Yani National Wetland Park restoration brings back wildlife in Xizang

Ecological restoration at Yani National Wetland Park in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region, has brought back wildlife while creating new sources of income for the surrounding villages.

The 8,738-hectare wetland is patrolled by 75 rangers from the area, including 63-year-old Phuntsok Tsering, who has worked there for 15 years. "We clean up trash, rescue wildlife, check vegetation, and watch for illegal hunting and sand digging," he said.

Phuntsok Tsering recalled that one area of the wetland had only three trees about a decade ago. Saplings planted by local villagers have since matured, transforming the once-barren landscape.

The park now supports 534 species of higher plants and 234 species of wild animals, according to the Department of Ecology and Environment of Xizang. Recent surveys have recorded 100 bird species in and around the park, 43 more than in earlier surveys, with bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes among its regular visitors.

The recovery has also changed livelihoods in nearby Liding village. Tsering Tashi, a member of the village-stationed work team, said residents previously relied mainly on farming and livestock raising, with annual per-capita income below 10,000 yuan ($1,489).

Liding's collective income reached 1.19 million yuan in 2024, up from 220,000 yuan, supported by tourism facility rentals and homestay dividends. About 70 percent of villagers now receive wetland-related income through jobs, land leases, and sales of local products. Annual per-capita income exceeded 30,000 yuan in 2025, according to local authorities.

Guo Yuhe contributed to this story.