China is planning to build its first nature reserve on freshwater lakes at a cost of 350 million yuan (US$43.16 million).

The project, which will cover 21.3 hectares, will be located on the Tiandengzui Peninsula on the Dongting Lake, the country's second largest freshwater lake and a tributary of the Yangtze River.

The lake is home to many unique freshwater fish species, including the endangered Chinese sturgeon and white-fin dolphin, and serves as a habitat to a rich variety of birds and plants.

The investment in the reserve will be shared by the governments of Hunan Province and Yueyang City where the fresh lake is located, said Gong Baisong, head of Yueyang City Bureau of Environmental Protection.

A feasibility report has been finished, and an open bidding will be held to collect construction designs, according to the official.

The reserve is expected to be finished in 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2006)