China’s Ministry of Natural Resources has introduced an enhanced ecological framework for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) that emphasizes systematic governance and precision marine restoration using advanced, standardized engineering techniques. Central to this initiative is a newly developed mangrove restoration method created by the Third Institute of Oceanography, recently recognized by both the Ministry and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration as one of 35 key innovations supporting the country’s expanded ecological agenda.

This approach is currently being applied in Fujian province, where researchers are restoring over 13 hectares of mangrove forests along the Ningde coastline. Rather than immediately planting vegetation, the team first conducts comprehensive site assessments, measuring soil particle size, seawater salinity, tidal levels, and mudflat elevation. Engineer Chen Shunyang of the Third Institute explains that these preliminary evaluations are essential to determine the optimal locations and techniques for planting, thereby improving the survival rates and growth of mangroves.

At the Xiatanwei site in Xiamen, research teams have established a composite mangrove community comprising multiple species. This “coastal armor” strategy involves combining tree-type and shrub-type mangroves to create a multi-layered defense against marine and wind forces. According to researcher Chen Guangcheng, taller trees help reduce the primary impact of wind and waves, while shrubs contribute to further wave attenuation, sediment stabilization, and habitat diversification for benthic organisms. This mixed planting contrasts with prior restoration practices that focused on single-species plantations, which were less effective at protecting shorelines and supporting biodiversity.

The restored wetlands have shown substantial ecological benefits. Associate researcher Chen Jiahui describes the area as a thriving habitat where the canopy provides nesting and resting space for birds and insects, trunks and branches offer mobility corridors for snails and crabs, and understory shrubs increase surface area for smaller organisms. In addition to biodiversity gains, the composite plant communities enhance carbon sequestration. Chen Guangcheng highlights that both the canopy and understory layers contribute photosynthetically, and the complex vegetation structure reduces tidal export of organic material, boosting soil carbon accumulation.

The research team has also developed a refined method for measuring soil carbon stocks by removing roots from soil cores to avoid counting living tissue as organic carbon, improving the accuracy of carbon estimations. This technique supports the nationwide mangrove afforestation efforts under China’s voluntary greenhouse gas reduction program by providing reliable carbon accounting data.

These innovations in precision restoration and carbon monitoring represent a significant step forward in China’s broader ecological conservation and climate mitigation strategies during the current Five-Year Plan period.