Environmentalism in Developing China

Mangroves also entail more subtle benefits. In addition to gathering mud, they also gather nearly everything else that floats in the ocean. This includes heavy metals that are trapped in the mud, and in effect removed from the food chain. For fishermen and their families who eat fish every day, this reduction in their intake of heavy metals, noticeably mercury, could have dramatic consequences. Finally, mangrove provide a habitat for various other species, including birds and insects. Certain worms and aquatic insects are unique to the mangroves and have significant commercial and medical value; said medical value was readily explained by the local villagers. Even the mangroves themselves can be utilized in a variety of ways that could certainly be enjoyed following the establishment of a stable population.

While the majesty of nature and its emotional importance to the human race is indisputably present, a scientific view of natural resources and their benefit to humans trumps all in the case of the Qi Ao mangrove preserve. Such realizations that certain ecosystems are of utmost importance to human economies could be what it takes to make China’s rapid development as graceful as possible. In fact, the application of this approach to conservation reaches far beyond China. Developed countries could also use this approach, possibly to convince sectors of society (notably businesses) to engage in realistic thinking about environmental sustainability. In the case of the mangroves, conservation is far from a luxury only to be enjoyed and advocated for by the well-off. It is a benefit, indeed a near necessity, for everyone.