Chen Fei has journeyed across China’s vast landscapes, from the towering heights of Mount Qomolangma to the lush tropical rainforests of Xishuangbanna in the southwestern province of Yunnan. But his travels are far from leisurely excursions—they are missions driven by a deep commitment to wildlife conservation.
At 37, Chen is the director of the Asian Elephant Research Center under China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. For over a decade, he has dedicated his life to protecting China’s wildlife and managing the nation’s nature reserves. Leading dozens of scientific surveys and planning projects, Chen has become a pivotal figure in the conservation of Asian elephants, one of the region’s most iconic and endangered species.
“I have a special affinity for nature,” Chen shared in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). “I was born in a small county by the Yangtze River. I used to herd cows, watching them chew grass, observing grasshoppers in the meadow and longhorn beetles on tree trunks. It was fun.”
These childhood experiences ignited a lifelong passion for the natural world. “Seeing the sun shine on the giant trees, I could even feel the plants’ growing power,” he recalled. This profound connection with nature propelled him into a career focused on preserving it.
In his current role, Chen navigates the challenges of human-elephant coexistence in areas where expanding communities intersect with traditional elephant habitats. His work involves extensive field research, tracking elephant movements, and developing strategies to mitigate conflicts between wildlife and local residents.
Chen’s efforts are crucial as Asian elephants face threats from habitat loss and poaching. By collaborating with local communities and authorities, he aims to create sustainable solutions that benefit both people and elephants.
His story reflects a broader commitment within China to environmental conservation and biodiversity. As the country continues to develop, figures like Chen Fei play an essential role in ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of its rich natural heritage.
“Protecting wildlife is not just about the animals,” Chen emphasized. “It’s about preserving the balance of our ecosystems and, ultimately, the well-being of our own communities.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
