Sanya Issues New Rule, Users Pay for Damaged Coral Reefs

(Source: Sanya Tourism)

From now on, cash deposits must be paid in advance by diving or snorkeling operators in Sanya’s sea areas, according to a new regulation issued by the Sanya government that aims to promote rational development and sustainable utilization of the sea and protect Sanya’s coral reefs.

The cash deposits will be calculated based on the expenses of coral reef restoration efforts.

The expenses include ecological restoration costs of coral reefs, loss expenses of other marine biological resources, and the survey costs for identification of ecological damage to the coral reefs.

(Source: Sanya Tourism)

The cash deposits are not “one-time” deposits. According to the new regulation, sea area users must undergo ecological damage assessments every three years to re-appraise the amount of compensation for ecological losses of coral reefs.