TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung's Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-fu (楊欽富) said Tuesday that Qieding Wetland is recovering after the city and private groups planted about 20,000 trees since 2022.

The city government said that a recent tree-planting event near Qieding Wetland drew about 170 residents and students. Participating schools included Shalun Elementary, Jiadin Elementary, Singda Elementary, Chenggong Elementary, and Wenshan High School.

Yang said the wetland was once used as a salt pan, leaving the soil highly saline and difficult for trees to grow. Strong winds and invasive plants also made restoration work challenging.

He said the city removed invasive species and teamed up with private groups to carry out long-term tree planting and maintenance. These efforts aim to help the land recover and better handle climate change.

CNA and Liberty Times reported Tuesday that the Kaohsiung City Love Planting Trees Association has led the tree-planting project since 2022. The group has worked with more than 70 companies and organizations.

About 20,000 trees have been planted so far, with a survival rate of around 70%. Officials said the trees are improving soil conditions, boosting biodiversity, and slowing coastal erosion.

Officials said some planted areas now show stable green cover, proving public land can regain ecological functions with steady care. They added that guided tours and wetland learning programs are being rolled out to raise public awareness and encourage more people to protect the coast.