Xiamen's practice of mangrove restoration included in the International Applications of Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction in Coastal Areas
The mangrove restoration in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian province was included in the International Applications of Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction in Coastal Areas, a collection launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources of People's Republic of China in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on September 25.
The collection, which is available in both Chinese and English, consists of eight case studies of the practical application of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) in coastal areas of China, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom.
These eight cases include:
1. Esturaine DisasterRisk Reduction in China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, Tianjin, China
2. Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study of the South Coast of the Yellow River Estuary, Dongying, China
3. Sand Coast Revegetation and Restoration of Binhai New City, Fuzhou, China
4. Restoring Mangroves to Reduce Coastal Risks in Xiatanwei, Xiamen, China
5. Ecological Stratification of Hongshahuan Seawall in Fangchenggang, China
6. Integrating Climate Adaptation, Poverty Reduction and Environmental Conservation in natural resources management in Kwale County, Kenya
7. Mangroves for Ecosystem-based -Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study of Kala Oya Estuary, Sri Lanka
8. Coastal Realignment Scheme, Medmerry, United Kingdom
These cases share practical experience in reducing ecological disasters and enhancing protection along the coastal belts.
To reduce coastal risks in Xiatanwei, the city of Xiamen implemented a mangrove restoration plan from 2005 to 2020. During the period, the city planted 85 hectares of mangroves, building a nature infrastructure of shelter forests, backshore vegetation, and sand beach for disaster risk reduction.