West Philippine Sea coral kills: Making China pay

Summary

A report reveals significant ecological damage in the South China Sea due to China's artificial island construction and giant clam harvesting, affecting nearly 1,800 hectares of coral reefs. The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed the destruction of coral ecosystems, raising concerns about the ongoing environmental degradation. Former Supreme Court Justice Francis Harda suggests that the Philippines could file an environmental case against China, potentially seeking financial reparations to fund protection efforts in the West Philippine Sea. The Solicitor General's office is currently gathering evidence of the damage inflicted by China.

Takeaways

• 🌊 China's artificial island building in the South China Sea has damaged 1,800 hectares of coral reefs.
• 🐚 Over 6,000 hectares of coral reefs were reportedly harmed due to China's giant clam harvesting in the West Philippine Sea.
• 💔 Almost 4,000 hectares of coral reefs in areas occupied or controlled by China have been damaged.
• ⚠️ The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed destruction of coral reefs in the Scotthol and Rul Reef.
• 🛑 There is growing concern about the intentional alteration of the marine environment by China.
• ⚖️ Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Harda suggested filing a new case against China for ecological degradation.
• 💰 Filing an environmental case could enable the Philippines to claim millions or billions of pesos for protection efforts in the West Philippine Sea.
• 📊 Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra is gathering data to establish the facts regarding the damage caused by China.
• 🌐 The issue highlights the ongoing conflict between ecological conservation and territorial disputes in the region.
• 📚 For more details, readers are encouraged to check the full report on Inquire.com.

Q & A

What data is mentioned regarding China's artificial island building in the South China Sea?

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China's artificial island building has damaged approximately 1,800 hectares of coral reefs.

How much coral reef damage is attributed to China's giant clam harvesting in the West Philippine Sea?

The damage from giant clam harvesting in the West Philippine Sea is reported to be over 6,000 hectares.

What specific areas have experienced coral reef destruction due to Chinese activities?

Coral reefs in features occupied or controlled by China, including Es Scot theol and Rul Reef, have suffered significant destruction.

Who confirmed the coral reef destruction last year?

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the destruction of coral reefs in Es Scot theol and Rul Reef.

What concerns did former Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Harda express?

Francis Harda expressed concern over the deliberate man-made alteration of the natural landscape of the marine environment.

What legal action does Harda suggest the Philippines could take against China?

Harda suggested that a new case could be filed against China to highlight its ongoing ecological degradation in the West Philippine Sea.

What potential financial benefits could arise from filing an environmental case against China?

Filing an environmental case could enable the Philippines to claim millions or billions of pesos to fund protection efforts for the West Philippine Sea.

What is the role of the solicitor general regarding the damage caused by China?

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra is working on establishing facts and gathering data regarding the damage inflicted by China.

What was the purpose of the event at Siman University mentioned in the transcript?

The event at Siman University provided a platform for discussing the ecological issues caused by China's activities and the possibility of legal action.

Where can one find more detailed information on this topic?

For more information, one can read the full report on Focus and inquire.com.