An aerial view of the Futian National Mangrove Nature Reserve in the city center of Shenzhen. Xinhua
SHENZHEN has adopted a regulation aimed at strengthening protection of its mangrove wetlands.
The regulation was approved by the city’s legislature earlier this month and explained at a news conference held by the city government Wednesday.
Shenzhen is home to about 300 hectares of mangrove forests, all of which are subject to strict protection, officials said.
The regulation prohibits activities that occupy mangrove wetlands and requires administrative approval for logging, digging, transplanting and collecting seeds. It bans the introduction or planting of species that could harm mangrove ecosystems and calls for stronger pest control and invasive-species management.
To protect migratory birds, the regulation restricts construction, drone use and other activities that could disturb them. It also requires authorities to optimize the layout and control of nighttime lighting in and around mangrove habitats.
The lighting provision codifies Shenzhen’s practice of “turning off the lights for birds” and is intended to support the development of bird-friendly cities. It is also believed to fill a gap in China’s existing legislation.
The practice was first adopted by Shenzhen Bay Park, which lies along a major global migratory route. Each year, the park dims its lights to provide birds with a safer resting environment in the mangroves.
In 2023, Shenzhen introduced standards for nighttime lighting environments and classified its mangrove wetlands as highly restricted lighting zones. The standards set limits on light intensity, glare and skyglow, while requiring warm, low-disturbance yellow lighting instead of bright blue-white lamps.
The regulation defines mangrove protection more broadly than plant communities alone. Protected areas include tidal flats, tidal creeks, shallow waters and the wild animals that live in or forage in mangrove wetlands.
It also allows comprehensive remediation, restoration or transplantation in areas where mangroves are scattered or ecological functions have deteriorated.
The regulation encourages ecological research, education, recreation and nature experiences related to wetlands. It also establishes a full-chain carbon-sink trading mechanism covering carbon measurement, floor-price assessment, market trading and financial support. (Shenzhen Daily)
