National park innovations see humans, nature flourish together

Enhanced protection

Since 1999, the Wuyi Mountains have been included on both the World Cultural Heritage List and the World Natural Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

As one of the first five national parks established in October 2021, Wuyishan National Park spans approximately 128,000 hectares and has 210.7 square kilometers of primary forest vegetation. It is also home to more than 10,000 species of flora and fauna.

Strict measures such as enhancing forest ecosystem protection and restoration, strengthening biodiversity conservation, and improving ecological protection facilities have been implemented to preserve the park's natural and cultural treasures.

Intelligent technology has also been adopted to protect Wuyishan's biodiversity and ecology. Nearly 800 infrared cameras are installed in the park to monitor surface water, wildlife, air quality, vegetation and tourist numbers, said Chen Wei, deputy head of the Wuyishan National Park Management Bureau.

A platform has also been developed to allow rangers to record patrols through photos and videos, and transmit the data to a smart management center.

The system helps ensure that management is always up to date with the latest patrol information, Chen said.

Through improved management and law enforcement, the park is better able to combat activities that cause ecological destruction, he said. "The mountains are greener, the waters are clearer," he boasted.

Indicators for surface water, air quality, and forest soil all meet Class I level, the highest national standard, with a forest coverage rate of 94.5 percent, Chen said.

Comprehensive protection methods not only safeguard the rich biodiversity of Wuyishan National Park, but also set a bench mark for the effective management of national parks, ensuring that nature thrives in harmony with humans, he added.