricultural tourism park has emerged as a popular attraction. Spanning over 3000 acres of fertile land, the park demonstrates the potential for large-scale, sustainable agriculture in the area.
In conclusion, the transformation of Fujian’s Red Little Shanghai, Changting, from a landscape ravaged by soil erosion to an ecological wonderland is a powerful demonstration of China’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development. The story of Changting’s ecological miracle not only preserves its revolutionary heritage but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow, highlighting the potential for combining economic prosperity with ecological conservation.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2024/08-28/10275832.shtml
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