During the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), held on July 24 in Zimbabwe, Fuzhou received the "Wetland City" accreditation certificate, making it the first city in Fujian province to earn this international recognition.

This accolade is the latest in a series of environmental achievements by Fuzhou. In 2003, it was named a "National Garden City", and in 2017, it gained official status as a "National Forest City".

Behind these honors lies not only Fuzhou's abundant natural resources, including 58 mountains, 139 rivers and 194,200 hectares of wetlands, but also its sustained commitment to ecological protection.

To address challenges posed by its intricate waterways and frequent natural disasters, Fuzhou has implemented an innovative approach to the coordinated control of water and shoreline pollution.

Measures such as sediment dredging, pollutant interception, and drainage system upgrades have led to the elimination of all black and odorous water bodies.

The Liuhuaxi River, once known for clogged channels and foul odors, underwent a major cleanup involving the removal of 638,000 cubic meters of waste and the installation of a 7-kilometer pipeline to block pollutants. Following the cleanup, over 9,000 trees and large areas of greenery were added along the riverbanks, transforming Liuhuaxi Park into a popular spot for residents seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

As the water environment improved, the city launched 29 inland river cruise routes, allowing tourists to enjoy its landscape and unique charm on boats.

There are also more than 1,400 parks in Fuzhou, including large ecological parks, riverside parks and pocket parks.

Among them, Sanjiangkou Botanical Garden, which opened on the last day of 2024, has become a new landmark for the city's ecological environment, as it integrates plant conservation, scientific research, public education and eco-tourism.

Fuzhou National Forest Park is home to a nearly 1,000-year-old banyan tree, known as the "King of Banyan Trees".

The banyan is Fuzhou's symbolic city tree, and the tradition dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when Governor Zhang Boyu mobilized 197,000 households to plant them.

Beyond parks, Fuzhou has also established 1,375 kilometers of greenways, known locally as fudao, or "paths to happiness", which have won prestigious honors such as the International Architecture Award, the President's Design Award Singapore and the Tien-yow Jeme Civil Engineering Prize.

These scenic trails connect mountains, rivers, parks and urban streets, providing residents with open and safe access to green public spaces. Officials say they also offer new ideas for sustainable urban development.

For instance, the 20-km greenway in Fushan Suburban Park links three mountains, 36 scenic spots, nearby residential areas and Fuzhou Software Park. "Taking a stroll during lunch break has become part of our daily routine," said a woman surnamed Huang, who works in the software park.

"Many companies have set up their reception areas to face the park, and some business deals have even been sealed right on the path," Huang said.

According to official data, Fuzhou's forest coverage reached 51.77 percent last year, the second-highest among all provincial capitals in China. Per capita park green space increased from 4.45 square meters in 1995 to 15.97 sq m in 2024, reflecting the city's steady progress in environmental stewardship.

Last year, the city government released the Beautiful Fuzhou development plan (2023-35), setting out ambitious goals, guiding principles, and strategies.

The plan envisions a city marked by harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, with foundational goals realized by 2030 and full implementation achieved by 2035.