The practice of ecological restoration in Zhangjiagang Bay has been recognized as a success story on implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the first such honor for Jiangsu Province.

Located in Jin’gang Town and with a shoreline of 12 kilometers, Zhangjiagang Bay is the last bay before Yangtze River enters the sea and also the first bay where the sea and river meets. Amid the rapid economic growth over the past decades, Zhangjiagang also faced challenges of worsening environment and over-development of the shoreline.

In the ecological restoration campaign since 2019, the city created new space of ecological scenery, removed high-polluting fishing farms and semi-operational port enterprises, and also supported development of villages with distinctive charms and local culture.

Zhangjianggang Bay before (left) and after the restoration project.

The project has restored the local environment and ecology, protected the creature living places of the Yangtze River Estuary and improved safety of drinking water. So far over 30 hectare of reed and 60,000 sqm greening space has been restored, with endangered specifies being observed again. The restored ecological space is open to the public and local villages further develop eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which creates the employment of villagers and improves their happiness.

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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