Lingshan Island has carried out farmland-to-forest conversion since the 1980s. This long-standing commitment dovetails with China's dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The island has also taken part in pilot programs exploring how to balance economic development with environmental protection through carbon accounting.

Data from the Lingshan Island Provincial Nature Reserve Management Committee shows that more than 233 hectares of farmland have been converted back into forest, and over 2,000 free-roaming goats have been relocated to allow vegetation to recover.

In December 2002, with approval from the Shandong provincial government, the entire island and surrounding area were classified as a nature reserve, spanning 32.832 square kilometers. The classification aims to protect marine ecosystems, biodiversity, forests, bird species and geological formations.

According to the reserve's management committee, a large-scale restoration program, backed by an investment of 515 million yuan, has introduced measures ranging from shoreline protection and slope stabilization to oyster reef restoration and pollution control. More than 200,000 trees have been planted, 16 hectares restored and 15 hectares of oyster reefs rebuilt, alongside eco-friendly coastal upgrades and walking trails.