Wuzhizhou Island: A magnificent transformation from ecological degradation to an underwater garden

Wuzhizhou Island is located on the coast of the South China Sea, north of Sanya City, Hainan Province. This popular tourist destination has suffered serious damage to the coral reef ecosystem in the past due to human activities such as fishing, land-based pollution and aquaculture, and the coral coverage rate has dropped significantly.

Faced with this problem, Wuzhizhou Island has adhered to the concept of "Green water and green mountains are gold and silver mountains" during the protection and development process, put coral reef protection and restoration work first, and achieved a win-win situation for the economy and ecology.

Looking back at history, Wuzhizhou Island was an uninhabited island at the end of the last century. Excessive human activities and climate change have brought heavy burdens to this sea area. The degradation and fragmentation of coral reefs, as the "tropical rainforest" in the ocean, not only affects the diversity of marine life, but also has a long-term impact on fishery resources and island ecology. Faced with such challenges, the people of Wuzhizhou Island know that only through scientific methods and firm determination can this sea area regain its vitality.

Under the principle of protection first and source control, Wuzhizhou Island has started the journey of marine ecological restoration since 2010. Regular cleaning of marine garbage, coral restoration, reproduction and release, and the deployment of artificial fish reefs are all taken in a multi-pronged approach to restore the diversity of marine biological resources and the stability of the ecosystem. At the same time, the island has implemented strict environmental protection control measures, including prohibiting the felling of trees, prohibiting fishing, banning smoking on the island, and banning plastics, to ensure that the low-carbon and environmental protection concepts are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

Scientific design and continuous restoration are the key to the ecological restoration of Wuzhizhou Island. The island has worked closely with many universities and research institutes, and combined with local actual conditions, innovatively developed a variety of coral nurseries and artificial reefs, effectively improving the survival rate and coverage of corals. Years of hard work have brought remarkable results: the coral coverage rate has increased from 15% to 37.08%, and the function of the coral reef ecosystem has been significantly improved.

While promoting ecological restoration, Wuzhizhou Island is also actively exploring a new model of "tourism + charity", by launching various marine protection charity projects and popular science education activities to get more people involved in marine protection. This not only increases the public's attention to marine ecology, but also lays a solid foundation for the long-term protection of coral reef ecosystems.

Understanding the basic situation and scientific management are the key to ensuring the long-term effect of ecological restoration. Wuzhizhou Island has conducted a comprehensive survey of the coral reef ecosystem in the surrounding waters, and established a complete waste management system and a regular maintenance plan after coral transplantation. Through refined management and long-term monitoring and evaluation, the coral reef ecology is ensured to be protected and managed on a daily basis.

After years of hard work, Wuzhizhou Island and its surrounding waters have been transformed into a beautiful underwater garden. It has not only won many honors, but has also become a nationally renowned tropical island eco-tourism destination. The coordinated development of ecological, social and economic benefits has made Wuzhizhou Island a model of tropical marine island protection and development with Chinese characteristics.

Today, when you dive into the waters of Wuzhizhou Island, you will be shocked by the colorful coral world in front of you. Various forms of corals and colorful tropical fish together form a vibrant ecosystem, which is the best testimony to the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

Review: Xinhuanet Science Department