In a prestigious ceremony held in Beijing, nine distinguished individuals have been accorded the title of ‘Most Beautiful Natural Guardians’ for their exceptional dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development initiatives. This annual recognition program, jointly established in 2022 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources, celebrates those who exemplify the nation’s commitment to ecological civilization and the principle that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’
Among the honorees is Dr. Wang Guiling, a pioneering researcher at the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Since commencing his geothermal research in 1987, Dr. Wang has made groundbreaking contributions through systematic mapping of China’s geothermal resources, advancing theoretical understanding of geothermal systems, and developing innovative exploration technologies. His work aligns strategically with China’s clean energy development objectives, driven by what he describes as ‘deep passion for China’s mountains and rivers.’
Geological expert Ding Zhengjiang from the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources received recognition after decades of field exploration. Having dedicated over one-third of each year to fieldwork, Ding has led more than 100 geological projects resulting in significant discoveries including a super-large offshore gold deposit in Laizhou and various rare mineral deposits in the Jiaodong region. His team has revolutionized traditional methods by establishing an intelligent geological database for Shandong’s gold deposits, integrating spectroscopic scanning technologies for rapid metallogenic identification.
Marine conservation specialist Shi Xiaojun, a senior engineer at the South China Sea Ecological Center, was honored for his innovative work in coral reef protection. Shi established China’s first comprehensive coral reef ecological database and national monitoring system, combining remote sensing, drone surveillance, and field survey data. His team’s development of an environmental DNA detection kit using gene-editing technology represents a major advancement—capable of identifying crown-of-thorns starfish gene fragments within three hours, dramatically improving monitoring efficiency while reducing costs.
All recipients emphasized the growing integration of technological innovation with environmental conservation work. They expressed commitment to continuing their efforts while promoting international academic exchanges and knowledge sharing. The ceremony highlighted how these guardians bridge scientific advancement with hands-on conservation, demonstrating that effective environmental protection requires both scientific intellect and physical endurance in confronting natural challenges.