‘China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom’ Recap – ‘Central: A Balancing Act’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the second episode of ‘China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom’.
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Normally, when we think of the phrase ‘conservation efforts’, in regard to the environment, incredibly complex tasks come to mind. The kind that revolves around a group of people undertaking a herculean effort to save animals and their habitat and it is understandable as to why our minds drift to such imagery. After all, the natural world is indeed in danger thanks to climate change and our demands upon it and time and time again, our mistakes or the need to save wildlife on a moment’s notice has led to those kinds of epic rescue missions and now we simply believe that the only way to bring balance back to the world, is by throwing every resource we have at the problem.
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But while that wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing to see humanity do, an all-out assault on the problem isn’t always entirely necessary. Because sometimes, all we need to do in order to let nature heal and thrive once again… is to leave it to its own devices. For it has proven time and time again, that it is resilient and can bounce back with a little bit of time and for proof that this is the case, look no further than the next episode of China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom. For ‘Central: A Balancing Act’ takes the time to show us how leaving certain paradises to function on their own, can in fact do wonders for wildlife. A feat that this nation accomplished by making three of its national parks free of human beings, an act that required some serious sacrifice and change.

For instance, cities and towns that once thrived in this part of the world, were ordered abandoned. To the point where new towns are popping up on the outskirts of these new protectorates. And other areas in these newly created parks, that were once readily accessible to the people of China, were made restricted so that nature could be left on its own to thrive as it saw fit and well, that decision has had an incredible impact for certain. For those empty cities are slowly being reclaimed by the world, and the roads that once moved people are being converted back into forested areas for the animals to use as they please and thanks to these collective efforts to leave things alone… the beautiful creatures that live here are starting to enjoy a peaceful and fruitful life. 

To the point where their population numbers are beginning to move in the right direction for a change after years of being in peril and now… we can admire them from afar and revel in the wonder of how they live, something that this documentary made a point to showcase as well. Which allowed for us to witness first-hand how panda bears raise their young, since we were privy to bamboo eating lessons. Plus, we were able to see how the snub-nosed monkeys in this part of the world go about their day as well, and how they utterly rely upon an alpha male to lead a pack of them to food and shelter and safety and well, the point of showing us such beautiful moments was clearly designed to hammer home the fact… that this world is teeming with beauty and dynamic life, the kind that deserves every chance to grow and thrive.

Which is why it is indeed important for us to make parts of the world as safe as can be for wildlife. So, it can go about its day as intended and be free of our interference and influence. And while that isn’t always possible and likely won’t be the norm everywhere, since we are indeed the masters of this planet and continue to grow, little sanctuaries such as these… alongside an edict to peacefully coexist with the animals of the world, will go a long way to healing our planet and giving it the balance that it craves. If anything, it is just wonderful to know that there are efforts being made to create oases of peace and solitude for the creatures of the world, so that nature’s beauty and majesty can be revered for generations to come. Until next time.

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