[Republic of Korea] Kim Joonyeop, Beijing University of Technology

“Heaven and earth coexist with me, and all things are the one with me.”, which is what the Chinese often call “the unity of nature and human.” This was written by Zhuangzi in “Theory of Equality of Things” at the Warring States Period in ancient China. I was very interested in this concept when I first came across it. It can be interpreted from many aspects. I understand that “the unity of human and nature” means the harmonious coexistence of human and nature.

Living in Jeju Island, South Korea, I have been full of love for nature since I was a child. Nature is mysterious and beautiful, full of tolerance and challenges. From the vast green mountains and the turbulent sea to the lush vegetation and vibrant birds and beasts, we can always gain endless knowledge and power from nature.

Nature is our mother, and we must take care of her. Protecting the natural environment is something we must do without delay. Chinese President Xi Jinping once said that “clear waters and green mountains are as good as mountains of gold and silver.” Just like the literal meaning, “clear waters and green mountains” are our greatest wealth. Industrialization and over-exploitation have led to the extinction of many species. Random disposal of garbage that pollutes the environment has become the norm. The global natural environment is deteriorating. China has attached great importance to this issue in recent years and has constantly called on everyone not to destroy the homes of wild animals so that the beauty of China can be successfully passed on to future generations.

Our teacher not only introduced knowledge related to China’s environmental protection during class, but also arranged tours for us. What we went to visit was the Huaifang Reclaimed Water Plant, the largest underground reclaimed water plant in Asia. When I first entered the water plant, I was amazed. It was completely different from what I have imagined, surrounded by machines and lined with chimneys. From the outside, it looks more like a park. The water is clear, the grass is green, the fish are swimming, and the birds are flying, surrounded by green plants and overgrown with water and grass. Have we come to the wrong place? The teacher seemed to know about our doubts and quickly solved our confusion. The teacher said that the surface design of the water plant introduced the concept of wetland, using the recycled water produced by the reclaimed water plant to build artificial wetlands, combined with rainwater retention, creating a wetland park full of vitality at the location of the reclaimed water plant. What a brilliant idea! There is only clear gurgling water in front of me. Where is the sewage? This made me want to explore more — where does the sewage go?

The teacher said don’t worry, you will find it soon. Next, we took a car to the underground of the water plant. I put on a mask, preparing to beware of the pungent smell of sewage. The car stopped and we entered the bright hall. There were no machines, no noise, and no pungent smell! It turns out that the water plant adopts multi-level gas containment measures such as single equipment sealing and total space sealing. The generated odor is transported to the deodorization facility through sealed pipelines for treatment and then centrally discharged through the emission tower. The sewage treatment is done under the thick steel plate on the floor of the hall. No wonder I can’t smell the odor or hear the noise. Although it serves more than 900 kilometers of drainage systems in central Beijing and process 600,000 cubic meters of sewage every day, it can still remain quiet and clean. This advanced technology is so green and environmentally friendly! It is truly a well-deserved honor to receive the Global Project Innovation Gold Award! This visit allowed us to better understand and recognize China’s environmental protection measures and determination.

Environmental protection is not only the government’s contribution. Chinese people are also contributing their own efforts.

This is a true story that happened in Hoh Xil. Because the high prices of Tibetan antelope cashmere, poachers from all over the world have entered Hoh Xil to hunt antelopes for their own benefit. In order to protect Tibetan antelopes, under the leadership of Sonam Dajie, local people voluntarily formed a mountain patrol protection team and entered Hoh Xil to conduct anti-poaching operations. They receive no salary, just to protect the plateau elves. In just a few years, they fought countless battles with poachers. Unfortunately, captain Sonam Dajie was shot several times in a fight with a poaching gang and died.

I read the story of Hoh Xil in comics a few years ago, but I didn’t read it to the end because of my sad mood. Now through the teacher’s instruction, I feel more deeply that those who protect justice, protect nature, and are not afraid of hardship, fatigue, and sacrifice are the real heroes.

From recycled water plants to Sonam Dajie, there are many environmental protection stories in China that move us. I call on everyone to learn from China, protect the environment together, and restore nature’s “clear waters and green mountains.” Because there is only one Earth, and this is home for all of us.