As the sun filters through the dense canopy of Hainan's tropical rainforest, a livestream broadcast on December 16, 2025, reveals one of the Chinese mainland's most vital ecological treasures. This UNESCO Global Geopark, home to 3,653 plant species and rare wildlife like the Hainan gibbon, has become a living laboratory for balancing environmental protection with economic development.
Forest ranger Li Wei, interviewed during the broadcast, emphasized: 'Our daily patrols now use AI-powered cameras to monitor biodiversity without disturbing habitats. This year alone, we've documented 17 new insect species through these systems.' The rainforest's preservation is central to Hainan Free Trade Port's green development strategy, with 23% of the island's land now under protected status.
Recent initiatives show how conservation drives innovation: A new research center opened in Qiongzhong this month, training local residents in sustainable rubber cultivation techniques that increase yields while preserving forest integrity. Meanwhile, eco-tourism projects developed in 2025 have created over 1,200 jobs for nearby communities.
As the livestream concluded with a panoramic view of Jianfeng Mountain, environmental economist Dr. Zhang Ming noted: 'Hainan's model proves ecological protection and economic growth aren't opposites. The Free Trade Port's success this year relies on maintaining these natural assets that attract both investors and ecological researchers.'
