On October 18, on the mudflats of the Xinying Salt Farm in Xinying Bay, in China's southern province of Hainan, the artificially planted mangroves have grown tall, attracting herons and other creatures looking for a cosy spot to settle down and raise their families. After the mangrove forest restoration project launched in Danzhou in 2020, the area has turned into a green oasis.

A heron flies over newly planted mangroves on the mudflats of the Xinying Salt Farm in Danzhou on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

A heron flies over the newly planted mangroves on the mudflats of the Xinying Salt Farm in Danzhou on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

In recent years, Hainan has increased the protection of mangroves and other wetland ecosystems, continued to restore former wetlands, planted mangroves, and kept a close watch on these vital areas. Thanks to the joint efforts of the government and social organizations, Hainan's mangrove forests are now expanding every year.

Hand-planted mangroves growing tall on the mudflats of Danzhou Xinying Salt Farm on October 18. Photo / Li Hao

A heron feeds on the mudflats of the Xinying Salt Farm in Danzhou on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

As of April, the Hainan mangrove forest wetlands had grown to cover a total of 98,242 mu (around 6549 hectares) across the island’s coastal cities and counties, and included a total of 9 mangrove forest nature reserves and 3 mangrove wetland parks. Biodiversity continues to increase in these important natural ecosystems.

Hand-planted mangroves growing tall on the mudflats of Danzhou Xinying Salt Farm on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

Hand-planted mangroves growing tall on the mudflats of Danzhou Xinying Salt Farm on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

Hand-planted mangroves growing tall on the mudflats of Danzhou Xinying Salt Farm on Oct. 18. Photo / Li Hao

Through many years of continuous protection work, according to the provincial forestry bureau statistics, a total of 44,000 mu (around 2933 hectares) of artificial ponds have been restored to their original state as wetlands, a figure that includes 12,000 mu (800 hectares) of newly planted mangrove forests. Shortly, Hainan will add an additional 26,000 mu (1733 hectares) of mangrove forest wetlands.