As the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone celebrates its 45th anniversary, the Baguang Nature School marks five years of protecting the silver-leaf mangroves that thrive in the Baguang Heritiera Wetland Park in Dapeng New District. Over the past four and a half decades, Shenzhen has been regarded as a "City of Volunteers," with more than 4 million registered volunteers contributing to urban development. Among these, the Baguang volunteer team has grown quickly, becoming an unique force of mangrove protection.
Zhou Wei (L), honorary vice principal of Baguang Nature School, shares stories about the silver-leaf tree with volunteers during a conservation training session. Photos by Liu Xudong unless otherwise stated
The silver-leaf mangrove clusters in Baguang are among the most intact and oldest in the world. Dozens of trees, some over 500 years old, stretch across the area. They are living witnesses of the past migration of the Hakka people to the area and stand as guardians of Yanzao Village.
An aerial view shows the silver-leaf mangrove clusters in Baguang.
Long before the establishment of the nature school, community-led initiatives spearheaded by volunteers like Zhou Wei and Liu Yi had been ongoing for nearly two decades to protect the silver-leaf mangroves for nearly two decades. Their efforts brought attention to this unique ecosystem, paving the way for broader conservation actions.
Ou Wei (L), vice principal of Baguang Nature School, exchanges ideas with visiting foreign environmental experts during a tour of the mangrove park in Baguang.
Inspired by their dedication, individuals such as Li Zhengjun, Ma Haipeng, Wang Xiaoyong, Zhou Haochao and Du Cao either formed volunteer groups or joined volunteer teams that eventually expanded their reach across Shenzhen's coastline. These teams supported the protection of silver-leaf mangroves and other mangrove species, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Baguang Nature School in 2020.
Ma Haipeng (L), honorary vice principal of Baguang Nature School, chats with a child during a tour in Baguang.
Since its inception, the nature school has mobilized nearly 150 public volunteers and has transformed into a hub for nature education and collaborative conservation. The school's initiatives have evolved from public awareness campaigns to research-driven ecological restoration projects, addressing everything from individual tree rescues to large-scale habitat rehabilitation.
Volunteers participate in a training session hosted by Baguang Nature School to learn about local ecology and conservation practices.
In 2023, the Baguang silver-leaf cluster was honored as one of China's "100 Most Beautiful Ancient Tree Groups," — the only mangrove ancient tree cluster recognized by the list.Looking ahead, the Baguang Nature School aims to build on this momentum by attracting international volunteers and experts to further its conservation mission.
Liu Yi (L), honorary vice principal of Baguang Nature School, leads students in an outdoor activity at Baguang Nature School. Courtesy of Baguang Nature School.
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