The Philippine military vessel that has been illegally grounded at the lagoon slope of Ren'ai Jiao (the Ren'ai Reef) since 1999 has caused a flood of ecological woes in the area, said a Chinese expert on marine ecology on Monday.
China released a Survey Report on the Damage to Coral Reef Ecosystem by Illegally Grounded Military Vessel at Ren'ai Jiao on the day.
The report is based on a scientific survey conducted on the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao and its adjacent sea areas in April this year by the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Development Research Institute of China's Ministry of Natural Resources together with other institutes.
The survey was conducted through satellite remote sensing and field investigation, according to the report.
The survey found that the grounding process has inflicted fatal damage on the coral reef ecosystem, and its prolonged grounding state has greatly inhibited the growth and recovery of corals in the surrounding area.
"Compared with 2011, the reef platform declined approximately 38.2 percent and coverage area of reef-forming corals within a 400-meter radius of the warship dropped about 87.3 percent in 2024. Massive fragments of coral reef and dead corals abound around the warship and the population structure of large benthic invertebrates at Ren'ai Jiao was imbalanced," said Li Tuanjie, director of South China Sea Ecological Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources, at the report's releasing ceremony in Beijing.
Since the vessel was illegally grounded on the lagoon slope of Ren'ai Jiao on May 9, 1999, over the past 25 years, the personnel onboard the military vessel have received supplies regularly, according to the report.
"During its illegal stay, the warship has caused severe impacts, cutting and friction to the reef, resulting in the destruction of coral reefs and large benthic organisms in the adjacent area of the ship. The corrosion and damage of the warship and the discharge of waste oil, wastewater, burned garbage and discarded waste by the Philippine crew and fishing vessels have led to an abnormal increase in the content of heavy metals, oils and active phosphates in the waters of the Ren'ai Jiao, which have caused long-term harm to the healthy growth of corals," said Li.
Illegally grounded Philippine warship causes ecological disaster at Ren'ai Jiao: expert
Illegally grounded Philippine warship causes ecological disaster at Ren'ai Jiao: expert
Illegally grounded Philippine warship causes ecological disaster at Ren'ai Jiao: expert
Illegally grounded Philippine warship causes ecological disaster at Ren'ai Jiao: expert
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
