Core Insights - The transformation of the pearl industry in Zhouxi Town, Jiangxi Province, is driven by environmental regulations and the need for sustainable practices, leading to the closure of small workshops and the establishment of a standardized pearl industry park [1][2] - The pearl industry park has created significant employment opportunities, with over 3,000 jobs generated and annual income for local workers reaching between 150 million to 180 million yuan [2] - Technological innovation is supporting the upgrade of the pearl industry, with the establishment of a national-level technology center and the development of new aquaculture species [3] Group 1: Industry Transformation - Zhouxi Town has transitioned from a disorganized pearl processing industry to a more structured and environmentally friendly model, closing 278 small workshops and investing nearly 100 million yuan in the pearl industry park [1] - The annual revenue from pearl farming and processing in the county is approximately 1 billion yuan, with around 220 enterprises involved [1] Group 2: Employment and Economic Impact - The pearl industry park has attracted 131 companies and has provided stable employment for local fishermen and poverty alleviation participants, with some earning over 100,000 yuan annually [2] - The park's first phase included an investment of over 2 million yuan for pollution control measures, including a centralized wastewater treatment facility [2] Group 3: Technological and Cultural Development - The establishment of the "Pearl Technology Small Courtyard" as a national-level technology center highlights the focus on scientific research and innovation in the pearl industry [3] - The local government is promoting cultural heritage and tourism related to pearl farming, integrating it with water tourism development in Poyang Lake [2]

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of the pearl industry in Duchang, Jiangxi Province, from a polluted and disorganized sector to a high-tech and sustainable industry, showcasing significant improvements in environmental standards and product diversity [1][3][5] Industry Overview - The pearl industry in Duchang began in 1921 with the establishment of a button workshop, leading to the growth of over 20 local button factories by the 1970s and a significant portion of the population engaged in pearl processing by the 1990s [2][5] - By 2005, Duchang was recognized as "the hometown of freshwater pearls" in China, with a current pearl farming area of 15,000 acres, of which approximately 4,200 acres are in Zhouxi Town [2][5] Environmental Transformation - In 2018, Duchang initiated an environmental cleanup and industrial upgrade campaign, resulting in the closure of over 305 small workshops and the relocation of 117 enterprises to a standardized industrial park [3][4] - The new industrial park includes advanced environmental projects capable of processing 10,000 tons of waste and wastewater annually, achieving a dust collection rate of 99.5% [4][5] Economic Impact - The pearl industry in Duchang has diversified its product offerings, including buttons, mosaics, pearl nuclei, and crafts, with annual production values reaching approximately 1 billion yuan [2][5] - The pearl nucleus production is particularly significant, with an annual output of about 600 tons, and rising demand from regions like Zhejiang [5] Future Development - Plans for 2024 include the establishment of a cultural and educational base for the pearl industry, aiming to enhance collaboration with art institutions and improve product standards [5]