Haizhu Wetland Park exemplifies the harmonious coexistence between wetland and urban areas. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The case of the protection and construction of Guangzhou's Haizhu Wetland Park has been recommended by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development to participate in the competition for the 12th Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development this year.

Located only 3 kilometers away from the Canton Tower, one of the city's major landmarks, Haizhu Wetland Park has built a total wetland area of 1,100 hectares in the downtown area over the past eight years by measures like the protection and restoration of wetlands, as well as the renovation of local fruit farms.

The wetland park exemplifies the harmonious coexistence between wetland and urban areas. It won the 2016 China Habitat Environment Prize for its achievements in urban landscaping and urban ecological restoration, being the first of its kind in Guangzhou.

An aerial view of Haizhu Wetland Park. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The number of wild bird varieties dwelling in Haizhu Wetland Park has increased from 72 to 178 in 2020, while the number of fish varieties in the area has climbed from 10 to 59. 

In addition, the park is also home to 346 varieties of insects, seven varieties of amphibians, and 22 kinds of reptiles.