Hainan national maritime forest park, the first national maritime forest park in China, will be established in Hainan Province, Hainan Daily reported yesterday.

China's State Forestry Administration has approved the construction of the park.

It will occupy an area of more than 520 hectares and serves as a national forest park focusing on coastal mangrove protection, scientific research and tourism development. There are 32 species of mangroves growing along the seashore there with their roots and branches crossing over each other and extending tens of miles. These trees are both a natural treasure for scientific studies and a fence against hurricanes and tsunami at sea.

This maritime forest park is also a good place for fishes and shrimps. When the tide ebbs, small fishes, crabs, seashells and planktons will be left on the beach as delicious meals for thousands of seabirds.
 
(Chinanews January 26, 2006)