Pudong New Area will spend 60 million yuan (US$8.78 million) constructing a wetland research and education center in its Sanjiagang Port to help protect Jiuduansha, a natural wetland reserve about 12 kilometers from the port.

The 420,200-hectare wetland, at the junction of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea, stores floodwater and helps prevent drought, moderating the climate and controlling pollution for the city.

Because of its geographical location and bio-diversity, Jiuduansha has become a paradise for millions of migrating birds each year.

"The new center near the reserve will be a great source for locals to get to know the wetland," said Sun Ying, director of Jiuduansha Wetland Natural Reserve Protection Office.

"And it will not harm the wetland environment."

(Shanghai Daily February 9, 2009)