Luoyang, Henan: Green Initiatives Take Flight to Preserve Ecological Splendour

“Artificial bird nest number 07 is functioning perfectly, showing no signs of weathering or damage,” staff members reported recently as State Grid Luoyang Power Supply Company and State Grid Song County Power Supply Company mobilised their teams to inspect and reinforce 139 artificial bird nests in preparation for the upcoming migratory season. This venture is part of their ongoing efforts to explore ways for the power grid and local bird populations to coexist harmoniously, meticulously preserving the “lifeline for migratory birds.”

Situated in the Funiu Mountain region of western Henan, Song County, part of Luoyang, is home to the Henan Luhun Lake National Wetland Park, which spans an impressive 63,300 acres. This park serves as a crucial stopover and wintering site along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and plays an indispensable role in the ecological conservation of the Yellow River basin. With ongoing enhancements in environmental stewardship, 273 bird species have been observed within Luhun Lake National Wetland Park, including 55  nationally protected as first and second-class endangered animals. To shield these precious species, State Grid Luoyang Power Supply Company, has joined forces with State Grid Song County Power Supply Company, the Song County Publicity Department, and other agencies, including the Forestry Bureau, Luhun Lake National Wetland Park Management Centre, and the Environmental Protection Bureau, to establish the Song County’s first Bird Protection Alliance. This alliance seeks to enforce a dual-protection strategy for power infrastructure and avian creatures, cultivating a sustainable, voluntary and long-term conservation framework that embodies a collaborative approach between government and corporations, as well as multi-party engagement.

As National Ecology Day draws near, the alliance has kicked off green public welfare projects and ecological preservation drives, such as “Inspecting Artificial Bird Nests to Protect Migratory Bird Lifelines” and “Preserving Migratory Bird Habitats for Ecological Conservation.” These initiatives are a testament to the vision of a world where humans and nature thrive together.

“Over the past few years, we’ve observed that migratory birds are highly adaptable, moving in response to changes in river levels and foraging conditions,” explained Dang Zhengqiang. “As such, our efforts in constructing artificial nests and clearing plastic waste from bird habitats have intensified.” Each year, ahead of the winter migration, teams conduct patrols to evaluate the state of key wintering grounds and participate in joint conservation and awareness campaigns. This targeted strategy includes enhancing artificial nests and collecting litter around habitats, laying the groundwork for migratory birds to nest, breed, and flourish. Furthermore, distributing booklets on bird conservation and environmental protection encourages community participation in biodiversity conservation.

To date, State Grid Luoyang Power Supply Company and State Grid Song County Power Supply Company have conducted over 90 patrol and biodiversity conservation events and ecological protection campaigns along the “Migratory Bird Lifeline,” hosted 14 educational seminars, produced and disseminated more than 34,000 leaflets, created over 140 educational exhibits, and engaged 597 volunteers in their mission. (By Shi Yabo)