In the remote reaches of the Paracel Islands—also known as the Xisha Islands—a unique guardian force has been quietly at work since 2017. Local fishermen, drawing on generations of knowledge of coral atolls and reef channels, have organized into Island and Reef Ranger teams tasked with protecting these fragile ecosystems.
CGTN’s crew recently traveled to Zhaoshu Island, tagging along on morning patrols as rangers launched small boats into turquoise waters veined with living coral. Armed with handheld GPS devices and waterproof notebooks, the teams chart changes in reef health, collect water samples, and clear discarded fishing gear that threatens marine life.
These grassroots stewards act as the first line of defense against illegal fishing, pollution, and environmental degradation. By combining traditional fishing practices with modern conservation tools, the rangers have built a community-led surveillance network that keeps a constant watch over the archipelago’s reefs, beaches, and mangrove pockets.
Beyond the immediate impact on marine habitats, the initiative underscores a broader shift toward citizen-driven conservation across the region. It offers a blueprint for how local stakeholders—armed with passion, data, and a sense of shared responsibility—can safeguard delicate ecosystems from the frontlines.
As the sun sets over Zhaoshu, the fishermen-turned-rangers dock their vessels and tally the day’s findings. Their work continues with the ebb and flow of the tides, reminding us that true conservation often starts at the community level, one reef patrol at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
