A senior legislator stressed the need for further efforts to fully understand and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and important instructions of President Xi Jinping on wetlands protection.

Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks during an inspection tour in East China’s Shandong province on the enforcement of the Wetlands Conservation Law, from June 19 to 21.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the Wetlands Conservation Law should be enforced in the strictest and most comprehensive way to ensure that major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee are implemented effectively.

The inspection team heard a report on the enforcement of the law by the provincial government, and visited the cities of Dongying and Jinan.

At the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, they inspected the restoration of the Dawenliu wetlands, the ecological environment monitoring at the national reserve and comprehensive control of Spartina alterniflora, a type of marsh cordgrass found on the estuary coastline that is seriously threatening the habitats of numerous native species. They also learned about the progress made in the planning of the Yellow River Estuary National Park and fully acknowledged the outcomes achieved by local governments in estuarine wetland ecosystem restoration.

During the inspection at the bird museum and bird science park of the Yellow River Delta, they urged for greater endeavors to protect the habitat and breeding environment of water fowl and promote wetlands ecosystem protection across the whole of society.

At the Jixi National Wetland Park in Jinan, the team called on the local government to give priority to wetlands protection and provide better eco-leisure services for its residents after hearing detailed reports on the development of urban wetlands.

Li lauded the fruitful progress made in the comprehensive protection of wetland ecology in Shandong, noting that Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization has led to historic, transformative, and comprehensive changes in China’s ecological environment protection in the new era, and has made contributions to the sustainable development of the Chinese nation and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind that are of strategic, global and decisive significance.

It is imperative to thoroughly and accurately understand Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, especially the scientific concept of wetlands conservation, to have a full apprehension of the significance, requirements, objectives, and key tasks of wetlands protection, and to materialize related systems and provisions, Li stressed.

Efforts should be made to intensify legal publicity and education, enhance law enforcement and supervision, and improve local laws and regulations on wetland protection to conserve wetlands water, maintain biodiversity and safeguard the beauty of wetlands for future generations, he added.