Part 10/15:

Environmental Concerns and Marine Conservation

The environmental impact of territorial disputes is profound. Reclamation activities by claimant countries—especially China—have drastically transformed coral reefs into artificial islands with runways, facilities, and military installations. Satellite images reveal extensive destruction of ancient coral ecosystems, some over millions of years old, threatening biodiversity and marine habitats.

Underwater surveys of the Spratly Islands show widespread coral bleaching, sedimentation, and dead coral colonies, largely due to development activities. While some nations propose establishing marine protected areas, real progress is hindered by sovereignty disputes, commercial interests, and militarization.