Soundbites

Editor's note: The State Council Information Office hosted a group interview under the theme "Pioneers on the New Journey" on Friday, inviting representatives from the natural resources sector to share their insights on fulfilling the responsibilities of protecting natural resources to help build a Beautiful China.

The surveying and mapping datum is the core foundation of surveying, mapping and geoinformation work. It serves as the unified origin for all location information across territorial space and is an indispensable spatiotemporal cornerstone for a Digital China. This datum provides solid support for high-precision measurements in various industries and enhances Beidou's positioning accuracy to the centimeter — or even millimeter-level.

Ye Fei, deputy chief engineer of the Hunan Institute of Surveying and Mapping Science and Technology and director of its platform development and operations department

Mulberry trees, with their deep roots, offer significant advantages in soil stabilization and erosion prevention. We have guided local villagers to plant mulberries on steep slopes — a practice that not only stabilizes the mountains, reduces disaster risks, and supports ecological security, but also boosts the silkworm industry to increase local incomes. The concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" is vividly realized in these mountainous areas and within the villagers' silkworm houses.

Zhang Juyan, director of the Shuitang village committee in Huatan town, Ningnan county, Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province

It has been exactly 20 years since I was selected as a submersible pilot and began my career in the marine sector in 2006. Over the years, I have carried out over 150 manned deep-diving missions and witnessed the Jiaolong's breakthrough to a depth of 7,000 meters and its completion of nearly 450 dives. Throughout this journey, one aspiration has remained unchanged: ever since my academic years, I have been determined to become someone who is useful to society and can contribute to the development of our country.

Tang Jialing, senior engineer at the Ship and Equipment Management Center of the National Deep Sea Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources

Protecting arable land is a long-haul effort. We have sound policies from the central and provincial governments, and the public has given us their understanding and support. As grassroots officials, we serve as the link that unites both sides. I will continue to be rooted at the front line, working together with officials and villagers to safeguard our fertile farmland, ensuring it becomes a "land of prosperity" for the people and a "land of reassurance" for the nation.

Duan Mengyun, Party secretary of Dongting town, Guangde, Anhui province

Having grown up witnessing sandstorms, I always held the belief that any effort would be worthwhile if it could make my hometown a little greener. When I first returned home, I planted 500 saplings, none of which survived due to a lack of planting experience and technical knowledge. Through years of persistence, our public welfare afforestation area has now exceeded 6,500 mu (433 hectares), with more than 80,000 person-times participation in this effort.

Zhong Lin, head of the Minqin County Tree-Planting Public Welfare Development Center in Wuwei, Gansu province

LI MENGHAN