Island turns ecosystem into financial asset

Lingshan Island has carried out farmland-to-forest conversion since the 1980s. This long-standing commitment dovetails with China's dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The island has also taken part in pilot programs exploring how to balance economic development with environmental protection through carbon accounting.

Data from the Lingshan Island Provincial Nature Reserve Management Committee shows that more than 233 hectares of farmland have been converted back into forest, and over 2,000 free-roaming goats have been relocated to allow vegetation to recover.

In December 2002, with approval from the Shandong provincial government, the entire island and surrounding area were classified as a nature reserve, spanning 32.832 square kilometers. The classification aims to protect marine ecosystems, biodiversity, forests, bird species and geological formations.

According to the reserve's management committee, a large-scale restoration program, backed by an investment of 515 million yuan, has introduced measures ranging from shoreline protection and slope stabilization to oyster reef restoration and pollution control. More than 200,000 trees have been planted, 16 hectares restored and 15 hectares of oyster reefs rebuilt, alongside eco-friendly coastal upgrades and walking trails.

Technology is also playing a growing role in ecological management. The "Smart Lingshan Island" platform integrates big data, drones, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to enable round-the-clock monitoring of the island's ecosystem.

In addition, a clean heating program has replaced coal with electricity in 455 households, reducing pollution and improving living conditions.

Island resident Teng Yanfang said the old coal stoves were a safety hazard. "With electric heating, our homes are warmer, cleaner and more comfortable," Teng said.

Outdated and unregistered vehicles have also been phased out, replaced in part by new-energy vehicles, helping build a greener transport system.

The conservation efforts have yielded effective results. Today, more than 80 percent of the island is covered in forest, while the surrounding waters remain clean and free of industrial pollution, the management committee said.