Overall Important Wetland Ecology Landscape Building Plan
Xucuogang, the important inhabitant to 32% of all Taiwanese birds (560 species totally) with a coastline at 10.5 kilometers, was designated as the Important Wetland in February 2015, and was assessed as an important wild birds habitat by BirdLife International. Based on the principle of not changing the topography and landforms, the City promotes the overall planning of the important wetland ecological landscape in Xucuogang Important Wetland, meanwhile strengthening wetland conservation, conducting water purification, and combining environmental education and recreational facilities to promote ecological tourism, to build a world-class "Water Bird Paradise" with all efforts.
The Wetland Conservation and Use at Xucuogang features a 3-stage execution
Stage 1: Ecological Restoration
The authority expands the water area by dredging the estuary of Laojie River, and backfill the silt to the occupied fish farms between the mouth of Laojie River and Xinjie River, meanwhile utilizing natural tides to bring seawater to create a damp place with salt water; in addition, the irrigation drains are brought to create habitats suitable for waterbirds, such as freshwater shoal wetlands. Under the principle of non-disturbance to existing biological habitats, the ecological restoration is performed in a gradual manner.
Stage 2: Environmental Education
The overall building of the ecological landscape was made. The Little Tern Canopy Square of Environmental Education for the display and guide of environmental education, was completed in November 2021. The Little Tern Canopy Square of Environmental Education site is accompanied by scenic wooden plank, bicycle path extension, environmental education explanation board, etc., built with a view of avoiding redundant manmade facilities.
Stage 3: Ecotour
Taking the Water Bird Paradise as the appeal, the authority has established the Environmental Education and Low-Carbon Transit Center. With promotions of series of birdwatching events and reduction of unnecessary disturbance, the Center aims to allow the citizens to understand the beauty of wetland ecology while creating added value of ecological tourism and promotion of sustainability in coastal economy. As of December 2021, wetland restoration at about 26 hectares was completed. After restoration, it was observed that the species and number of birds such as Chinese Egret, Dunlin, and Pied Avocet increased significantly.