Wenzhou, Zhejiang: “Green Power Ark” Welcomes the Return of the “Mythical Bird”

At around 23:00 on June 1, the first chirping of a newly hatched Chinese crested tern chick in 2025 was heard on the Nanji Islands in Wenzhou. This marks the first successful hatching of this “mythical bird” in Wenzhou this year. Just a few hours later, a second Chinese crested tern chick emerged from its shell, bringing a double dose of joy.

As a national first-class protected species, the Chinese crested tern is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Due to its extreme rarity and elusive nature, it is often referred to by scholars and experts as the “mythical bird.” Since 2023, Pingzhi Island—part of the Nanji Islands in Wenzhou—has been developing habitats and implementing artificial attraction measures for Chinese crested terns, making it the third artificial attraction site for the species in Zhejiang Province. However, because of the island’s remote location and limited access to material and energy resources, seabird observers and researchers have long struggled with power shortages.

State Grid Wenzhou Power Supply Company has been advancing the “Green Power Ark” project on Pingzhi Island by supporting the development of island microgrids and maintaining wildlife habitats. In April this year, Wenzhou power supply volunteers, in collaboration with the Nanji Archipelago National Marine Nature Reserve Administration, conducted a public service initiative to inspect and maintain the island’s photovoltaic and energy storage facilities. Their efforts have ensured a reliable power supply for the daily needs of on-site researchers and supported the 24-hour operation of monitoring equipment.

Moving forward, State Grid Wenzhou Power Supply Company will further enhance cooperation with the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History and the Nanji Archipelago National Marine Nature Reserve Administration to advance the implementation of the “Green Power Ark” project on Pingzhi Island. Through the construction of green microgrids, the initiative aims to provide clean energy for the conservation of endangered species, fostering a new model of harmonious coexistence between power development and environmental protection. (By Yang Keyi)