Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com C HINA’S first popular science book on silver-leaf mangroves, titled “Baguang Has Silver-Leaf Mangroves,” was released recently. Liu Yi, one of the book’s authors and honorary vice president of the Baguang Nature School, began efforts in 2009 to systematically protect and raise public awareness about silver-leaf mangroves in Baguang, located in Shenzhen’s Dapeng New Area. The book narrates the journey of silver-leaf mangrove fruits that drifted with the sea more than 500 years ago, ultimately taking root, germinating, and growing into the lush, dense cluster of rare silver-leaf mangroves found in Baguang today. It also highlights the efforts of the Baguang Nature School and its volunteers in protecting these ancient trees. Written in clear, accessible language, the book explains the importance of the Baguang silver-leaf mangroves and their impact on the future, making it suitable for children and non-scientists. Mangroves of all types are important to humans. These forests, one of the three major marine ecosystems alongside coral reefs and seagrass beds, are known as “coastal guardians.” They play a vital role in purifying seawater, buffering against wind and waves, maintaining biodiversity, and storing carbon dioxide, among other essential functions. The 2007 book “Mangrove Forests in China” lists 33 ancient mangroves from 13 different species across the country, including a silver-leaf mangrove in Baguang. At the time, this tree had a measured trunk circumference of 450 centimeters, making it the second-largest ancient mangrove in China. The ancient silver-leaf mangrove cluster in Yanzao Ancient Village, Baguang, is the oldest and most intact of its kind in the world, with the oldest tree estimated to be 524 years old. The cluster was named one of the 100 most beautiful ancient tree clusters in China and as one of the top 10 most beautiful ancient tree clusters in Guangdong. The cluster of 1,500 silver-leaf mangroves creates a sturdy coastal embankment, sheltering the village from wind and rain. Readers can find answers to common questions, such as “Why aren’t there two identical leaves in the world?” “How do the roots of the silver leaf tree grow above the soil?” and “Why do mangroves live in the sea?” The book also introduces the plants and animals that coexist with Baguang’s silver-leaf mangroves, featuring vivid, practical content with hand-painted and high-definition photos. It covers a variety of mangrove plants in the Baguang Heritiera Wetland Park, along with birds, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and other wildlife. Additionally, it offers a scientific exploration method for studying the silver-leaf mangrove, encouraging readers to reflect on the ecological environment. Zhou Wei, a consultant for the book and a longtime advocate for Baguang’s silver-leaf mangroves, emphasized the book’s focus on the vital link between children and the environment’s future. As a leader in environmental protection, Shenzhen inspired this collective effort. The book represents the collective wisdom of many local individuals and serves as a tribute to the city. One of its authors, Ou Wei, highlighted key aspects of the book — it provides a systematic introduction to the silver-leaf mangrove, serves as a practical resource for classes, and showcases Baguang’s history and culture. Wang Xiaoyong, the book’s major planner, hopes it will help readers appreciate Baguang’s ecological and cultural significance. Name of the book: “Baguang Has Silver-Leaf Mangroves” Writers: Liu Yi, Ou Wei, Ban Rui, Li Xuemei Producers: Dapeng New Area Key Area Construction and Development Center Dive For Love (Shenzhen Dapeng Coral Conservation Volunteer Federation) Supporting organizations: Shenzhen Municipal Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau Ecological Civilization Construction Fund of Dapeng Peninsula | 