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Barren no more

By Zhu Xingxin | China Daily | Updated: 2012-10-15 14:26

Barren no more

Lin Beishui (left), along with his son and wife, sets out from Eyuyu Island, which is lush with greenery as the result of the family's efforts of more than 20 years. Photos by Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

Barren no more

Mangrove, which grows in seashore mud with its aerial root tips above ground, is vital in protecting coastal land.

 
Barren no more

A regular lunch for the family, made of fresh ingredients from the land and sea nearby.

A group of villagers has managed to cultivate more than 300,000 trees in an effort to rejuvenate Eyuyu Island, a barren plot of land, off Xiamen in Fujian province. When they found the island in the 1980s, there were only five trees. At that time, they were a bigger crowd but the majority decided to turn their backs on the "hopeless" land. Only a few persevered to bring life to the deserted plot and their efforts have paid off. These villagers now have grand plans - they tell Zhu Xingxin that they plan to turn the island into a holiday resort. Watch this space for more updates.

Barren no more

Wu Lina, wife of Lin Beishui, prepares lunch. She loves the radio and takes it wherever she goes to stay in touch with the outside world.

Barren no more

Lin Dasheng (left), son of Lin Beishui, checks mangrove with experts from China Mangrove Conservation Network.

Barren no more

The rugged edge of Eyuyu Island, with rocky outcrops and a fringe of greenery.