The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed off on a $142 million loan to help coastal cities in Fujian, China deal with extreme weather and protect local wildlife, the Bank announced. The money will go toward projects in Fuzhou City and Yunxiao County, aiming to cut flood risks and improve life for about 4.4 million people, including over 2 million women.
The plan centers on restoring more than 220 hectares of wetlands and mangroves, natural barriers that help shield communities from storms and rising sea levels. These areas are also important resting places for migratory birds and face threats from pollution and invasive species. “By bringing back wetlands and mangroves, we can protect both people and endangered animals, and make communities tougher against floods,” said Asif Cheema, ADB’s Country Director for China.
On the ground, the project will upgrade drainage and stormwater parks, repair eco-friendly dikes, and build a response center for emergencies in Yunxiao. It will help farmers and fishers shift to more sustainable practices across 630 hectares, using cash incentives tied to better results and local incomes. Invasive plants will be cleared and farming made safer for wildlife.
The ADB will also fund tech upgrades, like real-time monitoring systems that use artificial intelligence to track flood risks and the health of wetlands. There will be training for government teams to boost climate and disaster planning. The Fujian project is the second under ADB’s Regional Flyway Initiative, connecting local work to China’s national climate and coastal protection priorities—and to larger global goals for biodiversity and climate action.
