Representative Image of recycled plastic scarves symbolizing community efforts in mangrove conservation and environmental education (AI Generated Image)
With support from the United Nations Development Programme, the association helped build a 300-metre mangrove science corridor in 2023, featuring 46 display panels along the wetland. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, China’s mangrove area expanded to 465,000 mu, or about 31,000 hectares, making China one of the few countries in the world to record a net increase in mangrove coverage during the period. The strangers turned out to be researchers from the Guangzhou Marine Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Research Association, who had travelled to Tantou to survey the mangroves. The misunderstanding quickly turned into cooperation. The corridor gave the village a way to explain the ecosystem to visitors while connecting local conservation work with scientific research. Instead of viewing outside researchers with suspicion, residents began working with them to better understand and protect the mangroves. The partnership also brought more organised environmental education into the village. Tantou’s experience comes as China’s mangrove coverage has grown nationally. Mangroves, alongside seagrass and coral reefs, are recognised globally as one of the three main marine coastal ecosystems. They support offshore fisheries, help purify the surrounding environment and contribute to carbon sequestration.
The researchers had previously identified the forest using drones and remote sensing technology and found that although the mangroves were growing well, the area lacked proper scientific management.