The Yangtze River, one of the Chinese nation’s mother rivers, has nurtured rich and colorful histories for millennia. For generations, 53-year-old Chen Xianming and his family relied on the Yangtze’s abundant fish as their way of life. However, on January 1, 2021, a 10-year fishing ban was imposed to protect the river’s ecosystem, requiring Chen and other fishermen in his village to cease fishing.
Determined to contribute to the conservation of the river that sustained his family for generations, Chen signed up as a guardian of the Yangtze. Trading his nets for patrol equipment, he now watches over the river, ensuring its waters remain protected from illegal fishing and pollution.
Since the ban was imposed, Chen has witnessed a remarkable recovery in the river’s fish stocks. “The Yangtze is healing,” he says with pride. Even the elusive Yangtze finless porpoises, unseen for many years, have reappeared, symbolizing hope for the river’s future.
“I feel a deep connection with the river,” Chen reflects. “It provided for my family, and now I have the chance to give back.”
Chen’s transformation from a fisherman to a protector of the Yangtze represents a broader shift in attitudes towards environmental conservation in the region. Communities along the river are embracing sustainable practices to ensure that the Yangtze continues to nurture future generations.
Reference(s):
'River and I': Former fisherman, now a guardian of the Yangtze River
cgtn.com
