RIVER RECEIVING PRISTINE PROTECTION

Famous waterway reaps major green rewards with improved environment, biodiversity offering global sustainable development model

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

Villager Pan Jinsheng remembers how he would trudge up the mountain slopes surrounding his home more than a decade ago, cutting down thickets of wild bamboo to sell.

"We had to rely on nature for our survival, but we also knew depleting the forest in this way wasn't sustainable," said Pan, 54.