Wang Ke-lin

PERSPECTIVES AND POLICIES: ECOLOGICAL INDUSTRY SUBSTITUTES IN WETLAND RESTORATION OF THE MIDDLE YANGTZE

Wetlands are considered multi-functional ecosystems with important protection and use functions. However, before the 1980s, wetlands in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, China were mainly reclaimed as paddy fields. In wetland restoration since 1998, there has been an urgent need to develop ecological industry substitutes that are economically efficient while having no negative effects on wetland ecology. Based on the research projects conducted in this region, five industry options were recommended, including 1) growing hydrophytes with high economic value, 2) raising livestock on the seasonal grasslands, 3) planting commercial seasonal vegetables, 4) developing aquaculture in the low-lying paddy fields, and 5) ecological tourism. Policies promoting these industries were aimed at solving problems concerning 1) input shortages and local farmers’ unfamiliarity with required agricultural technologies and 2) integrated use of the regional ecological environment with wildlife protection.