Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Shanghai to build artificial wetlands to replace destroyed natural ecosystems

Terra Daily, via Agence France-Presse: The Chinese metropolis of Shanghai is to build its own artificial wetlands to replace natural ecosystems trampled by the city's unchecked development, state press reported Tuesday. The city will construct a wetland of 15 square kilometres (5.7 square miles) in its Qingpu district to act as a filter for water supplies threatened by pollution, the China Daily newspaper reported.

The wetland will be built around Dianhan Lake, source of about 30 percent of the massive city's drinking water, it said, quoting local planning officials.

Authorities came up with the plan amid rising concern over water supplies following a spate of pollution-linked algae blooms in major lakes in other parts of China that provide drinking water….

State press have recently warned of a catastrophic recent decline in the nation's vital wetlands as development and industrialisation continue apace…

No comments: