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Interviewed and written by Wylie Chu
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Ever since studying forest management at the Agricultural College of Guangxi University in 1953, Wu
Mingchuan has been deeply connected with the work of forest survey. In more than half a century, he has
travelled all over the great mountains of Guangxi. For the first two decades, he conducted surveys on forest
resources and rare plants and discovered various rare species and individual trees, including Parashorea chinensis in Bama, "the king of Burretiodendron hsienmu" in Nonggang, Longzhou, and Cyathea spinulosa in Jingxi. After this his work became far more challenging when he surveyed animals, and launched a series of specialised studies, especially on primate and pheasant species, and on migration patterns of birds. Wu has successfully filled gaps in the study of the fauna and flora of Guangxi. At the same time, he encountered considerable hardship when conducting field surveys, which deeply shaped his views and experience of nature conservation.
Wu's hometown is in Guangdong's Chao'an (now named
Chaozhou). Like his ancestors, he resided in Malaysia in
his teens. He then studied in Hong Kong. In 1950 he
determined to devote himself to his homeland and thus
returned to China. After taking a higher-level examination,
he enrolled in the forest management programme at
Guangxi University. "My father was a veteran seaman and
always hoped I would follow in his footsteps. When he
learned I was studying forestry, he considered it an affront
to his life's work," the 77-year-old recalled. A few years ago,
he contributed an article titled "My life devoted to the
forests" in his secondary school alumni newsletter, sharing
his experience and responding to his father's comment.
A connection with forests
Mr. Wu (left) joined our field
survey for the White-eared Night Heron (Gorsachius magnificus) in Laohuling Reservoir, Nanning City, Guangxi in Apr 2004 |
In fact, forestry was not Wu's first choice; his aspiration was
to explore fossil fuel resources for his motherland. Learning
geology in Beijing was his true love. "At that time, we
obeyed designation by the authority. Serving the needs of
the country always came first." Therefore, despite a lack of
family support or interest in the subject, Wu pursued his
studies in the then undeveloped Guangxi.
Without passion, Wu's learning was not plain sailing.
By the third year, he realized he should better equip
himself, and started exploring possible development in his
profession. "At that time, the media reported a lot on the
Eastern European countries. I learned that in countries
like East Germany, forestry professionals were particularly
well-paid. It was the same in Japan. Not only this, but the
life expectancy of field researchers was also the highest!
Additionally I would have the opportunity to encounter
different natural environments and picturesque scenery.
So it was great!" Wu said happily. With new thinking and
further understanding, his studies gradually improved and
laid a sound foundation for his future work.
In 1957, after graduation, Wu was designated to work
in the Forestry Department of Guangxi. The speech by
the then Forestry Minister Mr Liang Xi struck a chord in
Wu's heart.
"No mountain is not lush; all waters are crystal-clear.
Flowers blossom in four seasons; songs of birds echo in
thousands of valleys. They beautify the mountains and
rivers; and decorate the homeland like a painting. We strive
to realize the vision: mountains are surrounded by forests,
cities are surrounded by parks; villages are surrounded by
lush woodlands, homes are surrounded by gardens."
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