2017 Firefly Protection Work Summary

In 2017, the widespread capture and commercial exploitation of fireflies garnered significant attention from domestic and international media, authorities, and the public. As ecological awareness among the public grew, the call for firefly conservation became increasingly vocal.

 

Key Developments and Achievements in 2017

Time flew by, and 2017 passed quickly. Over the year, through the concerted efforts of many individuals and organizations, we achieved several major milestones in firefly protection:

• Alibaba’s Ban on Live Firefly Sales: On May 24th, in response to growing public concern and advocacy, Alibaba, a platform that had previously seen large volumes of live firefly retail, began to ban the sale of live fireflies. This was a significant step forward in reducing the commercial trade of these insects.

• Crackdown on Firefly Capture: Thanks to the persistent efforts of national volunteers from the Firefly Eco-line, media outlets, and local governments, numerous regions implemented measures to curb the capture of fireflies at the source. This collective action was crucial in addressing the root causes of the exploitation.

• Stricter Regulations by SF Express: SF Express, the primary carrier for transporting fireflies, strengthened its management policies and explicitly prohibited the illegal transport of live animals. This move significantly disrupted the supply chain used by those trading in live fireflies.

• Public Resistance to Firefly Exploitation: Throughout the year, an increasing number of people voiced their opposition to the mass capture of fireflies and the unnatural display of live fireflies in exhibitions. This growing public resistance played a vital role in shifting societal attitudes towards more sustainable and ethical practices.

 

Decline in Live Firefly Exhibitions

The once-popular live firefly exhibitions, which had been booming in previous years, showed a declining trend in 2017. The following chart illustrates the overall situation of live firefly exhibitions during the year:

 

In the chart, we can observe that commercial firefly exhibitions were primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal cities of China.

 

According to incomplete statistics from Lei Ping, a volunteer from the Firefly Eco-line, the following data outlines the scope and distribution of live firefly exhibitions throughout 2017:

• Geographical Spread: In 2017, live firefly exhibitions took place across 22 provinces and 66 prefecture-level cities.
• Commercial Involvement: A total of 82 businesses were involved in organizing these live firefly exhibitions.

 

Distribution of Exhibition Venues:

• Tourist Attractions: 53% of the exhibitions were held at various tourist sites, both large and small.
• Shopping Malls: 4% of the exhibitions took place in shopping malls.
• Art Galleries: 1% were hosted by art galleries.
• Corporations: 5% were organized by corporate entities.
• Real Estate: 18% were associated with real estate promotions or events.
• Museums: 1% of the exhibitions were held in museums.
• Music Festivals: 1% were featured at music festivals.
• Tourism and Family Activities: 2% were part of tourism or family-oriented activities.
• Hotels: 5% of the exhibitions took place in hotels.
• Amusement Parks: 6% were held in amusement parks.

Among the 82 businesses involved, the following actions were taken regarding the live firefly exhibitions:

• Cancellations Before the Event: 17 businesses canceled the firefly exhibition segment after advertising the event but before the scheduled exhibition date.
• Mid-Event Shutdowns: 7 businesses were forced to halt their firefly exhibitions midway through the event.
• Persistent Exhibitions: Despite these efforts, 58 businesses proceeded with their firefly exhibitions, disregarding the potential harm to the fireflies and the ethical concerns.

 

Summary of 2017 Live Firefly Exhibitions:

In total, 65 commercial firefly exhibitions were actually held throughout 2017.

Efforts by Firefly Eco-line and Volunteers:

Despite the challenging situation where firefly populations were not adequately protected by law, the Firefly Eco-line and its volunteers worked tirelessly to influence and change event plans:

• Pre-event Cancellations: Their efforts led to 17 businesses canceling their firefly exhibitions before the events began.
• Event Halts: Additionally, 7 businesses were compelled to stop their exhibitions during the events.

 

• Green: Events that canceled or abandoned the firefly exhibition segment before it took place.
• Yellow: Events where the commercial firefly exhibition was halted midway through.
• Orange: Events that “successfully” proceeded with the commercial firefly exhibition.

This data highlights the broad array of venues and sectors involved in the live firefly exhibitions, reflecting the widespread commercial interest in these events across different regions and industries.

 

Compared to the incomplete statistics of 121 firefly exhibitions held in 2016 across most regions (covering 74 prefecture-level cities), 2017 can be considered a turning point.

 

For every firefly exhibition we discovered, we made every effort to intervene, although many were only identified after the event had already ended. Each instance where an event was stopped was the result of the diligent efforts of the Firefly Eco-line and volunteers from various regions.

 

One of the most exciting events for firefly enthusiasts across the country in 2017 was on May 24th, when Alibaba released the “Notice on the Prohibition of Selling Wild Live Fireflies.” This action was particularly significant for the protection of firefly populations, especially since it was implemented before the peak season for firefly trading. To understand why this is so important, you can refer to the “2016 Firefly Taobao Data Investigation Report,“ which clearly shows that these concerns are not unfounded.

 

 

This translation sets the stage for further details about how SF Express has been involved in the transportation of fireflies and the measures taken or issues encountered in this context.

 

Fireflies about to be released after being transported

Firefly capture begins in ecologically pristine areas.

 

In late May 2017, Lei Ping, a volunteer from the Firefly Eco-line, and a journalist from Pear Video went to Ganzhou, Jiangxi, to investigate the situation of firefly capture, sale, and transportation on-site (video link: Pear Video).

At the end of June 2017, Lei Ping, along with the investigative program “Focus Report,” aired the episode “Guarding That Faint Glow.” This broadcast strengthened the local government’s resolve to protect fireflies and led to concrete actions:

• “Guarding That Faint Glow”: Villagers in Man’e Village, Xishuangbanna, burned their firefly nets.
• Mengla, Yunnan: Authorities halted the capture of wild fireflies. Villagers noted that the efforts this time were substantial.

 

A captured firefly

In Jiangxi, which is a primary area for firefly capture, there have been many victories and turning points thanks to the efforts of the public, media, volunteers, and local governments.

• Good News: Several firefly breeding farms in Ningdu, Jiangxi, had their business licenses revoked.
• Authoritative Announcement: The Forestry Bureau of Ningdu, Jiangxi, issued a notification banning the capture and sale of wild fireflies.

 

A memorable firefly exhibition

 

Of all the live firefly exhibitions, one that stands out to me was a firefly exhibition in Sichuan. The Agricultural Bureau suggested that the exhibition be stopped and that the fireflies be returned to their natural habitat to protect the ecosystem. The event organizers agreed but went back on their word on the day of the event, proceeding with the exhibition despite public criticism. The turnout was low, and it wasn’t the bustling scene the organizers had imagined. Whether the event was profitable remains unknown, but sadly, the fireflies were sacrificed for a fleeting notion of romance.

(The decline of fireflies)

Fireflies, being insects, thrive in numbers. However, with urbanization, pesticide use, and light pollution, these delicate, glowing insects are becoming increasingly rare. Moreover, areas that were once suitable for their survival are diminishing due to excessive capture.

 

Do we really want fireflies to disappear forever?

Do we truly want to see fireflies disappear forever? The emergence of firefly exhibitions is rooted in our growing distance from these luminous insects, yet we still cherish them. This leads unscrupulous traders to capture fireflies and bring them to cities for people to admire. After a brief struggle, the fireflies, unable to adapt to the new environment, die. If we use the wrong methods, we end up killing life in the name of love.

 

The fading advocacy for firefly protection

 

The advocacy for protecting fireflies is gradually being drowned out by the overwhelming tide of public discourse, and conservation efforts are being eclipsed by passing trends. The lack of legal protection remains the primary excuse for cities hosting firefly exhibitions. During the National Day holidays, firefly exhibitions appeared in Zhengzhou, Henan; Hefei, Anhui; and Yingkou, Liaoning. Despite volunteers reporting these events to the forestry authorities and forest police, the exhibitions were not stopped. The resurgence of firefly exhibitions shows a distorted profit chain, hidden under the guise of legality, that continues to erode our ecological environment. Over-exploiting a species to the point of extinction leaves an irreplaceable void in a region, with unpredictable ecological crises in its wake.

(Efforts for legislation)

For two consecutive years, the Firefly Eco-line, alongside environmental organizations and the public, has submitted open letters to the National Forestry Administration calling for legislation to protect fireflies. However, we have not received a response. In an article urging for firefly protection laws, the Legal Daily stated: “When solving any problem, morality and law should not be confused. Just as morality belongs to morality and law belongs to law. Therefore, public moral condemnation of the illegal release of fireflies is often weak and ineffective.”

 

Broader implications for insect conservation

The plight of fireflies is merely a microcosm of the broader neglect of insect conservation. For a long time, the protection of insects has been overlooked. Some insect species are known to be declining, but recent discoveries show that all insects are in massive decline, warning of an impending “ecological apocalypse” that will have profound impacts on human society.

 

The broader crisis facing insects

 

Currently, not only fireflies but also cicadas, butterflies, and other insects are facing dramatic declines due to excessive pesticide use, environmental destruction, and over-capture by humans. It raises the question: What is the future for insects in China? Are we destined to be left with only cockroaches?

 

The need for legal protection

Law is rigid, thorough, and broad in its applicability. Worryingly, there are still no regulations or legal frameworks specifically protecting fireflies. Fireflies are not only ecological indicator species but also a part of our cultural and spiritual heritage.

 

Protecting our shared home

The habitats suitable for fireflies are also the most conducive for human survival. Therefore, we urge relevant government departments to promptly legislate for the protection of fireflies. Protecting fireflies is, in essence, protecting our shared home.