Research on Wetland Protection and Restoration of Luyang Lake in Weinan City, Shaanxi Province

Luyang Lake is a unique wetland area which includes a large wetland complex in Guan Hong Plain and also a representative site of this wetland type in China. It has high value for preservation and scientific research. However, the wetlands in this lake have been severely degraded by the long history of human activities such as excavation of salt and sodium sulfate ponds and agriculture. Based on the analysis of hydrological and water quality conditions of the existing wetlands, an overall consideration of the wetland types, resource status, distribution of target species, and the water source, the study suggests a series of engineering measures to restore wetland ecosystem and improve ecological environmental quality in Luyang Lake. The engineering projects mainly include the following aspects: i) connect water system through cutting of drainages and, retreat farmlands to lakes or wetlands, ii) construct artificial wetland to purify polluted waters, iii)improve the habitat so as to provide excellent staging, breeding, and wintering habitats for wetland birds.