Kaohsiung Enhances Urban Ecological Resilience by Optimizing Zhouzai Wetland with Conservation Alliance

Kaohsiung City is strengthening its urban ecological resilience through a collaborative effort to optimize the Zhouzai Wetland. The Parks Department, in partnership with the Taiwan Wetland Conservation Alliance and local volunteers, has recently finished a phase of habitat improvement and water area management. This initiative is designed to create a more conducive living environment for the protected Black-winged Stilt and a diverse range of bird species.

The Zhouzai Wetland is recognized as a crucial ecological hub within Kaohsiung. Maintaining its biodiversity and ensuring habitat stability are key priorities. Rapid growth of floating aquatic plants, such as *Pistia stratiotes*, can impede water transparency and affect nesting conditions for the Black-winged Stilt. To address this, the city government, in conjunction with private sector partners, has been actively engaged in environmental cleanup operations to preserve the wetland's ecological balance.

Through an established public-private partnership mechanism, the Taiwan Wetland Conservation Alliance and volunteer teams have contributed significantly to the wetland's upkeep. Their long-term involvement includes regular patrols, environmental tidying, and the manual removal of floating plants to maintain water clarity. Furthermore, they have actively cultivated butterfly-attracting plants and water caltrops, enhancing the nesting and living environment for the Black-winged Stilt and other birds. While continuous long-term maintenance is necessary, these efforts have already yielded positive results for the wetland's ecosystem.