Today, Liang is considered as the leading authority on the subject in China and was named "environmental envoy" by the government. Liang has received numerous awards, including the 2000 Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award. He is also a member of the prestigious Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

  Work to the bone

Liang is the consummate workaholic. He puts in an average 65 hours per week, most of it spent in his office, which features souvenirs from his projects across China and a banner autographed by US President Bill Clinton. As founder and president of Friends of Nature, Liang's work sometimes requires him to travel to host forums and conduct research on environmental protection and sustainable development in China.

"Liang is a charismatic role model," says Zhang Jilian, manager of the FON headquarters in Beijing, proudly pointing out that all staff business cards are printed on recycled paper. "He personifies and epitomizes the spirit of Friends of Nature. It wouldn't be what it is today without his efforts."

Liang's work leaves him little time for his wife and daughter. Yet, for Liang, as a Chinese father, it is the least he can do. "We have to ask ourselves, what kind of legacy will we hand on to our children?" Liang reflects.

Most of the financial support for the organization comes from its founding members, particularly Liang and his wife. Along with an advisory board of a dozen other scholars, they direct the operations on a volunteer basis. The non-profit, public welfare organization is funded entirely by membership fees and public support. Liang's success is all the more startling given that his 10-year-old group functions, with only four paid staff members and an annual budget of about US$80,000. Liang only accepts a token honorarium, surviving on his teaching salary of 500 yuan (US$60) from the academy.

  Befriending Blair and Clinton

Yet few people in China take the nature club lightly. Since its inception in l993, a string of high-profile activities has earned FON a reputation as China's most influential environmental organization.

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