As the best preserved and youngest wetland ecosystem in China's warm temperate zone, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, Shandong province has always been a paradise for wild animals, especially wild birds.

Flocks of migratory birds gather at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, Shandong province. [Photo by Zhou Guangxue/For China Daily]

However, as the Yellow River's sediment flow into the sea decreased, the erosion of coastal areas made the ecology of the wetland very fragile, and the natural bird habitat was under threat.

In response, the local government has launched a slew of measures to advance ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve.

The nature reserve, situated where the Yellow River flows into the Bohai Sea, was established in 1992. It covers about 153,000 hectares, with the wetland making up 70 percent of the total, according to the reserve's management committee.

An official observes oriental storks at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. [Photo by Chi Wei/For China Daily]

In recent years, Shandong has returned 4,833 hectares of farmland to wetlands, invested 1.06 billion yuan ($166.53 million) in 16 wetland restoration projects, and increased water replenishment of 452 million cubic meters.

Since 2017, the wetland area of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve has been restored to 188 square kilometers, transforming the former plains and salt and alkali flats into a large wetland rich in aquatic plants and biodiversity.

Measures, such as building homes for birds, have been taken to create a friendly and suitable environment on land and water for different species in the delta nature reserve.

According to the delta nature reserve, the wetlands are now home to 1,630 wild animal species and 685 plant species, and the number of bird species in the delta region has risen from 187 in 1992 to 371.

An oriental stork flies to its nest atop a pole at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. [Photo by Yang Bin/For China Daily]