On September 10, the State Council of China approved the establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve. According to the approval, the creation of this reserve is an important measure to safeguard the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural ecosystem of Huangyan Dao.

What is the original purpose of setting up this national nature reserve? What ecological challenges does the marine environment of Huangyan Dao face today? CMG Voice of the South China Sea (VSCS) interviewed Xu Heyun, Deputy Director of China Institute for Marine Affairs at the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Chen Xiangmiao, Director of the Research Institute for South China Sea History and Culture at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, for in-depth analysis.

(Functional Zoning Map of Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve)

VSCS: The State Council has approved the establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve​. This follows last year’s release of the Investigation and Assessment Report on Marine Ecology and Environment Status of Huangyan Dao, and marks another important step by China to protect the natural resources and ecological environment of these waters. In your view, what is the original purpose of establishing the reserve?

Xu Heyun: Huangyan Dao is part of China’s Zhongsha Qundao. The island and its surrounding waters contain a typical coral reef ecosystem, abundant fishery resources, and rare marine species. Establishing the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve is primarily aimed at strengthening the strict protection and management of the coral reef ecosystem, curbing the negative impact and destruction caused by human activities, and ensuring the sustainability, stability, and diversity of Huangyan Dao’s natural ecosystem.

Chen Xiangmiao: Huangyan Dao has unique geographic characteristics: two reef arms enclosing a lagoon that connects to the open sea through several channels. Such geographic features make its ecosystem relatively fragile. At the same time, some Philippine fishing vessels have intruded into the lagoon for illegal operations, damaging the fragile ecosystem. Therefore, it is highly necessary for China to establish the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve. This will help safeguard the ecological environment and biodiversity of its waters and further advance China’s efforts in protecting the ecological environment of the South China Sea islands.

VSCS: What is the current ecological condition of Huangyan Dao? What major threats and challenges does it face?

Xu Heyun: Our surveys show that the waters around Huangyan Dao are rich in reef-building corals, with a complex and diverse ecosystem structure and high species abundance. All reef-building corals here are under China’s Class II protection for wild animals. Forty-one species are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List, while fourteen species are categorized as Vulnerable. Giant clams and other rare, endangered species are also distributed here. The area serves as an important fishing ground and natural shelter, but sewage and waste from fishing activities threaten the coral reef ecosystem. The region’s vulnerability is further compounded by global climate change and intensified human activity.

The main challenges include: Rising seawater temperatures, leading to coral bleaching and mortality; Increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones under climate change, threatening coral reef growth and development; Potential outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish and other harmful species;Wastewater and discarded fishing gear from fishing activities, which harm coral growth and reproduction.

Chen Xiangmiao: In addition to the impacts of global climate change, I believe the greatest threat to Huangyan Dao’s ecosystem is the Philippines’ politicization of its fishing activities in these waters, using so-called “fisheries operations” as a cover for political assertions, thereby escalating disputes.

For example, under the direction of its government, the Philippines launched the so-called “New Fisherman Heroes” program this year, sending more fishing boats into the Huangyan Dao waters. This has increased pressure on the fishery resources and coral reef ecosystem.

（Reef-building corals in the lagoon of Huangyan Dao）

VSCS: How will the establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve help improve ecological protection in the area? How have other countries approached this?

Xu Heyun: The reserve will facilitate regular monitoring, scientific research, and assessment of these waters, strengthen regulation of vessels and fishing activities, and ensure timely responses to ecological threats and damage.

Globally, many maritime nations—including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and New Zealand—have established marine reserves and adopted management plans. Regional neighbors such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia have also set up various forms of marine protected areas.

For instance, the U.S. has created the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. Japan has designated the Ogasawara Islands as a national park, while the Philippines has set up the Apo Island Marine Reserve.

（Aerial footage of Huangyan Dao waters)

VSCS: We have noticed that the international community is paying close attention to China’s establishment of this reserve, though some voices are deliberately attempting to hype it up. How do you view these moves?

Xu Heyun: The South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, and all coastal states should act responsibly in conserving, protecting, and sustainably utilizing it. While there are disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, this should not prevent countries from pursuing cooperative, win-win arrangements on marine environmental protection and resource sustainability under the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. 
Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant maritime areas. The establishment of the Huangyan Dao National-Level Nature Reserve is China’s exercise of rights and fulfillment of obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as in accordance with the Marine Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Nature Reserves. This measure will safeguard the ecological system of Huangyan Dao waters and is consistent with international practice.