A Ranger’s Journey
Meet Wang Huasheng, a forest ranger who has spent more than half his life protecting the beautiful Mao’er Mountain in Guilin, China. For decades, Wang has laced up his boots, slung on his backpack, and set off on six-hour treks deep into the forest. But now, in just three months, he’s preparing to retire.
“I hope I can come back every year to visit the trees I planted,” Wang says with a smile, looking around at the lush greenery he helped preserve.
Protecting the Mountain
Mao’er Mountain is the highest peak in South China and the source of the Li River. It’s known as the “heart” of the Li River because it plays a vital role in the region’s ecology. Wang’s daily tasks include preventing forest fires, watching over wildlife, and stopping illegal logging and poaching.
“For safety reasons, we’re required to patrol in pairs,” Wang explains. “The trails are muddy, it rains often, and it’s easy to get lost – it’s much safer when two people go together.”
Discovering New Species
Thanks to the hard work of rangers like Wang, Mao’er Mountain has become a haven for plants and animals. Scientists have discovered several new species here! For example, in 2013, a new plant called Euphorbia maoershanensis was found. In 2017, a new frog species named Leptobrachella maoershanensis was discovered. And in 2020, two more plants, Sedum nanlingense and Impatiens subglandulifera, were identified.
“We often capture footage of the silver pheasant,” Wang shares. “These birds live only in remote, well-preserved mountain forests like ours.”
Changing Minds and Hearts
Not too long ago, many people didn’t understand why protecting the forest was important. “They just focused on cutting bamboo and trees,” says Wang. But things have changed! The reserve began teaching locals about the importance of conservation. They handed out materials, gave talks at schools, and explained how to prevent fires and protect wildlife.
Gradually, the community’s mindset shifted. Illegal logging decreased, and many locals even started helping to protect the forest.
A Greener Future
Now, conservation has brought new opportunities. In Gaozhai Village at the foot of the mountain, more than half of the 300 households earn money through ecotourism. They run homestays and guesthouses for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Mao’er Mountain.
Where cutting down trees once seemed like the only way to make a living, now sustainable tourism offers a greener and more prosperous future for everyone.
As Ranger Wang prepares to say goodbye to his daily treks, his legacy lives on in the thriving forest and the smiles of the people whose lives have been changed by his dedication.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
