Sailing across nature

The term “ecology” embodies the concept of collective interactions that support the “house” of all living beings, what we now refer to as ecosystems. What distinguishes Shenzhen from other cities in China and around the world is the concerted effort of individuals across various decision-making levels (government, academia, industries) to foster an ecological development that steers toward a greener future. 

“生态”一词体现了集体互动的概念，它支撑着所有生物的“家园”，也就是我们现在所说的生态系统。深圳同中国和世界上其他城市的不同之处在于，它能够很好地统筹来自不同决策层如政府、学术界、产业界的个人和集体的建议，协同努力共促生态发展，迈向更加绿色的未来。 

Key to this development are interfacial habitats, such as riparian areas, inner wetlands, and coastal regions, which are governed by and significantly impact water. These fringe areas host the highest biodiversity, crucial ecological functions, and are extensively utilized by humans for recreation and hydroclimatic benefits (temperature and flood control). 

发展的关键之处在于独特但相邻的界面栖息地，如河岸地区、内湿地和沿海地区，它们受水的支配并对水产生重要影响。虽然这些栖息地为边缘地区，但却拥有最高的生物多样性和重要的生态功能，在娱乐和水文气候效益（如温度和洪水控制）提升方面被广泛使用。

A scene of the recent 2023 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen • Bao’an Final held in Qianhai Bay where Shenzhen Daily participated with an international crew. Photos by Matteo Convertino

近期在前海湾举办的世界帆船对抗巡回赛深圳·宝安总决赛，英文《深圳日报》带领一支国际队伍参赛。Matteo Convertino摄

Recognizing the centrality of water, mitigating and adapting to water stress is a primary focus for any ecological investment. The recent 2023 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen • Bao’an Final showcased the astonishing coastal interfaces and the green development of Qianhai Bay, highlighting the need for coordinated ecological efforts.

认识到水的中心地位后，缓解和适应水压力则是任何生态投资的首要重点。最近举办的世界帆船对抗巡回赛深圳·宝安总决赛展示了令人惊叹的海岸界面和前海湾的绿色发展，凸显了协调生态努力的必要性。

Dasha River as a template for ecological corridor restoration in China. 

大沙河是中国生态廊道修复的一个样本。

Three critical ecological connections underpin this endeavor. Firstly, spatial connections and their organization dictate how habitats interact and how water flows, carrying hydroclimatic implications. Major investments in Shenzhen’s ecological corridors, such as those in Yantian District, the Tanglang Mountain corridor, and the Dasha River corridor, form significant components of the city’s ecological framework. Secondly, temporal connections — capturing the timing of protection, restoration, and development — determine the pace of ecological progress. Wise ecological strategies must take into consideration the time required for nature to yield positive benefits, as exemplified in the gradual enhancement of biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the mangrove forests of Dongchong and Shenzhen Bay. Thirdly, the interactions between species profoundly influence habitats. Restoration and new development efforts must target these symbiotic relationships to optimize the function of habitats.

协调生态的努力中，有三个关键的生态联系值得关注。首先，空间联系及其组织架构决定了栖息地如何互动、水如何流动，并产生水文气候影响。对深圳生态廊道的重大投资，如在盐田区和塘朗山廊道以及大沙河廊道的投资，构成了城市生态框架的重要组成部分。其次，时间上的联系——对保护、恢复和发展的时机把握，决定了生态进步的速度。明智的生态战略必须考虑到大自然产生积极效益所需的时间，东涌和深圳湾红树林生物多样性、水质和碳封存的逐步提高就是例证。第三，物种之间的相互作用深刻地影响着栖息地。修复和新开发工作必须针对这些共生关系，以优化栖息地的功能。

Shenzhen Bay mangrove restoration as an ecological corridor providing ecosystem services will increase over time with the growth of mangrove forests and stabilization of coastal habitats.

深圳湾红树林恢复项目旨在打造成一个生态廊道，随着红树林森林的不断壮大和沿海栖息地的稳定，将提供逐渐增多的生态系统服务。

In Shenzhen, concerted efforts are exemplified through nature education schools, advanced water treatment and reuse stations, initiatives by nongovernmental organizations focused on protection and restoration, and governmental upgrades of public parks.

在深圳，自然教育学校、先进的水质净化和回用站、非政府组织的保护和恢复行动以及政府对公共公园的升级改造都是共同努力的例证。

Natural oyster reefs in Qianhai Bay. 

前海湾的野生牡蛎礁。

Acknowledging that nature cannot always sustain itself in isolation, investments related to where, when, and how to enhance nature’s benefits for all must be meticulously planned. This includes provisions for rare and declining habitats, such as coral reefs, and oyster and seagrass communities. Such an approach not only ensures the sustainability of natural ecosystems but also secures the wellbeing of all inhabitants in the long term.

大自然不可能总是孤军奋战，因此，在何处、何时以及如何提高大自然效益的投资上，我们需要精心规划。这包括为珊瑚礁、牡蛎和海草群落等稀有和衰退的栖息地提供保护。这种方法不仅能确保自然生态系统的可持续性，还能长期保障所有居民的福祉。