Restoration of Polders Through Nature-Based Solutions─Landscape Practice in the Start-up Area of Jianyang Lake Wetland Park

Abstract

The historical fisheries and the speedy urban development have dramatically threatened the ecological resources of Jianyang Lake in Zhejiang Province—the original texture of the site was largely damaged, the lake was severely polluted, and the Ardeidae habitats were badly degraded. To improve the water quality and restore the habitats of Jianyang Lake, as well as represent the scenery of groups of Ardeidae inhabiting there, the design team restored existing polder wetlands through NatureBased Solutions and set up a 16 hm² Start-up Area of the Jianyang Lake Wetland Park. Applying the proposed design concept of “Retaining-Breaking-Integrating,” an integrated ecosystem composed of forest, pond, farmland, lake, and island was formed. The design team also introduced a high-efficiency wetland purification system which is harmoniously embedded with the local image and resilient to climate changes with low maintenance, facilitating the optimization of the Ardeidae habitats. The long-term monitoring and maintenance would ensure the efficiency of the wetland purification system and spontaneous succession of the plant communities. The design concept, construction process, and performance of the Start-up Area can further offer references to restoration of the other parts of the park.