Economic growth often comes at the cost of our ecosystem. As we start our 10-part throughout China, we arrive at Kekexili in Qinghai, where a brigade of volunteers risk their lives to protect local wildlife against poachers.

Host: Janis Chan

In western China, Kekexili experienced a disaster in the 1990s. One local resident sacrificed his life fighting poachers of rare animal species. His death resulted in a butterfly effect that inspired others to take over the duty to protect this precious land in Qinghai.

Host: Janis Chan

China's Yangtze River is one of the richest rivers in the world. But species like white dolphin and Chinese paddlefish are facing extinction as fishermen deploy electricity, explosives and poison. Luckily, a fishing ban is now in effect. But what about the livelihood of some 200,000 in the fishing trade?

Host: Janis Chan

Dali has always been a popular tourist destination, but growing garbage and pollution are ruining both the natural beauty and businesses. Water pollution has led to blue algae bloom, a key sign showing how "sick" Erhai has become.

Host: Janis Chan

Wild elephants running away from their natural habitat in Yunnan not only have villagers worrying about their crops being eaten, but also ring the alarm bell that we may be making their home no longer livable. A team of "elephant papas" have been tasked to take care of these endangered animals.

Host: Janis Chan

Kubuqi Desert was once covered with lush grass. Excessive cultivation, grass burning and grazing has led to desertification. The 3.6 billion hectare desert is expanding at an alarming rate. Inner Mongolia has to resort to a unique way to cure the desert, turning the Sea Of Death into an oasis.

Host: Janis Chan

Snow leopards are known as "spirit of the mountain" and an endangered species. A group of volunteers are determined to solve the ecological conflict between wild animals and human in Tianshan in Xinjiang.

Host: Janis Chan

Rapid development in the 1980s and 90s allowed villagers to grow their wealth via industrialization. In Zhejiang’s Yucun village, local factories created heavy pollution, damaging the green mountain and clear water, as well as their villagers’ own health. Now villagers have decided to change their way and started a correction to go green.

Host: Janis Chan

China produced billion tons of garbage every year. In Binyang Guangxi, a solution was created to turn trash into a valuable material - cement. It has since become the world's largest urban integrated waste management solution, turning water and oil base waste such as food waste, into clean energy source.

Host: Janis Chan

Coral reefs provide a balance to the underwater ecosystem. But over-fishing and other illegal activities, have led to bleaching and death of coral reefs. Scientists have set up a coral rescue unit in Hainan in Southern China, and over the past 20 years, they have successfully planted 150,000 corals and re-established the reefs.

Host: Janis Chan