China’s Underwater Rainforest Thrives After Decades of Conservation

From Near Extinction to Ocean Revival

In Hainan’s Lingshui Li Autonomous County, a marine miracle is unfolding. What was once a story of ecological crisis – with coral reefs crumbling and only 26 Hainan Eld’s deer left in the wild – has become a blueprint for environmental comeback stories.

Coral Crusaders

Since 2004, scientists and locals have worked like underwater gardeners, transplanting over 300,000 coral fragments. The result? A Technicolor seascape now teeming with clownfish, sea turtles, and psychedelic nudibranchs.

Sunlight-Powered Magic

Dive 200 meters down, and you’ll find a living kaleidoscope where sunlight fuels photosynthesis just like a tropical rainforest. This ‘blue carbon’ ecosystem now absorbs CO₂ while housing 58 coral species – nature’s own climate tech!

Deer Drama with a Happy Ending

The Hainan Eld’s deer population, once needing 24/7 protection from poachers, now roams freely thanks to community patrols. Their rebound proves conservation isn’t just about rules – it’s about changing hearts.

Proof that when we #InvestInNature, nature invests in us.

Reference(s):

China: Museum of Nature | Underwater forest

cgtn.com