Evaluating the ecological performance of wetland restoration in the Yellow River Delta, China

Background

Throughout the world, wetlands have been severly degraded. In response, there have been large scale efforts to restore these vital ecosystems through focusing on three key areas: hydrology, biology and soil. Still, there are significant knowledge gaps concerning these efforts. Thus, this monitoring project evaluates the progress of wetland restoration in an area in the Yellow River Delta in China in order to further develop, refine, and disseminate site and landscape-level monitoring methods and trail restoration processes.

Goals & Methods

The study considers the following indicators: water quality, soil salinity, soil organic matter, plant community and bird species. This was monitored over 7 years, baseline data was also taken. The goals were to identify the changes of ecological attributes before and after restoration by comparing the datasets and track the responses of some attributes to determine whether the annual changes of ecological performances were positive.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The study found that efficiency in reducing water pollution levels and soil quality improved in the restored wetlands. The vegetation community quickly re-established after the restoration was initiated in 2002. This restored area in turn provided favorable habitats for bird species. So, in conclusion all indicators improved, yet the the excessive propagation of Phragmitis australis in these restored wetlands does cause worry.