Tiaozini Wetlands: The symbiotic code of a migratory bird paradise

Editor's note: In recognition of International Bird Day, Jia Yifei, a young research fellow (associate professor) at the School of Ecology and Nature Conservation and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Migration Research Center, Beijing Forestry University, tells us a success story of Tiaozini Wetlands, where ecological conservation and economic prosperity go hand in hand. While many prioritize short-term gains, local authorities chose ecological preservation over large-scale reclamation, safeguarding one of Earth's most vital migratory bird habitats. Their commitment has not only protected endangered species but also transformed Tiaozini into a model for sustainable development – thriving as an ecotourism hub, a biodiversity research center and a symbol of human-nature harmony. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

As dawn breaks over the Tiaozini Wetlands, the sky comes alive with the rhythmic flurry of wings. Tens of thousands of migratory birds sweep across the mudflats, their silhouettes slicing through the morning mist. On this vast coastal expanse – the core area of the Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat in Dongtai, east China's Jiangsu Province and a World Heritage site – spoon-billed sandpipers etch delicate arcs with their distinctive bills, Nordmann's greenshanks leave ephemeral imprints in the intertidal zone, and the calls of Saunders's gulls merge seamlessly with the tides. To the untrained eye, this wetland may seem desolate, but in reality, it is the grand stage for one of nature's most breathtaking migrations.

A bold choice: Ecology over short-term gains

Over a decade ago, Jiangsu Province initiated an ambitious plan to reclaim 180,000 hectares of coastal wetlands for development. Yancheng, the region encompassing Tiaozini, faced the same dilemma: pursue short-term industrial gains or safeguard one of Earth's most vital ecosystems. Unlike many before them, local authorities made a bold and unconventional choice. Instead of prioritizing land-sale revenues and infrastructure expansion, they pivoted towards long-term ecological preservation, investing millions in securing World Heritage status.

The effort paid off. In 2019, Yancheng's wetlands were designated as China's first coastal wetland World Natural Heritage site, with Tiaozini at its core as part of the "Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase I)." This landmark designation protected 64 endangered bird species and secured a crucial stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a migratory route spanning thousands of miles. Every year, millions of birds rely on these mudflats for breeding and as vital habitats, making conservation efforts here indispensable.

A haven for avian biodiversity

Tiaozini's unique ecological makeup – a mosaic of tidal forests, salt marshes and mudflats – offers an abundance of benthic organisms, ensuring a rich feeding ground for migratory shorebirds. Today, 414 bird species have been documented in the region, including:

Twenty-two species under China's first-class state protection;

Seventy-one species under China's second-class state protection;

Critically endangered spoon-billed sandpipers (nearly half of the world's remaining 500 rely on Tiaozini);

Endangered Nordmann's greenshank;

Vulnerable Saunders's gull.

Beyond passive protection, the Dongtai Coastal Economic Zone, in partnership with research institutions and environmental NGOs, has established a 48-hectare high-tide roosting habitat and implemented extensive wetland restoration projects. These efforts have significantly strengthened Tiaozini Wetlands' ecological functions, further underscoring its environmental importance. The results are striking:

Nordmann's Greenshank population surged from 1,150 in 2019 to over 2,000 in 2024;

Saunders's gull breeding areas expanded by 40 percent;

Overall bird diversity in Tiaozini has doubled in the past decade.

This science-driven approach to habitat management has positioned Tiaozini as a global model for coastal wetland conservation, earning widespread recognition.

From a quiet fishing village to an ecotourism hub

The World Heritage designation, combined with the presence of rare and charismatic bird species, has transformed Tiaozini into a thriving ecotourism destination. Every migration season, thousands of birdwatchers and photographers flock to the wetlands to witness the spectacle of spoon-billed sandpipers feeding or vast flocks taking flight. Capitalizing on this newfound interest, local government has developed a "zero-carbon tourism zone," offering sustainable birdwatching tours, environmental education programs and guided excursions.

In 2024, the local government took another groundbreaking step: launching Jiangsu's first county-level New Energy Centralized Control Center and Green Power Carbon Sink Trading Platform. This initiative turns ecological preservation into economic opportunity, ensuring that conservation efforts generate tangible financial benefits. Local households now earn 10,000 yuan (nearly $1,400) more annually from eco-friendly tourism and organic farming. Once quiet fishing villages are now a symbol of green prosperity, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors while preserving their natural beauty.

A model for human-nature coexistence

Tiaozini's success underscores a profound truth: conservation and economic development are not mutually exclusive – they are mutually reinforcing. By prioritizing ecological integrity over short-term profits, Tiaozini has built a sustainable future where both humans and wildlife thrive. The wetlands are now embedded in local culture – spoon-billed sandpipers adorn product packaging, Saunders's gulls serve as city mascots, and eco-awareness has taken root among the younger generation.

This deep sense of stewardship extends beyond symbolic gestures. Local communities have established birdwatching clubs, citizen-led monitoring groups and conservation teams, actively safeguarding the wetlands. This synergy aligns with the United Nations Development Programme's principles of promoting sustainable development that balances ecological preservation with community well-being.

A lasting legacy

As the sun sets over Tiaozini, the wetlands come alive with quiet resilience. Spoon-billed Sandpipers, Nordmann's Greenshanks and Saunders's gulls forage in peace, undisturbed by the pressures that have driven their counterparts elsewhere to the brink. This is more than just a conservation success story – it is a blueprint for the future.

Tiaozini's story reminds us that true progress lies not in the relentless exploitation of nature but in its preservation and shared stewardship. Every conservation-minded decision, every community effort and every watchful eye tracking a bird's flight writes a new chapter in coexistence.

Perhaps, on this International Bird Day, the greatest gift we can offer these avian travelers is not just admiration but a steadfast promise – one of lasting harmony between humans and the natural world.

(Cover: The mudflats of Tiaozini Wetlands. /Jia Yifei)