A research proposal for vegetation reconstruction in drawdown or water-level-fluctuating zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir, which was jointly put forward by researchers from the Wuhan Botanical Garden (WBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chongqing Three-Gorge University, has recently passed the scrutiny of a panel of experts under the auspices of the Three-Gorge Project Office under the State Council.

As a unique phenomenon of reservoirs, the WLFZ refers to the shore zone between full and lower levels in a reservoir. After the accomplishment of the Three Gorges Dam Project, a 30-meter-high drawdown zone is anticipated along its both banks, covering an estimated area of 450 square kilometers.

The development of the greening technology for WLFZ is a key issue for the successful vegetation recovery in the region. As early as in the early stage of the Three-Gorge Project, WBG researchers made a research proposal and conducted a large amount of surveys and studies on the subject. In 2005, with the support of Three-Gorge Project Office, they joined hands with co-workers from the Chingqing Three-Gorge University in carrying out screening of floral varieties suitable for the zone. The research has scored significant results, and passed the acceptance check.

The new project is a follow-up study of the previous one. It features a set of clear-cut targets, decent contents and feasible technical routes, according to the expert panel. Its enforcement is expected to help protect the bio-resources in the Zone, restore its ecological functions, and improve the local sceneries and ecological security of the reservoir.