The 2024 Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors is being held in Dongying, East China's Shandong province, from Oct 14 to 17, featuring the theme "Wetlands Nourish the City & Creating a Better Future Together".

Dongying, at the heart of the Yellow River Delta, is where the river meets the sea. This unique convergence has created the world's largest and most intact warm-temperate estuary. Covering 456,700 hectares of over 40 percent wetland coverage, Dongying's wetlands have been globally recognized as a Wetland of International Importance.

During the opening speech, Yan Zhen, deputy director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said that the Chinese government is strengthening the legal framework and management systems for wetland protection while advancing ecological restoration.

He added that the Chinese government is also promoting international cooperation, and supporting developing countries in building capacity for wetland conservation through various mechanisms.

Jay Aldous, deputy secretary-general of the Convention on Wetlands, said that while urbanization has its benefits, it poses challenges to wetland ecosystems.

He said that this conference aims to encourage wetlands cities to establish collaborative partnerships, fostering global wetland conservation efforts, with the goal to ensure that these ecosystems support social development and help mitigate climate change.

According to Wen Nuan, vice-governor of Shandong, the province is dedicated to creating a comprehensive framework for wetland protection, significantly enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of its ecosystems.

He said that the province will use this conference to learn from effective domestic and international practices in wetland protection, restoration, and sustainable development.

As one of the world's first International Wetland Cities, Dongying has pioneered a unique approach to restoring the wetlands of the Yellow River Delta region.

Moving forward, the city aims to integrate its wetlands more organically with urban development, as well as assist wetland protection worldwide through this upcoming conference.