Tree-planting drive boosts island ecology in South China Sea

Dozens of volunteers gathered Tuesday on a beach on the tropical island of Beidao in the South China Sea to plant trees, kicking off a campaign to restore the region's fragile ecosystem. 

The initiative, launched by Sansha City in China's southernmost island province of Hainan, aims to boost ecological restoration across its islands and reefs. Similar tree-planting activities unfolded on Yongxing, Jinqing and Yinyu islands, attracting more than 400 participants.

By day's end, a total of 1,630 trees had been planted, covering about 4,220 square meters. Species included coconut palms, velvetleaf soldierbush, beach cabbage and grand devil's-claws – native coastal plants suited to island conditions. They were selected to help stabilize sandy soil and improve the fragile ecosystem.

The effort reflects Sansha City's broader development approach focused on beach conservation, greening, marine protection and carbon sequestration. The city has advanced vegetation restoration and native seedling cultivation, with nurseries spanning 1,500 square meters across Zhaoshu, Ganquan, Yongxing and other islands.

Over the past three years, nearly 90,000 square meters of new green space have been added, contributing to the steady improvement of the environment across Sansha's islands and reefs.