Efforts succeed

The persistent efforts of Yang and his colleagues have paid off, as many people who used to be indifferent toward environmental protection have become active participants in the society's work.

Liu Shunli is one of them. In late September, 2017, he was given one month's criminal detention for catching fish by using electricity. Now a member of the society, the 43-year-old often patrols the river at night after finishing his work as a decorator.

"When I was in detention, it gave me time to reflect. I was moved by those members of the society who volunteer to patrol the river," he said, adding that he joined the organization soon after being released.

Liu said he used to fish for fun, as he considered that the fish did not belong to anyone. The environmental organization's advocacy not only changed his view, but also those of many others. "Now, we know it's wrong," Liu said.

The society's influence extends far beyond Wuma. To date, at least another 20 grassroots environmental organizations have been established elsewhere in Renhuai county, according to the local environmental watchdog.

In late June last year, a city-level environmental protection society was established in Zunyi with 300,000 yuan in support from the local government. The new organization's membership includes the Wuma society.

Currently operating mainly in Renhai, the city-level society aims to cover all areas of Zunyi in an effort to tap potential in contributing to environmental conservation, according to Wu Zhengwen, deputy director of the organization's office.

In Wuma, marked environmental improvements can be seen.

Liu said: "The river used to be dirty and its foul smell could be detected far away. Sometimes it was even dotted with dead pigs. Residents upstream threw whatever waste they had into the water."

Now, there is almost no waste in the river, let alone dead pigs, he said, adding that he has seen the population of crucian carp in the waterway rise significantly－a rare occurrence in the past due to rampant illegal fishing.

Guo Xiaoyong, deputy head of the Wuma society, said one of the aims in launching it was to promote coordinated development of the local agriculture and tourism industries in the township. This goal has been achieved to a certain extent.

Thanks to environmental improvements, some local agricultural produce, such as vegetables and fruit, is now exported as green produce. The township also boasts four large rural resorts, while the river attracts at least 7,000 visitors a day.

"The river, which runs through the township, has become something of a local attraction," Guo added.

Zhao Yandi in Guiyang contributed to this story.