Wetland protection is not merely an environmental issue. The escalating battle against bird flu indicates that it might also be a matter concerning public health. 

The State Forestry Administration announced on Sunday China will establish 225 new wetland reserves from 2004 to 2010.

The effort adds much needed substance to World Wetland Day which fell yesterday, an opportunity for countries around the world to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness about the values and benefits associated with wetland conservation.

Thanks to the country's rapid economic growth over the past two decades, Chinese citizens no longer appear to consider environmental protection a luxury during their pursuit of prosperity.

Dubbed "kidneys of the earth," wetlands play a crucial role in storing water, adjusting climate, alleviating pollution and preventing and controlling soil erosion and flooding.

The new wetland protection plan demonstrates the government's resolution to stop the country's environmental deterioration. After all, a well-off society can only be established with a human-friendly environment.

However, as the deadly avian influenza has hit many regions in Asia, including China, the ecological value of wetlands demands a deep and urgent discussion about the relationship between humans and nature.

Wetlands are important habitats for wildlife, including various migrant birds.

One explanation of the spread of bird flu points to migrant birds as the culprit. The long-distance cross-border travel of the virus gives credibility to such a theory. In some regions, local authorities had even asked chicken farmers to put up nets over their farms to prevent migrant birds from spreading the flu virus.

Though more studies are needed to clarify mysteries about the transmission of this disease, the presumption provides much food for thought.

If migrant birds are indeed proven to have a role in spreading the affliction, humans must assume responsibility for endangering their natural habitat. It is relentless human activities that have exposed wildlife to various forms of pollution.

At a time when public health is threatened, it is understandably hard to demand more efforts for protection of other creatures. But the current crisis can hardly be tackled effectively if long-term concerns are ignored.

Thus, stepping up wetland protection should only be an initial part of our overall efforts to improve the living environment for both mankind and wildlife together.

(China Daily February 3, 2004)