In the heart of the Chinese mainland, a small mining village once marred by extraction scars is rewriting its story. When the last miner left, locals faced a choice: abandon home or reimagine its future.
Guided by the belief ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,’ Yucun Village embarked on an ambitious eco-restoration. Abandoned pits transformed into wetlands shimmering with life. Tourist visits rose by 200% in two years, fueling local ventures that balance profit with preservation.
Beyond the mountains, ocean plastic finds a second life through innovation. A floating recycling hub off the coast collects debris and transforms it into sustainable building modules. Pilot programs repurposed 500 tons of plastic, powering eco-friendly homes built by residents of the region.
Erik Solheim, chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN Under-Secretary-General, spotlights Yucun as a blueprint for harmony between development and nature, noting, ‘Valuing natural assets over short-term gains can redefine a community’s destiny.’
As Episode 1 unfolds, Yucun Village proves that when ecology and economy unite, both people and planet emerge stronger.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
