Sanya Haitang River Ecological Park. (Source: hinews.cn)

The second phase of Sanya Haitang River Ecological Park recently received the ecological field's "Oscar"—the globally authoritative SITES v2 certification in sustainable and resilient landscapes with a platinum rating. It is the fourth project in China and the ninth globally to achieve this certification, officially making the park a leader in ecological restoration and sustainable landscape construction.

Sanya Haitang River Ecological Park. (Source: hinews.cn)

SITES is the world's only sustainable landscape certification system centered on "ecosystem performance," with platinum being its highest rating. It is recognized for its rigorous standards, encompassing aspects ranging from soil health to plant carbon sequestration, as well as stormwater management and biodiversity. Each criterion requires solid data support and is only awarded to demonstration projects that reach "internationally leading standards" in ecological restoration and natural capital enhancement. The second phase of the park is currently the largest SITES platinum-certified project in the world and the first in Hainan to receive this certification.

Haitang River Ecological Park spans approximately 14.53 kilometers, covering a landscape area of around 2.65 million square meters. In the past, the area faced issues such as river pollution and soil degradation. Since 2022, through systematic ecological management, the project has employed measures, such as the restoration of native plants, the removal of invasive species, and the scientific replanting of mangroves, successfully restoring over 80% of disturbed soils and revitalizing the river's ecological functions. It has preserved 8 hectares of primary forest and ancient trees, with a native vegetation coverage rate of 41.2%, creating a diverse habitat for birds, insects, and other organisms.

Sanya Haitang River Ecological Park. (Source: hinews.cn)

Effectively integrating ecological and cultural functions, the park features designs that incorporate spaces for showcasing Li ethnic culture, sports venues, and parent-child playgrounds, becoming a public waterfront space for people of all ages and interests.

The transformation of Haitang River Ecological Park is a microcosm of Sanya's ongoing efforts in ecological restoration. In recent years, Sanya has restored 34 abandoned mines and made significant progress in areas such as mangrove restoration and coral reef protection. The city is committed to furthering the systematic governance of wetlands, watersheds, and bays, establishing an ecological protection dynamic that encompasses both coastal and inland areas.