In the verdant valleys of Jiulong Village (久隆村), nestled within the lush landscapes of Fengshan County (凤山县), Hechi City (河池市), a remarkable transformation has taken place. For the elder residents, the sight of the once-barren hills surrounding Bala Mountain (巴腊山) was a stark reminder of the environmental devastation that had occurred in the 20th century. Three catastrophic events had left the area devoid of life, and with it, the local "inhabitants"—the wild macaques—had vanished without a trace.
Fast forward to the present, and a heartwarming story unfolds. The macaques, once thought to be gone forever, have made a triumphant return, thanks to the villagers' dedication to ecological restoration. The once desolate hills are now alive with the chatter and playful antics of these primates, and the villagers have found a way to turn this ecological revival into a thriving eco-tourism industry.
A Forest's Revival and the Macaques' Homecoming
The Bala Mountain, once a silent witness to environmental neglect, is now a haven for the macaques. The villagers, under the guidance of the local party member and environmental advocate, Luo Qiyue (罗起跃), embarked on a journey of reforestation and ecological conservation in 1996. Their efforts have paid off, with over 25,000 acres of land now cloaked in a blanket of green, boasting a forest coverage rate of over 95%.
The return of the macaques is a testament to the success of these conservation efforts. From a mere 60 individuals in 2001, the population has swelled to over 600, a direct result of the villagers' care and the improved habitat. The Bala Mountain has become a symbol of hope and a beacon for eco-tourism, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Eco-Tourism: A New Lease on Life for the Village
As the macaques' numbers grew, so did the interest of tourists. The villagers seized this opportunity to develop eco-tourism, creating a destination that not only preserves the environment but also integrates it with the local culture of the macaques. The Bala Mountain has evolved into a five-star rural tourism area in Guangxi, offering a unique blend of wellness, leisure, and sightseeing experiences.
The transformation of the village's economy has been nothing short of miraculous. From feeding the macaques with their own resources to now having the macaques indirectly support the community through tourism, the villagers have come full circle. The annual revenue from the Bala Mountain eco-tourism site has surpassed one million yuan, providing a sustainable income stream for the villagers.
Infrastructure and Community Development
The local government's investment of over 11 million yuan since 2017 has significantly improved the tourism infrastructure of the Bala Mountain. New roads, walking paths, viewing platforms, restrooms, parking areas, and a viewing corridor have all been constructed, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring the area's long-term sustainability.
The economic benefits of the eco-tourism boom have not been confined to the Bala Mountain alone. The entire Jiulong Village has seen a positive impact, with the village collective earning a stable income of over 100,000 yuan annually. Special entrepreneurial and employment stalls have been set up within the tourism area, allowing local households to sell their homemade products and specialty snacks. During peak tourist seasons, some families have reported daily earnings of around 1,000 yuan.
The story of Jiulong Village is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of community-driven conservation. It serves as an inspiration for other communities around the world, demonstrating how ecological restoration can lead to economic prosperity and a brighter future for all.
