[Jerry/Guesthouse Owner]

Jerry:

I first came to Erhai Lake as a tourist in 2008. The fresh air and environment is what attracted me to stay. 

VO:

Nestled at the foot of the Cang Mountain, Erhai Lake in Dali of Yunnan, dazzles visitors with its crystal blue waters, earning it the nickname 'the sapphire of Cang Moun-tain.' For Jerry, a native of Zhongshan in Guangdong, the pristine environment was so captivating that after his first visit in 2008, he decided to stay and establish a guesthouse.

Jerry:

Between 2012 and 2015, Erhai Lake's economy boomed. Along with rapid population growth came unwanted pollution. Water quality began to decline. Then from 2016 to 2017, the government invested heavily to tackle the rising pollution. 

VO:

The guesthouses on Erhai Lake possess a unique charm that blends ancient and modern elements. Walking along the shore of Erhai Lake, the natural beauty leaves one speechless. However, behind this beauty today lies a tumultuous story.  The over-expansion of the tourism industry, coupled with pollution from nearby agricultural waste, began threatening the ecosystem of Erhai Lake.  

In order to protect this ‘inland sea’, the government of Dali implemented the Erhai Lake Ecological Environment Protection Plan. This included ecological relocation and land withdrawal to construct an ecological corridor around the lake and buffer zones along the lakefront. Jerry's guesthouse was downsized by 50% in accordance with the regulations at that time.

Jerry:

Previously, our guest rooms extended right up to the shore of Erhai Lake. Originally, there were 10 guest rooms. After ‘cutting’ half of them, there remains just 5 guest rooms.  

Host: How did you feel when you learned about these policies?

Jerry:

At that time, I felt worried. We were closed for a whole year during the ecological restoration. Fortunately, the government provided compensation for our affected revenue. After the completion of this ecological corridor, we felt much better. The lakefront is even more beautiful than before. Guests now have access to more facilities and a greater area for recreational activities. To our west is the ecological corridor, there are scenic pathways where guests can ride bicycles. People can take their children to the wetland park to catch small fish and shrimp.  

Host: How has it felt to see the water quality of Erhai Lake improving?

Jerry: I feel very relieved. I love this place, and of course, I want it to become even more beautiful. The clean air and natural environment are what makes this place attractive to visitors, which further improves our business.

VO:

Known as the ‘Mother Lake’ to the people of Dali, this ‘in-land sea’ sustains many farmers, guesthouses, and vendors along its shores. However, in order to maintain the beauty, protection and management rely on the collective efforts of all.

[Zhong Shunhe/Chairman of Shunfeng Erhai Environmental Techology Corp. Ltd.]

Zhong Shunhe:

Seeing the lake getting cleaner fills us with great pride and a sense of accomplishment. Erhai Lake is closely intertwined with our lives in many ways. As Dali natives, protecting the lake is the same as protecting our families and our ways of life.

VO:

One of the champions at protecting Erhai Lake is Zhong Shunhe, a native of Dali. His environmental protection company collects organic waste from the Erhai Lake basin and processes it into natural gas, solid fertilizer, and liquid fertilizer.  

Zhong Shunhe admits that his work is unpleasant, involving ‘dirty’ tasks every day. Despite being urged by family and friends to change careers, and facing disdain from some acquaintances, he refuses to give up.  

He continues to achieve technological breakthroughs in the process of turning waste into treasure. By collecting the natural waste from the lake and turning it into biogas, he has created an innovative loop which both manages the water quality and, in turn, reduces pollution via green fuel proliferation.

Zhong Shunhe:

The waste is gathered and then undergoes decomposition. This process naturally produces biogas, which can be burnt to generate steam. Biogas can be utilized in power plants to generate electricity. The electricity generated supply to the general public.

VO:

For many years, Zhong Shunhe has developed a habit. For Zhong, strolling by Erhai Lake is a ritual, akin to visiting a cherished family member. The lake’s clarity is the best it’s been in nearly two decades, a testament to the efforts of those who view its preservation as a personal mission. Nowadays, the water transparency of Erhai Lake has reached its highest level in nearly 20 years. Ottelia acuminata only bloom in very high quality waters which Erhai Lake is.

Zhong Shunhe:

Erhai Lake is not only the Erhai Lake of our Dali people. It is also the Erhai Lake of our Yunnan. The Erhai Lake of the world. I hope that the protection and beautification of Erhai Lake will continue. We want to extend the call to our fellow citizens to actively participate in the protection of Erhai Lake.

Host:

This is my first visit to Erhai Lake. I spent an afternoon at Erhai Lake, feeling the breeze, cycling around and making new friends. Chatting with them has made me realize that Erhai Lake is continuously changing for the better. It’s because of the silent dedication and persistence of some people that those who live here or those who come to visit can peacefully enjoy this beautiful ‘sea’ .