Inspiring nature.
I feel incredibly lucky to have spent my childhood immersed in nature. But as I grew older, studies and life began to get in the way, as they often do, and I drifted away from it. It wasn’t until I first visited my husband’s hometown, Hongkou, that I truly realised what I was missing. Its forest-cloaked mountains and deep canyons felt so fresh and exciting – a sudden reminder of what I’d lost for so long.
When I heard the Dujiangyan station of the Giant Panda National Park was seeking local people to patrol the forest that connects the park to my community, I signed up in a heartbeat. Much like meeting a dear old friend, my relationship with nature was rekindled, and through training and experience, I learned more about not only appreciating wildlife but also protecting it. Now, four years later, I’m proud to be the captain of a dedicated all-women team. Trained by seasoned rangers, we keep a close watch for illegal activities – such as trespassing and overharvesting of medicinal plants and bamboo – and forest fires so they can be put out swiftly. We also record signs of wildlife, such as their tracks, as well as plant trees to help bring the forest back to life.
Challenging work.
Spending time in nature is wonderful, but it does come with challenges. Our patrols involve negotiating high mountains, dense forests and intricate valleys while contending with the whims of the weather. One day, torrential rain turned an already difficult mountain road into a perilous path. Together, we worked to descend its slippery slopes to safety, each muddy footstep carefully coordinated amid the downpour. Since then, I’ve never forgotten to check the weather forecast before planning our patrol route!
The current decline in nature will lead to serious ecological problems with far-reaching consequences for us all. But I find comfort in knowing we’re making a meaningful difference.