Locals' efforts to protect and restore the ecological environment of Qilian Yu, a subgroup of China's Xisha Islands, in the South China Sea, have paid off as it is now home to both fishermen and a wide range of wildlife species.

When the administrative committee of Qilian Yu was established in July 2014, the main focus was to improve the island's ecological environment to make it livable. Fishermen who established on the island were encouraged to clear the land, plant trees and build settlements. Local authorities also introduced seawater desalting equipment and built "sea-view" houses for the residents.

In addition, many kinds of birds are now also calling the islands home.

With the successful achievements in transforming the islands into livable space, some of the fishermen were selected to be in charge of the islands. Those who were selected to be heads of the islands are responsible to plant trees, save turtles, protect seabirds and collect trash.

"At that time I came to the island to make a living. I came here to make money and then went back home to support my family with the money. But now there are homes, electricity and water, just like at home. I now have another home on Zhaoshu Island, Sansha City," said Liang Feng, the head of Zhaoshu Island, one of the seven small islands of Qilian Yu.

(Top image via VCG. )

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