Hainan leads the way in protecting, restoring coral reefs

Researchers lay ecological foundation for 'blue homeland'

On the evening of May 30, as the tide receded in Sanya Bay in Sanya, Hainan province, diverse forms of coral reefs were seen flourishing in the clear waters of an experimental base. This base was set up for coral restoration at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

It is a corner of the "underwater rainforest" that Chen Hong, director of the institute, and his team have dedicated themselves to cultivating for many years.

Chen, one of the pioneers in coral gardening in Hainan, has devoted himself to the underwater "coral planting" initiative for over three decades. His dream was to create a vibrant and colorful "underwater rainforest" surrounding the waters of Hainan Island. Despite numerous challenges and dangers faced during his countless dives into the ocean to plant corals, he never gave up.