The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is one of the most traveled migratory routes for scores of different species of birds, and the new design for Lingang Eco Park hopes to provide a sanctuary for the birds that come by it. Designed by McGregor Coxall, the Tianjin park will offer pockets of wetland for the approximately 50 million birds that migrate through the area on a yearly basis.
McGregor Coxall is calling its Lingang Eco Park design the 'Bird Airport,' which is an allusion to the volume of avian life that the landscape architects expect to pass through the park. Spanning 60 hectares, the park will include three different types of habitats to satisfy the 50 plus species of migratory birds. These habitats include shallow rapids, a reeded area, and mudflats.
The park will also include 14 hides dispersed throughout for birders to view the wildlife.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
- There is a growing trend in designing and implementing sanctuaries for migratory birds in heavily traveled routes.
- Landscape Design for Wildlife Conservation
- Landscape architects are finding innovative ways to use design to promote conservation and biodiversity, such as designing 'bird airports'.
- Eco-tourism
- The creation of sanctuaries and parks that are accessible to birders and other wildlife enthusiasts presents an opportunity for eco-tourism to grow in popularity and profitability.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape architects can develop sustainable designs that promote conservation and create habitats for migratory birds, which can potentially lead to new business and employment opportunities.
- Wildlife Conservation
- The development of bird airports and other sanctuaries can provide opportunities for organizations and individuals to engage in conservation efforts and create a new niche in the conservation industry.
- Tourism
- The creation of sanctuaries and parks that are accessible to birders and other wildlife enthusiasts present opportunities for the tourism industry to cater to eco-tourists and create new revenue streams.
