In Jiangsu Province, China, a once barren and damaged mountain has been transformed into a scenic beauty, thanks to four years of ecological restoration efforts. The Changshan Mountain, located along the Yangtze River, was stripped of its green cover in the 1960s and 1970s due to rampant mining, leaving behind steep slopes and deep pits. This caused not only environmental damage but also visual pollution and potential dangers of landslides and geological disasters.
Shen Yunfei, who oversees the mountain restoration project, described the initial condition of the mountain as “filled with mud and stones, and in chaos.” To reverse the damage, the local government of Jiangyin City invested in a comprehensive restoration project that lasted from 2014 to 2018. The project included ecological protection, greening, soil erosion control, and geological disaster prevention measures.
The ecological restoration efforts involved planting over 10,000 mu (about 666.67 hectares) of trees, which helped to prevent soil erosion and stabilize the slopes. Additionally, the restoration team implemented measures to control and prevent geological disasters, such as constructing retaining walls, drainage systems, and reinforcing slope foundations.
The efforts of the restoration team have paid off, and today, Changshan Mountain boasts beautiful scenery, with lush greenery and a majestic river. The transformation of Changshan Mountain serves as a testament to the power of ecological restoration efforts and the positive impact they can have on the environment and communities. It also highlights the importance of responsible land use and environmental management, particularly in areas prone to environmental damage.
In 2017, Jiangyin High-tech district took an initiative to launch targeted environmental treatment projects aimed at eliminating geological hazards and restoring the ecological environment along the Yangtze River. This decision was taken to ensure the safety of the residents living in the area and to improve the overall environmental quality of the region. The project was launched with the aim of cutting part of the slope to make it greener. The abandoned slopes were extremely steep, and the local government decided to cut the slope first and then green it. This was a challenging task, and it required the expertise of a highly skilled team of professionals.
The project involved blasting 1.8936 million cubic meters of stones. This was a daunting task, and it required state-of-the-art technology to execute it efficiently. After the blasting was completed, the stones were successfully recycled and sold for a total of 160 million yuan. Deducting expenses of about 60 million yuan, the project still earned over 100 million yuan. This was a significant achievement for the local government, and the funds generated from this project could be used for later ecological restoration.
Currently, more than 2,000 trees have been planted, greening an area of up to 200,000 square meters. The 700-meter-long hill is now lush and vibrant, and the local residents have appreciated the efforts made by the local government to restore the ecological environment. The project has not only improved the visual appeal of the region, but it has also helped in preventing geological hazards in the area.
To achieve the best visual effect, the selection of plants to be sprayed on the slope surface was discussed multiple times. The project team included seeds of trees and shrubs like the Luan tree, purple spike acacia, and Schima superba. These plants were selected because of their ability to grow in steep areas and their overall visual appeal. The selection of these plants was a critical aspect of the project, and it was instrumental in achieving the desired results.
The targeted environmental treatment project launched by Jiangyin High-tech district in 2017 was a significant success. The project helped in eliminating geological hazards and restoring the ecological environment along the Yangtze River. The project involved cutting part of the slope, blasting 1.8936 million cubic meters of stones, and planting more than 2,000 trees. The project team discussed the selection of plants to be sprayed on the slope surface multiple times, and they included seeds of trees and shrubs like the Luan tree, purple spike acacia, and Schima superba. The project was a massive success, and it has made a significant impact on the environmental quality of the region.
Shrubs have deeper roots, which can prevent soil erosion and keep the mountain green all year round,” he said.
Shrubs are a type of vegetation that is known for their deep root systems. These roots help prevent soil erosion, which can be a major problem in mountainous areas. In addition, shrubs can help keep the mountain green all year round. This is because they are able to survive in harsh conditions, such as cold winters and hot summers.
To protect the ecological environment of the Yangtze River, settling tanks were added at the construction site to prevent any sand and water from flowing into the river.
The Yangtze River is an important natural resource in China. To protect it, settling tanks were added at the construction site. These settling tanks are designed to prevent any sand and water from flowing into the river. This helps to ensure that the water in the river remains clean and free from pollutants.
As of the end of June 2021, all 20 abandoned sites within 10 kilometers of the Yangtze River in Jiangyin have completed ecological restoration, with a restored area of nearly one million square meters.
Ecological restoration is an important process in maintaining the natural environment. In Jiangyin, 20 abandoned sites within 10 kilometers of the Yangtze River have been restored. This process involved a number of steps, including the removal of pollutants, the planting of vegetation, and the restoration of natural habitats. As a result of these efforts, the restored area is nearly one million square meters.
Shrubs are a type of vegetation that can help prevent soil erosion and keep the mountain green all year round. Settling tanks were added at the construction site to protect the ecological environment of the Yangtze River, and all 20 abandoned sites within 10 kilometers of the river in Jiangyin have completed ecological restoration. These efforts are important in maintaining the natural environment and ensuring that the Yangtze River remains a valuable resource for future generations.
In conclusion, the successful ecological restoration of Changshan Mountain in Jiangsu Province, China, demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive restoration efforts in repairing environmental damage and promoting sustainable land use. It also serves as an inspiration for future restoration projects and a reminder of the importance of responsible environmental management.