Danjiang Wetland in Henan joins CBRN

Zhengzhou: The Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve in Henan has been listed as a member of the China Biosphere Reserve Network (CBRN). The CBRN is an important component of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. A total of seven national nature reserves in Henan are now part of the CBRN.

Currently, Henan has established 351 nature reserves of various types, covering 95% of the province’s nationally protected wild plant and animal species and 80% of its typical ecosystems. By joint efforts in ecological conservation and restoration, Henan is dedicating to promote harmony between human and nature.

The Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve in Henan, newly admitted to the CBRN, is an important part of the Danjiangkou Reservoir – the water source for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project’s central route. The reserve plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and boasts rich biodiversity. Covering a total area of 64,111 hectares, it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

To date, the Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve has recorded over 2,200 species of vascular plants and more than 500 species of vertebrates, forming a complete wetland ecosystem. Monitoring data from the past three years show a steady increase in bird species within the reserve. These include 19 bird species under national first-class protection, such as the black stork and the scaly-sided merganser, as well as over 70 species under second-class protection, including the common crane and the blue-throated bee-eater.

According to Henan Provincial Forestry Administration, a total of seven national nature reserves in the province have been admitted to the CBRN. These include Baotianman National Nature Reserve, Jigong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Liankang Mountain National Nature Reserve, Xiaoqinling National Nature Reserve, Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, and Yellow River Wetland (Sanmenxia) National Nature Reserve, as well as the recently added Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve.