“Where there is green, life revives; with every leaf, light returns to the world.”
As the rhododendron whispers: “Each leaf holds the secret of nature.” It is precisely because so many precious plants are teetering on the edge of extinction that true guardians are compelled to step forward with unwavering resolve. May every action they take not only serve as sampling and recording but also plant seeds of hope for these rare species and spread a belief in protection. May every ICSO volunteer not only fulfill their duties through data collection but also ignite a deep love for nature in their hearts—and defend our green treasures through real, hands-on action.
ICSO Outstanding Volunteer
Personal Profile: Ran Min
University College London – Department of Biomedical Sciences
Affiliation: ICSO·UK (United Kingdom Branch)
During her summer school in the UK, Ran Min enthusiastically joined the second phase of the “Affection for Spring” project after participating in an endangered plant conservation seminar organized by ICSO UK. In this project, she was responsible for editing and producing written content for related articles published in local British media. Once she took on the task, she began spending almost every day in the library and searching through various online databases for relevant materials. She carefully selected academic papers, research reports, and historical records related to plant specimens.
She faced many challenges along the way—for instance, some documents required access through professional academic networks or research institutions, and older texts sometimes had to be obtained through international mail. To ensure data accuracy, she often stayed up late on her own, repeatedly verifying the content to make sure every source was correctly integrated into her writing.
To better promote awareness of endangered plant species, Ran Min’s articles not only described the basic traits of the plants but also drew from a broad range of research to analyze and compare findings. She introduced multiple viewpoints and delved into the social, economic, and medicinal significance of these rare plants. Her work called on the public to recognize the value of our natural environment and pay attention to these unique, irreplaceable species.
After accumulating a solid knowledge base of plant samples, Ran Min went on to take part in plant specimen collection and research jointly conducted by ICSO·UK, the UK government, and related academic institutions. She participated in the collection and analysis of over 800 plant samples. From planning collection sites to executing the fieldwork, she showed unwavering dedication. Even in stormy weather, she could be seen dressed in waterproof gear, gloves, and a hat—trekking through slippery forest paths, muddy wetlands, and rugged mountains. She meticulously recorded the growth conditions and environments of each plant, carefully inspected every sample for accuracy, and handled storage and labeling with the utmost caution to ensure reliable analysis. The process demanded immense patience and attention to detail. Upon completing this challenging task, she gained a profound understanding of the complexity and significance of environmental conservation.
She reflected:
“Being personally involved in such a large-scale plant collection and research project made me realize that every small effort is essential to ecological protection. The hardships endured in the rain, the tedious sample-handling process—all of it strengthened my commitment to plant conservation. This experience helped me truly grasp the importance of integrating scientific research with real-world action in environmental protection. Every piece of data and every record is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of our commitment to preserving ecological balance for future generations. I hope this passion and perseverance will inspire more people to care about and take part in environmental protection, so we can safeguard our beautiful planet together.”
Throughout the “Affection for Spring” project, Ran Min accumulated over 400 hours of service, earning her the ICSO Youth Three-Star Volunteer Honor. For her outstanding contributions to plant conservation and scientific research, she was also awarded the Outstanding Environmental Contribution Award, in recognition of her impact on advancing both biodiversity protection and environmental awareness.
In the end, she documented all these experiences and honors in her application materials—not only enriching her profile for overseas study, but also paving the way for her successful admission to the Biomedical Sciences program at University College London.