Beautifying Haikou: Southern Chinese city uses eco-filtering system to safeguard wetlands

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Haikou in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan has been nicknamed "the City of Water" for its abundant water resources. But in recent years, the city has lost some of its clean water supplies due to over development and pollution. Local authorities have implemented a new eco-friendly measure to address those problems. Wang Qiwei has more.

"Tell us what you see?"

"FISH."

This piece of wetland now covered in green used to be a stinky landfill. The seaside city of Haikou has abundant resources of wetlands and water systems. But the total area of wetlands has been dropping since two years ago, caused by a rapid pace of urbanization.

LI SHICHUAN ENGINEER, MANAGEMENT BUREAU DONGZHAIGANG NATIONAL NATURAL RESERVE "This area was connected back in the 60s and 70s. It also got destroyed and became smaller due to typhoons."

But things are improving, especially after the city has found an eco-friendly way towards recovery. It is called an eight-level terrace. Each level is planted with different crops to filter waste water. The result? Recycled and clean water.

CHEN CHAOFANG, INSPECTOR SANGDEMEISHA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMPANY "All the water that's been filtered meets the emission standard. The bar is set at the top-level under the national guidelines."

The first five layers are covered with root plants. They are more efficient at absorbing waste, while the remaining three levels are surface wetland. The system has already filtered 5,000 tons of household waste water.

LOCAL RESIDENT "It is pretty here. It is a good place to take the kids to learn about plants."

This is only part of Haikou's ambition plan to improve its environment. The city is working to get rid of 32 polluted waste water routes by the end of this year, while it continues to build four national-level wetlands in the next three years. People here say they believe these measures will make their hometown even more attractive. WQW, CGTN.