Fishing boats sail in the waters around the island. CHINA DAILY

Technology is also playing a growing role in ecological management. The "Smart Lingshan Island" platform integrates big data, drones, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to enable round-the-clock monitoring of the island's ecosystem.

In addition, a clean heating program has replaced coal with electricity in 455 households, reducing pollution and improving living conditions.

Island resident Teng Yanfang said the old coal stoves were a safety hazard. "With electric heating, our homes are warmer, cleaner and more comfortable," Teng said.

Outdated and unregistered vehicles have also been phased out, replaced in part by new-energy vehicles, helping build a greener transport system.

The conservation efforts have yielded effective results. Today, more than 80 percent of the island is covered in forest, while the surrounding waters remain clean and free of industrial pollution, the management committee said.