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When he was told he had no more than five years to live, Zhu Zaibao accepted the news with dignity but with a burning sense of disbelief.

That was in 1966, when he was 37, and had just had his stomach and part of his colon removed because of cancer.

Now, 37 years later, Zhu is not only alive but as active as ever before. He has not only devoted himself to protecting his own life but those of others with terminal diseases.

"I treasure my life and all kinds of life as well," said Zhu, initiator and executive manager of the Yueyang Environmental Protection Volunteers Association, one of the most famous NGOs in Central China's Hunan Province. Zhu is also the chairman of the "Friend of Wetlands," a branch of the association.

"I believe all creatures are born equal on earth," Zhu said.

"Whether they are animals as large as a tiger, or a plant as tiny as grass." Zhu added a better environment was crucial for all.

During the past 25 years, Zhu has devoted himself to environmental protection, particularly to the protection of wild birds whose habitats lie close to the East Dongting Lake, one of China's 21 Ramsar sites or wetlands.

He has organized more than 150 activities involving the protection of waterfowls, trees and the lake itself, involving 20 million participants.

Travelling more than 40,500 kilometres, Zhu has cycled back and forth between villages and urban areas in Yueyang, to spread his belief that all creatures on Earth should be protected.

He has broken three bicycles and worn out more than 30 tyres. In addition, he has spent more than 120,000 yuan (US$14,500) on various promotions - all out of his own expenses.

He is known as "Uncle Zhu," to students in more than 4,000 primary and middle schools as well as colleges in Yueyang and neighboring areas for decades.

"I'm sure very few people of Yueyang do not know Uncle Zhu," said Li Keshu, a third grade English major at Yueyang Normal College.

"I have known him since I was in the fifth grade of my primary school. I appreciate what he has done."

According to Li, young people in the city are increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection, particularly that of Dongting Lake.

"Uncle Zhu really did a lot for the protection of the East Dongting Lake," said Jiang Yong, deputy director of the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve.

"What he did was to arouse awareness of environmental protection among the public.

"I respect him greatly and really appreciate what he has done."

Dedicated social worker

Zhu, who is 74 now, said: "Honestly speaking, I used to know nothing about environmental protection. But I forced myself to learn."

Books and magazines on the environment are piled up in his small room - about 10 square metres in size.

He subscribes to more than 10 newspapers and magazines every year. He has kept newspaper clippings and bought hundreds of books on the environment.

By reading widely he has been able to acquire new information quickly and this has inspired his efforts in environmental protection.

But Zhu has consistently emphasized the telling of history to children.

Before returning to his hometown of Yueyang in 1971, Zhu served in an artillery troop in Northeast China's Shenyang Military Area for 15 years.

He was forced into 12 years of convalescence after being diagnosed as suffering from stomach cancer.

"Life is short," said Zhu. "I didn't want to waste my life by doing nothing."

In March 1978, Zhu went to the neighboring Daidaihong Primary School and offered his services to Mao Chuanjuan, the principal of the school, as an after-class instructor. He was accepted and became a friend of the children.

Zhu kept recalling his experiences in the army to different children for five years. Then, in 1983, he first thought of organizing field studies, hoping to encourage more knowledge of society and the environment in particular among the children.

"A good environment - clean water and fresh air - is essential for all," he said.

"Everyone should do something to care about where we live.

"I believe in education as children at early years can develop beliefs and habits forever."

Zhu started and continued his environmental plan in schools.

In April 1985, he led around 40 students of 231 Class of Yueyang No 1 Middle School on a two-month investigation of the Dongting Lake. Divided into seven groups, the students conducted research into the history, geography, animal species, plants, climate and ecology of the lake area.

They published more than 70 research papers - two of which were written by 11-year-old Zhu Lin and earned many plaudits. One was entitled "Let's Protect Dongting Lake," while another was "To Protect the Baby Fish in Order to Let Our Children Have More to Eat."

The project won the national Creation Cup that year and the success led Zhu Zaibao to devote himself to environmental protection. Of the many schemes he has launched, "Protecting Cranes on the Dongting Lake" has been maintained for 19 years. On the eve of winter, Zhu leads a group of students to the suburbs of Yueyang City, to persuade the local villagers not to hunt birds.

By spreading brochures and making door-to-door visits, they try to arouse villagers' awareness on the need to protect birds. They also give all kinds of material to tourists - even potential poachers - to remind them of the importance of loving birds.

Between 1989 and 1992, Zhu frequented Guozhen Township in the suburbs of Yueyang City to introduce his "four protection" scheme to protect trees; birds; snakes and frogs. He also drew up the Five No's: to hunting; killing; buying; selling; and eating wild species.

Every day he would cycle 12 kilometers to the township, encouraging children to persuade their parents, friends and neighbors to follow the rules.

"I always say to myself that I would be satisfied if I could make one child develop a strong awareness of environmental protection," he said.

Spending no fewer than 300 days in school every year, Zhu has realized his dream of doing something.

'Crazy old man'

But Zhu has bewildered many people with his actions and has often been dubbed "a crazy old man."

Many people, including his friends, were unable to understand why he had devoted all his efforts and money to something that should not be done by him, a retired military officer in poor health.

"I can understand why others do not understand," Zhu said. "I know I can live a better and peaceful life if I am not involved in so much social work.

"I value what I've got - my wife, my two daughters and now a cute little grandson. I should spend more time with them."

He added: "Sometimes I feel sorry for my family, particularly my wife." He was talking as his wife, Dai Xubi, took care of their two-year old grandson.

"But I just cannot stand doing nothing," Zhu said.

Retired accountant Dai, 66, said: "I've got used to it. If he wants to do something, nobody can hold him back."

Dai said all her monthly pension of 390 yuan (US$47) covered Zhu's telephone bills.

Zhu is not a rich person. Prior to 1994, his monthly income totaled no more than 300 yuan (US$36). Although his pension increased to 1,500 yuan (US$181) a month, he uses almost 60 per cent of his pension every year on various projects, including printing material.

"He does not have many personal needs. He still has a 36-year-old shirt," said his wife. She added that he wears his old military uniform all year round.

Dai said: "Neither do I expect much. As long as he is happy, I'm all right.".

However, she remains worried about his health. "Whenever he prepares to start a project, he forgets he is a patient," Dai said.

It usually takes Zhu at least half a year to prepare for a large-scale project. Zhu devises a plan and talks with different schools about it and potential co-operation. He also does all the paperwork and organizational preparation.

He is currently preparing for another promotion for the forthcoming World Water Day, which falls on March 22. He plans to call on 100,000 students to deliver information in central Yueyang, seeking to arouse people's awareness of water conservation.

"I know I'm not in good health so I choose to use every minute to do something and do it better," Zhu said.

(China Daily February 14, 2003)