China is home to more than 11,000 islands, most of which are relatively small in size and feature fragile ecosystems. To promote sustainable island development, China's Ministry of Natural Resources launched an initiative aimed at creating model islands that embody ecological beauty, quality living and thriving industries. 

In 2023, 33 islands were selected as the first demonstration sites, with Zhaoshu Island in Sansha, China's southernmost city, being the southernmost among them. In recent years, the island has advanced ecological restoration efforts while developing industries suited to local conditions, transforming this remote island into a livable and prosperous home in the South China Sea.

At the island's man-made ecological lotus pond, lotus flowers bloom in clusters while seabirds gather to rest nearby. The freshwater in the pond has become a reliable water source for them. Yet just seven years ago, the scarcity of freshwater meant that few birds visited the area.

"We led local fishermen in digging this pond themselves. By collecting rainwater, we were able to create a freshwater reservoir. On the one hand, the water supports the island's landscaping and vegetation. On the other hand, it provides a water source for seabirds. The number of bird species on the island has increased from 42 two years ago to 44 today," said Tian Min, director of the ecological development office of the Qilianyu Islands in Sansha City.

Zhaoshu Island is a vital landmass within the Qilianyu Islands and one of its seven major islets and reefs.

In recent years, the Qilianyu Islands have continued to advance comprehensive ecological management. Vegetation coverage has increased from 40% to 90%, while rare marine species are spotted more frequently. Sea turtles have also returned year after year to lay their eggs.

"The changes on the island over the past few years have been tremendous. The roads are clean and tidy, and trees have grown into groves. The island becomes more beautiful every year," said He Shicun, a resident of Zhaoshu Community.

Local authorities have also organized fishermen to develop a collective economy. New businesses, including convenience stores, fishermen's workshops and direct seafood sales outlets, have emerged one after another. Xie Shengqing, a veteran fisherman in his fifties from Zhaoshu Community, said his income has steadily increased since joining the cooperative. His family just bought a new refrigerator and a television.

"Now the community handles both purchasing and sales in a unified manner. Fresh catches can be sold right on the island, so we no longer need to travel elsewhere to find customers. It saves both time and effort," said Xie Shengqing, another resident of Zhaoshu Community.

As the collective economy has grown steadily, Zhaoshu Community has distributed dividends to all residents on five separate occasions over the past three years. Every island resident has directly benefited from both ecological improvements and industrial development. 

"Every time we receive a dividend payment, we feel both happy and encouraged. We will continue to protect our island and work together to build an even better life," said Feng Qixuan, a resident of Zhaoshu Community.

From a barren sand cay to a green island shaded by trees and filled with flocks of birds, and from a livelihood dependent solely on fishing to a model combining ecological conservation with shared prosperity, Zhaoshu Island has forged a new path of development, creating a beautiful and harmonious island community.

(Story contributed by Sansha Satellite TV and edited by CGTN.)