New measures tighten Huangyan Island's conservation

China's newly released management measures for the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve are a significant step aimed at protecting the island's rich biodiversity, officials and experts said.

The 16-article management measures for the reserve, which is a newly established protected area in the South China Sea covering 3,523.67 hectares of coral reef ecosystems and rare marine habitats, were jointly issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Coast Guard and the People's Government of Hainan Province.

According to the measures, a coordination mechanism has been established to address major issues, strengthen collaboration and share information.

Huangyan Island, which is part of the Zhongsha Islands, features unique coral reef ecosystems and distinctive geological formations. It is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, giant clams, triton shells and tiger cowries, making it a marine biodiversity hotspot of significant ecological value.

Chen Danhong, director-general of the department of international cooperation at the Ministry of Natural Resources, noted that the measures were issued in response to urgent demands to protect the ecosystem as it faces heightened risks, including the abnormal rise in sea temperatures caused by climate change and extreme weather, human activities and potential outbreaks of harmful organisms.

"The measures provide an institutional basis for protection management and law enforcement. Their implementation will significantly improve the construction and management of the reserve, and they are of great significance for maintaining the health and stability of the South China Sea marine ecosystem," Chen said.

Under the measures, the Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for boundary surveys, planning review, resource protection and utilization management, asset accounting and registration, as well as the protection of territorial sea baseline points. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration supervises the reserve and reviews adjustments, planning and construction. The South China Sea Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the designated management institution, handles daily protection, resource monitoring and ecological restoration.

The Hainan provincial government cooperates with the China Coast Guard on administrative law enforcement, while the local government assists the management institution with disaster prevention, safety management and emergency response measures.

The reserve is divided into a core protection zone of 1,242.55 hectares and a general control zone of 2,281.12 hectares. The measures prohibit entry except for activities authorized by laws and regulations or organized by the management institution for protection and management purposes. Fishing, mining, excavating corals, coral reefs and giant clams, and other activities that damage rare marine species and natural ecosystems are prohibited without approval.

The coast guard will establish a routine patrol system in collaboration with the management institution, deploying patrol personnel and equipment to deter and report violations. Violations will be prosecuted under applicable laws including the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Sea Areas Administration Law, the ‌Island Protection Law, the Wildlife Protection Law, the Coast Guard Law and the regulations on nature reserves.

Jin Yongming, a distinguished professor at the Ocean University of China's School of International Affairs and Public Administration in Shandong province, said the multiagency management model of the Huangyan Island reserve is shaped by its marine environment and geopolitical sensitivity, noting that it involves foreign affairs, politics and security — issues no single department can handle alone.

"The release of these management rules represents a significant step forward in safeguarding China's lawful maritime rights and interests at Huangyan Island," Jin said.