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Natural wetlands, occupying 3.8% of China's land and providing 54.9% of ecosystem services, are unevenly distributed among eight wetland regions. Natural wetlands in China suffered great loss and degradation (e.g., 23.0% freshwater swamps, 51.2% costal wetlands) because of the wetland reclamation during China's long history of civilization, and the population pressure and the misguided policies over the last 50 years. Recently, with an improved understanding that healthy wetland ecosystems play a vital role in her sustainable economic development, China started major efforts in wetland conservation, as signified by the policy to return reclaimed croplands to wetlands, the funding of billions of dollars to restore degraded wetlands, and the national plan to place 90% of natural wetlands under protection by 2030. This paper describes the current status of the natural wetlands in China, reviews past problems, and discusses current efforts and future challenges in protecting China's natural wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of the headwater loss of the western plateau to the increasing water-shortage problems in China. Several factors were cited that contribute to the water shortage of the country which include the rapid population and economic growth, and the loss of glaciers and wetlands in the western plateau that feed the major rivers of China. To overcome the water supply challenges, several scientific and technological problems in the country should be solved such as the efficient water use in cropland and industry, saving water storage, and equal allocation of water.