Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat Joins UNESCO World Heritage List

Located on the western shore of Bohai Bay, Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, is a thriving coastal wetland nature reserve. Covering 7,500 hectares, the habitat is home to 271 bird species, including 16 under first-class national protection and 52 under second-class protection. On July 26, UNESCO included Nandagang as part of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) in its World Heritage List. UNESCO inscribed the Phase I sanctuaries in 2019.

Importance of Nandagang on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

The Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat plays a crucial role as a stopover and transit point on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This flyway spans more than 20 countries and regions from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia. Every year, from late February to early April and from early October to mid-December, large numbers of migratory birds stop at Nandagang to replenish food and energy for their long-distance journeys. According to statistics, 152 species of migratory birds pass through the reserve annually, with different species and groups alternating every 5-10 days during the migration season.

Wetland Restoration Efforts at Nandagang

Recent years have seen continuous efforts to restore the wetlands of Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat. These efforts have significantly improved the environment, providing a more diverse and sustainable habitat for the birds. As a result, the reserve has become even more vital for the conservation of migratory bird species along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The inclusion of Nandagang in UNESCO’s World Heritage List underscores its global importance and the ongoing need for conservation efforts. This recognition will help ensure the habitat remains a sanctuary for the diverse bird species that rely on it during their migrations.