ECO-MANGROVE

China has made great achievements in the protection and restoration of mangroves, and is one of the few countries where the area of mangrove wetland is growing. At present, 52 natural protection areas cover about 55 percent of the country’s mangrove forests.

Editor's Note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

Mangrove areas that provide habitats for water birds and other creatures and protect coastal areas from marine disasters urgently need to be restored, according to experts and officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Wang Wenqing, a professor at the College of the Environment and Ecology at Xiamen University in Fujian province, said the bark of the main plant species that make up mangroves is rich in tannins, which are the sources of many red dyes. Since most of the species do not have red flowers, mangrove names are associated with their bark and wood.