-- Qinghai Province in northwest China, dubbed "the water tower of China," is making headway in protecting its rich wetland resources through comprehensive efforts.

-- Home to the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) National Park, the plateau province ranks first in the country in wetland areas.

-- Over the years, China has stepped up efforts in ecological conservation.

by Xinhua writers Xuan Liqi and Li Linhai

XINING, Feb. 2  -- Qinghai Province in northwest China, dubbed "the water tower of China," is making headway in protecting its rich wetland resources through comprehensive efforts, with its wetland area and wildlife both increasing.

Home to the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) National Park, the plateau province ranks first in the country in wetland areas. The Sanjiangyuan area is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze River, China's longest; the Yellow River, the second-longest in the country, and the Lancang River (knowns as Mekong River after it flows out of China).

Tuesday marks this year's World Wetlands Day. Over the years, China has stepped up efforts in ecological conservation, with significant progress made in protecting and expanding wetlands through the construction of national parks, restoration of shrinking wetlands and other measures.